Oregon Coast Aquarium
Preferred start date of May 1st.
POSITION TITLE: Conservation Engagement Manager
REPORTS TO: Director of Mission Engagement
JOB SUMMARY: The Conservation Engagement Manager directs and oversees the development, organization, facilitation, and evaluation of conservation engagement projects at the Aquarium, which may include citizen science projects, collaborative restoration work, and field experiences. The Conservation Engagement manager actively works to engage new and under-reached audiences.
GENERAL ACCOUNTABILITIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Works with the Director of Mission Engagement to establish and maintain a vision and a comprehensive plan for conservation engagement at the Oregon Coast Aquarium. Oversee the creation of a strategic conservation engagement and program portfolio for the Aquarium.
- Works collaboratively with other departments (education, husbandry, volunteer engagement) on prioritizing, developing and implementing conservation engagement programs.
- Work with local, regional, national and possibly international partners to identify strategies for the Aquarium to actively support and engage with field conservation projects (clarification – at this stage the Mission Engagement department is not starting field conservation projects of its own).
- Coordinates, develops, promotes and leads conservation programs, such as citizen science, restoration, or field experiences with diversified audiences.
- Work with partners to maintain and grow the sunflower star community science project. Engage partners, train volunteers and report on progress. Align with the AZA SAFE program as appropriate.
- Work with partners to develop and grow a wrack line community science project. Engage partners, train volunteers and report on progress. Add shark egg case program that contributes to AZA Shark and Ray program (collaborate with Shark Trust).
- Recruit and train volunteers to conduct nurdle and NOAA marine debris protocols and to sort plastics. Compile and submit data. Conduct summer 2026 programs and determine strategy for following years.
- Community coffee cup project – recruit and engage community partners, conduct outreach around project. Maintain and expand as appropriate.
- Work with the Director of Mission Engagement to align Aquarium Conservation Partnership DEAI, climate, and plastic priorities with local community work.
- Serve as a resource for volunteers by connecting them with organizations, individuals and resources that can support conservation engagement.
- Remain up to date on national, Oregon and local conservation engagement projects and trends as well as preferred practices, current research, and topics related to marine and coastal conservation.
- Work with other marine and conservation organizations to advance ocean and coastal conservation, such as the Aquarium Conservation Partnership, Cascade Head Biosphere Reserve, Marine Reserve Community Groups, Watershed Councils, SOLVE, State Parks, ODFW, and the Shark Trust.
- Present at various speaker opportunities.
- Participate on Aquarium committees as a Mission Engagement Department Representative. Contributes as appropriate and acts as liaison between the department and committee.
The above accountabilities represent work performed by this position and are not all inclusive. The omission of a specific accountability will not preclude it from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical extension of the position.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
May supervise interns, and volunteers as needed.
KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (Minimum levels)
Required Degree and Experience:
Graduation from a four-year college or university with a degree in Environmental Studies, Conservation Science or Conservation Education, or a closely related field. A Master’s degree in Marine Resource Management, Environmental Studies, Conservation Science or Conservation Education is desirable. A minimum of three years’ experience in a position related to conservation engagement/field work/citizen science is required. Any acceptable equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates the background necessary to perform the functions of the position may substitute for the above requirements.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge of
- Program and project management principles and techniques
- Preferred practices for engaging a diversity of stakeholders with conservation and field projects.
- Extensive knowledge in principles and practices of conservation science and engagement
- Multiple learning styles, natural history interpretation or other relevant area, and other techniques relevant to formal and non-formal learning environments
- Conservation organizations, businesses and government agencies affecting conservation science and education
- Fundamentals of classroom and group management
- Program planning and evaluation processes
- Customer service best practices
- Group dynamics and group problem-solving techniques, such as leading meetings, gaining support while dealing with complex subjects, resolving conflicts and reaching consensus
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, ability to incorporate different perspectives, and work with diverse populations and stakeholders
Ability to
- Effectively organize work, manage time, prioritize tasks, and follow both written and oral direction
- Be responsive to and communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders served or impacted by programs
- Build on current partner relationships and participate in creating new programs
- Plan and lead workshops, seminars, and other types of engagement opportunities
- Effectively communicate ideas, program concepts and delivery, both orally and in writing
- Use computers and standard, commonly accepted computer programs (MS Office products) is required. Experience with database management is desirable.
- Work under limited supervision and as a member of a team.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The work involves considerable standing and walking when conducting field work. The ability to access field sites is required. The ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds is required.
MENTAL, HEARING, AND VISUAL DEMANDS:
The work involves continuous mental and visual attention involving reading, analyzing, visualizing, or otherwise performing very involved, comprehensive work. When in the field, the work involves mental and visual attention that assures the safety of self and program participants.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Some sedentary work is required when performing administrative duties at a computer station. Travel is required in Oregon to conduct field experiences or presentations. Field work will involve accessing beaches, rocky intertidal areas, estuaries, and coastal forests.
ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Compliance with appropriate company standards is required.
TO APPLY:
Please email a Resume and Cover Letter.
This full-time, permanent position is exempt according to the Fair Labor Standards Act. This position includes full benefits coverage.
The Oregon Coast Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
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