Wildlife and Lead Outreach Coordinator

~ The wildest place in Oregon. The 64-acre Oregon Zoo is located in Portland, a city and surrounding metropolitan area of 2.26 million people. Attendance in 2011 exceeded 1.6 million. ~ 

Position Overview 

The Oregon Zoo's Conservation and Research division is looking for a Wildlife and Lead Outreach Coordinator to spearhead the development and implementation of the Wildlife and Lead Outreach Initiative.

This program is envisioned to provide education and outreach with the goal of reducing the exposure of wildlife to lead, which has been identified as a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in wildlife.

The Coordinator will travel extensively, building relationships with the hunting and angling community, target shooters, ranchers, wildlife pest controllers, conservation groups, federal and state agencies, and other stakeholders to educate and collaborate in an effort to reach the program goal.

At the Oregon Zoo we strive to hire a workforce representative of the communities we serve, understanding that a diverse workforce strengthens our organization. We value diversity and support a positive and welcoming environment where all of our employees can thrive. 

Responsibilities  

Essential Job Duties: 

An employee in this position must be able to perform all the essential job duties listed below with or without reasonable accommodation; however, this list is not intended to include all of the specific tasks which an employee in this position may be expected to perform.

• In collaboration with Conservation and Research management, develops program framework, including education programming and outreach strategy.
• Opens dialogs and builds relationships to engage the hunting and angling community, target shooters, ranchers, wildlife pest controllers, and federal and state agencies.
• Organizes and coordinates special events and campaigns designed to provide education about the effects of lead to wildlife and promote non-lead alternatives. These may include activities such as informational events, hunter education classes, demonstration and ammunition exchanges, and public opinion surveys.
• Conducts education, outreach and program marketing efforts, including development of program materials. May coordinate with other Metro departments or organizations to produce press releases, radio and television spots, community news articles and web pages. Ensures programming has a consistent message and content to advance program goal.
• Analyzes and evaluates data, creates reports, and conducts program evaluation.
• Writes and oversees assigned contracts, intergovernmental agreements and public contracts.
• Assists with program budget, including oversight of expenses.
• Assists in seeking sponsorships, grant funding, writing, administration and distribution of grants.
• May serve in a lead role over volunteers. 

Qualifications  

Minimum Requirements: 

• Bachelor's degree in wildlife management, communication, public relations or a related field
• Three years of wildlife and/or fisheries experience; experience conducting public presentations, coordinating complex programs and managing resources
• Experience in the hunting and angling community, including extensive knowledge of firearms and ammunition used for hunting
• Valid driver's license
• Any combination of experience and education that provides the necessary skills, knowledge and ability to perform assigned tasks

Knowledge, skills and abilities: 

• Experience with hunting and angling
• Physical ability to stand and walk for several hours at a time
• Develop, organize and coordinate program, including program objectives and procedures
• Experience leading programs, demonstrating initiative, creativity, organization, motivation, and follow through
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with small and large audiences
• Experience with educational planning and program evaluation processes
• Record keeping and the use of computers and software related to project and database management
• Recruit, train and oversee the work of volunteers
• Perform all position essential duties and responsibilities
• Fulfill Metro's core values of public service, excellence, teamwork, respect, innovation and sustainability
• Work assigned schedule and exhibit regular and predictable attendance
• Work in a safe manner and follow safety policies, practices and procedures
• Comply with Metro and Metro's visitor venues policies, procedures and applicable work rules; applicable law; and collective bargaining agreements as appropriate
• Use discretion with confidential and sensitive matters 

To Apply 

Please click below: "Apply Here!" and then click on "Wildlife and Lead Outreach Coordinator" to gain more information and application instructions from our online hiring center. 

~ Metro is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer ~