Haystack Rock Awareness Program Director, Bird Conservation

The Haystack Rock Awareness Program’s (HRAP) mission is to protect the intertidal and bird ecology of the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge and the Oregon Marine Garden at Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach. This is done in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and Oregon State Parks. 

Position Overview

The Program’s primary goal is to promote stewardship of the environment, and to prevent ecosystem degradation at Haystack Rock.  HRAP offers interpretive education programs on the beach in front of Haystack Rock seasonally during low tides.  Highly knowledgeable and enthusiastic staff and volunteer environmental interpreters are available to answer visitor questions and share their knowledge about this amazing onshore island and other marine related topics.

The HRAP Director is a professional manager who will report to the city manager. The Director will have general oversite over the HRAP program including, planning, recruitment, hiring, training, outfitting staff and volunteers and beach operations. Collaborative relationships must be developed with volunteers, community partners, numerous federal and state agencies, city staff, Friends of Haystack Rock, residents and local businesses to accomplish the department’s mission. 

Typical Duties/Examples of Work

The following duties are a representative sample of the level of responsibilities, but do not include all of the duties of similar complexity and responsibility, which may be assigned, to a position in this class.

• Works with staff, volunteers and partner agencies to educate the general public and visiting school groups about the marine ecosystem at Haystack Rock. Develops and presents educational materials both on and off the beach giving public presentations to a wide variety of audiences.
• Responsible for selecting, scheduling, and managing seasonal staff and volunteers, and must work closely with the non-profit group, the Friends of Haystack Rock. Must have good people skills to guide and engage the program’s varied supporters.
• Other duties include maintaining equipment in good working condition; summarizing and reporting data; and working closely with area schools to schedule field trips.

Mandatory Qualifications

The director must have a bachelor’s degree in environmental science or closely related field that is
relevant to the focus of the program plus three years of experience performing managerial/supervisory
work. Also, a demonstrated ability to develop the energy and talents within an organization composed of
staff and volunteers into a cohesive group is a key element of the job. Must have an understanding of
general management principals including developing quality reports, performing administrative tasks
including developing and working within a budget and public speaking. An equivalent combination of
education and experience enabling the incumbent to perform the essential functions of the position may
be considered. A valid driver’s license.

Desirable Qualifications

• Preferred qualifications include experience in environmental interpretation;
• Working with seabirds and/or intertidal ecosystems; teaching school-age children; and
• Supervising volunteers or staff; grant writing.

Knowledge Required

• Strong leadership capabilities, the ability to articulate a vision for the organization and a positive attitude that can foster a fulfilling and collegial work environment for staff and volunteers.
• Capable of comprehending the needs and expectations of the staff, volunteers, City Council and HRAP supporters to forge them into a direction that provides positive energy and focus for the program.
• Skilled in selection, vetting, training and ongoing support of staff and volunteers.
• Management skills that provide the ability to work with different personality types under sometimes difficult situations and a knack for addressing negative situations before they affect the operations is a must.
• Help staff and volunteers understand the importance of their contributions to the City and in
  accomplishing the program’s mission and who can bring out their creativity and positive energy.
• Understand the necessity of occasionally taking a step back to observe the organization from the 5-, 20- and 30-thousand-foot level to assess the programs direction and, how well the department is performing and determine if there are mid-course corrections might need to be made.
• The skills to work collegially and effectively with our partners including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Oregon State Parks, Friends of Haystack Rock and all City departments.

Compensation

Salary range: $55,000 to $72,000 plus excellent benefits.

Location: Unique coastal residential/resort community located 79 miles west of Portland on the Oregon Coast. Quality of life and environment are the highest priorities. Permanent population 1,489 with significantly higher seasonal population.

To Apply

Application deadline: Open until filled. Download an application and job description from our website: www.ci.cannon-beach.or.us/jobs. For more information or to send a letter of interest, resume and completed application please contact Jennifer Barrett, City Recorder, at barrett@ci.cannon-beach.or.us or City of Cannon Beach, PO Box 368, Cannon Beach OR, 97110.

Equal Opportunity Employer. Veteran’s preference as applicable under State Law.