Pacific Program Assistant

LightHawk is a nonprofit environmental aviation organization. As such, we are an unusual hybrid: our mission is environmental but our specialty is using aviation to catalyze positive change. Founded in 1979, we are the largest and oldest volunteer-based environmental aviation organization in North America. We have completed thousands of flight missions involving over 1000 donated flights each year for hundreds of Conservation Partner organizations.

Every LightHawk mission is flown by a qualified volunteer pilot who donates his or her time, and in most cases, the airplane and fuel needed to conduct a flight. Program staff serve as volunteer pilots' primary point of contact with the organization, responding to pilot inquiries, and keeping track of pilot availability and plans.

LightHawk is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization incorporated in the state of Colorado. Although our logistical headquarters is in Lander, Wyoming, we are a virtual organization and employ field staff throughout our areas of operation:

• Rocky Mountains: ID, MT, WY, CO, UT, AZ, NV, NM, limited operations in AB and BC
• Pacific: CA, OR, WA, limited operations: AK, coastal BC, Baja California Eastern: CT, DE, MA, MD, ME, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VT, portions of VA and FL, and the Bahamas
• Latin America: Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama

For more information about LightHawk, including a downloadable copy of the annual report, visit our website. 

Position Overview:

LightHawk, a nonprofit environmental aviation organization operating in North and Central America, is seeking a part-time Pacific Program Assistant in southern California to support our conservation efforts throughout our Pacific Region (California, Oregon, Washington, coastal British Columbia, Alaska, and Baja California), but with a strong focus on southern California.

We are looking for an extremely well organized and detail-oriented conservation professional to assist our Pacific Program Manager and other program staff as needed. Volunteer or donor management experience is needed, as is the ability to prioritize and multi-task. You will need a friendly phone presence and the ability to think on your feet. This is a challenging, but rewarding position, which requires a high degree of self-motivation, teamwork, a sense of humor, and attention to detail.

If you have these qualifications, also having a pilot's license or related experience with flight operations and general aviation will be a strong plus.

Location:

This is a part-time, temporary position for applicants living in southern California. It is a home-based position, so a home office is required. This position reports to the Pacific Program Manager, located in Portland, OR. Some regional travel may be required.

Responsibilities: 

1) Assist the Pacific Program Manager (PM) with pilot recruitment, flight planning, and flight execution:

Work closely with PM and volunteer pilot(s) throughout the flight planning process to help with such things as: pre-flight paperwork and information from passengers; coordinating schedules for and communications between pilots and partners; coordinate supporting logistics; providing ground support as needed on flight days; pilot expenses; travel or lodging coordination for pilots as needed; and assisting current volunteer pilots and LightHawk staff as they travel to southern California to meet with and recruit additional volunteers.

2) Work closely with Pilot Outreach Manager to coordinate outreach with the purpose of recruiting new volunteer pilots:

As fuel prices increase and the pilot population ages, we have a continuing need to recruit new volunteer pilots. Outreach methods include, but are not limited to, helping to coordinate direct mailings, coordinating presentations at aviation-related functions for staff and volunteer pilots, and attending aviation and conservation gatherings to inform people about LightHawk. Program staff must accurately represent LightHawk's mission, methods of operation, and requirements for becoming a member of LightHawk's Volunteer Pilot Corps to interested pilots.

3) Maintain accurate records in accordance with established LightHawk procedures:

Post-flight, Program Assistant helps PM create and maintain accurate records of flights and flight passengers, partnerships, volunteer pilots, and outcomes as well as follow-up with partners and passengers to collect photos, media stories, and passenger comment forms.

Qualifications: 

• Residency in southern California
• Minimum of 1 year experience working with environmental issues and organizations
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong interest in LightHawk's mission and methods.
• Minimum of a B.A./B.S. degree, or equivalent experience.
• Exceptional interpersonal and "team player" skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, set priorities, meet deadlines, and work with high degree of accuracy.
• Because weather often dictates flight scheduling, flexibility and willingness to be on call or work weekends, as needed.
• Computer competency, including use of word processing, email, spreadsheets and databases.
• Ability to work from a home-based office environment. You will need to supply your own personal computer, internet connection, phone, and cell phone; however, LightHawk does reimburse specified office expenses.

Preferred:

• General Aviation experience
• Experience recruiting and working with volunteers.
• Experience with collaborations and/or coalitions.

Compensation: $15-$16/hour.

15-20 hours per week, likely variable; may involve some evenings and weekends.

Temporary position - This is currently a grant funded position with a term of 2 years, but actual term of employment will depend on the project needs.

To Apply:

We expect to fill this position as soon as we find a suitable candidate. We will conduct one or more initial interviews for qualified candidates by phone, and will invite finalists to in-person interviews. Qualified applicants should email a cover letter, resume, and contact information for at least 3 references.

The email subject line should say: Pacific Program Asst -- plus your last name. Due to the volume of interested applicants, we ask that you not telephone our offices about the position unless specifically invited to do so for an interview.

LightHawk is an equal opportunity employer.