Wildlife-Recreation Coexistence Program Coordinator at Conservation Northwest – Seattle, Washington

Who we are:

Conservation Northwest has a 35+ year track record of success protecting and connecting wildlands in Washington and British Columbia, and recovering our region’s iconic wildlife including wolves, wolverines, fishers, lynx, and grizzly bears. We recognize that for long-term progress, conservation must go hand-in-hand with healthy, prosperous, and equitable communities. Our M.O. is simple: connect the big landscapes, restore the most vulnerable wildlife, and protect our natural heritage for future generations. We have an annual budget of $3-$4M and 28 staff working across Washington. Our conservation community also includes more than 15,000 activists, supporters, and online followers.

Our Mission: We protect, connect and restore wildlands and wildlife from the Washington Coast to the British Columbia Rockies.

Our Values: Adaptability, boldness, collaboration, empathy, equity, integrity, pragmatic idealism, rationality, tenacity

Job Announcement: Wildlife-Recreation Coexistence Program Coordinator

Position Details:

• Employment type: Full time; non-exempt

• Reports to: Community Partnerships Manager

• Compensation: $58,000-63,000 (dependent on qualifications and location)

• Benefits: Includes employer-paid medical/dental/vision insurance, 3% Simple IRA match, 12 sick days per year, 13 holidays, and vacation starting at 3 weeks per year (increasing to 5). Sabbatical after 8 years.

• Location: Based in or around Seattle area, or reasonable commuting distance. Other locations may also be considered.

• Physical and travel requirements: Some physical work outdoors may be required. Occasional travel to fieldwork or meetings is also expected with some overnight stays.

Position Summary:

The Wildlife-Recreation Coexistence Program (WREC) Coordinator will be responsible for leading the WREC program in its goals to reduce the impact of outdoor recreation on sensitive species and habitats. This role will specialize in building coalitions, utilizing wildlife science, community outreach and policy formation while striving to reach on-the-ground outcomes that serve both wildlife conservation and sustainable recreation access. This role also will serve to support and amplify Tribal and First Foods values, interests, and rights across public lands. A trusted liaison between recreation communities, Tribal partners, and agency collaborators, this role will strive to find workable and implementable solutions to recreation-related impacts across public lands.

Responsibilities:

• Support sustainable recreation and wildlife coexistence by informing recreation policies and projects while also engaging with outdoor colleagues, companies, and clubs/groups to elevate the need to address recreation impacts on wildlife.

• Strengthen working relationships with Tribes in Washington that seek to protect Tribal treaty rights and First Foods interests on public lands amid growing outdoor recreation pressures on cultural Tribal resources.

• Initiate and sustain catalytic coalitions and partnerships with agency staff, conservation organizations, outdoor recreation nonprofits, and Tribal partners to address recreational impacts on wildlife and implement on-the-ground mitigation strategies.

• Initiate and steer projects meant to assess, monitor and mitigate recreation impacts on various wildlife and/or habitats in specific landscapes.

• Produce and share content supporting wildlife awareness, informing outdoor recreation management policies and recreational development projects, and outreach and representation with outdoor colleagues, stores, companies and clubs/groups.

• Strategize with the Outreach Coordinator on Wildlife Ambassador Project operations and public engagement messaging related to wildlife awareness, recreation impacts, and respectful recreation practices.

• Direct lobbying with legislators and coordinating legislative efforts to address recreation impacts on wildlife and public lands.

• Deepen partnerships with outdoor recreation groups and build new collaborations to amplify wildlife-friendly recreation practices and elevate the need to address recreation impacts on wildlife.

Desired Qualifications:

Conservation Northwest recognizes that applicants that could be successful in this role may have a variety of backgrounds that do not perfectly match the desired qualifications. Interested candidates that align with a majority of the job description and have an aptitude and interest in acquiring new skills or experience are encouraged to apply. Applicants from marginalized or underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged.

• Ability to serve as an organized, resourceful, and proactive self-starter—and as a visible community representative for wildlife conservation.

• At least four years of professional experience in community engagement, wildlife or natural resource management, outdoor recreation, or related fields. A strong background in wildlife and habitat science, research and/or wildlife management is preferred.

• Residency in the region and strong familiarity with Washington’s landscapes, wildlife, cultures, and recreation community.

• Demonstrated experience in policy formation and clear, effective public-facing communication and comment letters, including public speaking, presentations, both in-person and online, in front of crowds or government officials.

• Experienced in collaboration, convening, and bridge building while standing tall for wildlife and habitat in large stakeholder meetings where numerous competing interests are at play.

• Experienced working alongside state and/or federal agencies on wildlife conservation and/or sustainable outdoor recreation projects.

• Demonstrated working relationships with the outdoor recreation community, Tribal nations, conservation groups, and the broader outdoor industry, with an emphasis on Tribal collaboration and engagement.

• Possess deep working relationships within the outdoor recreation community in Washington state.

Conservation Northwest is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive workplace that represents the diversity in our communities. Veterans and people with diverse social, racial, and ethnic backgrounds are encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without preference given to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, social background, or disability status.