Position: Conservation Restoration Coordinator
Status: Full Time; FLSA Hourly Non-Exempt
Department: Conservation
Reports to: Conservation Manager, Restore Our Shores
POSITION OVERVIEW
Located along the Space Coast in Melbourne, Florida, East Coast Zoological Foundation (ECZF) is best known for its flagship campus, Brevard Zoo, an AZA-accredited facility with a diverse collection of over 900 animals representing nearly 200 species. ECZF is also known for its large portfolio of conservation projects, including endangered species breeding, imperiled species rehabilitation, wide-scale habitat restoration and monitoring of threatened species.
Conservation Restoration Coordinators are responsible for coordinating ECZF’s Restore Our Shores (ROS) Indian River Lagoon habitat restoration projects (oyster, clam, seagrass, native plant, etc.) including project site evaluation, volunteer recruitment and training, project installation, resource maintenance, monitoring, reporting, community outreach and other duties as assigned. Specific roles are dependent on yearly restoration project goals.
QUALIFICATIONS
REQUIRED:
- Bachelor’s degree in related field (biology/marine science/etc.).
- A minimum of two years of fieldwork experience required.
- Experience with project management and reporting.
- Valid driver’s license and safe driving record.
PREFERRED/DESIRED:
- Experience working with volunteers and partners.
- Experience operating a flat-bed truck, boat, trailers, or other equipment.
PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Coordinate the preparation of restoration project materials.
- Communicate with restoration project volunteers and property owners, including responding timely to emails and phone calls and sending out regular email communications.
- Coordinate community volunteers to maintain restoration projects through the planning and execution of community workshops and training events and maintaining volunteer schedules.
- Create content for training workshops and maintain volunteer Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).
- Coordinate site evaluations and monitoring events for restoration projects: This involves designing monitoring protocols, creating driving routes, visiting lagoon habitat sites to collect water quality and biotic data, and analyzing the results.
- Oversee the installation of Indian River Lagoon habitat resources, including but not limited to live oysters, clams, seagrass, and native plants.
- Lead outreach opportunities within BrevardZoo, in the community, and at schools, to effectively communicate both restoration project and ECZF’s conservation messages while promoting conservation and community involvement: This may include both formal and informal presentations as well as tabling at community events and festivals.
- Manually participate in the planting and monitoring of oyster reefs, clam beds, seagrass restoration, and living shoreline projects throughout the IRL
- Assist Conservation Manager in the preparation of restoration project permits, including FWC Special Activities Licenses (SAL)
- Write and submit reports based on project timelines.
- Attend meetings and conferences to represent project efforts on behalf of ECZF and build rapport with partners.
- Work as part of the larger ECZF team, working cooperatively with other ECZF staff.
- Work from land/water/boat on a regular basis.
- Operate a flat-bed truck, boat, and boat trailer as part of regular job duties.
- Other duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Knowledge of the Indian River Lagoon and Florida’s estuarine flora and fauna.
- Ability to work outside in Florida for extended periods of time with the associated hazards-severe heat and humidity, rain, mosquitos, stingrays, etc.
- Ability to work confidently with volunteers and community members.
- Ability to work professionally and efficiently with partners.
- Strong communication skills.
- A positive, flexible, and proactive attitude.
- Ability to take initiative, multi-task, work independently.
- Ability to work long hours on a boat in normal wind and wave conditions.
- Ability to pass a swim test and snorkel in the lagoon.
- Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
- Valid driver’s license and safe driving record.
- Willingness to obtain any/all certifications/licenses necessary.
- Ability to lift 50 lbs.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
(M) Medium Work
Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 25 pounds of force frequently and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects as needed to move objects.
POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS/HAZARDS:
This position will spend about 60% of their time outside, and about 40% of their time inside, though this is completely dependent on season, weather, and specific yearly restoration project goals. For outside work, the ability to work for extended periods of time in Florida weather is required. Associated hazards include but are not limited to extreme heat and humidity, rain, mosquitos, stingrays, etc. For indoor and outdoor work, the ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel and lift is required, as well as finger dexterity, and the ability to talk, hear, and see.
WORK SCHEDULE:
40 hours per week, Monday-Friday, weekends and holidays as needed.
TRAVEL:
Local travel is required for fieldwork but does not typically include overnight stays and is done in work vehicles.
The above information in this job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with ECZF’s policies on evaluation of personnel.
Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Statement
ECZF is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
We do not tolerate discrimination or harassment in any aspect of employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotion, compensation, benefits, training, transfer, termination, or any other terms and conditions of employment.
Employees and applicants are encouraged to report any concerns regarding discrimination or harassment, and retaliation for reporting such concerns is strictly prohibited.
ECZF is committed to an inclusive environment where employees are encouraged to be their authentic selves. We value the diverse qualities, perspectives, and experiences of all individuals. Join us in sharing the joy of nature to help people and wildlife thrive.
