General Responsibilities:

• Helps to implement a wide range of projects and initiatives associated with plant conservation, plant propagation, habitat restoration, data collection, messaging, outreach, and field surveys and censuses, mostly focused on work in and across Southern California.
• Helps to write and edit a broad range of written and video materials including grant reports and outreach materials.
• Helps to carry out project management activities such as researching and preparing project timelines, analyzing projects for required elements and key tasks, identifying key individuals and resources needed to complete assigned projects and tasks, developing scopes of work and specifications for projects involving use of outside services and contractors, and organizing and carrying out projects tasks and elements to meet project goals, deadlines, and performance targets.

Specific Tasks:

• Plans, develops, and implements a wide range of projects and initiatives associated with conservation outreach, data collection, messaging, education, and field surveys and censuses, mostly focused on botanical work in and across Southern California.
• Writes and edits a broad range of written materials.
• Establishes professional relationships with a wide range of individuals, groups, and organizations interested in species recovery efforts.
• Assists in crafting grants and other proposals to secure funding to further the approved goals and objectives of the Department of Conservation Engagement and Learning. Helps to prepare progress reports and project summaries for reporting to grant-giving organizations. 
• Keeps financial records, correspondence, and other documentation on programmatic activities. 

This class specification should not be interpreted as all-inclusive. It is intended to identify the major responsibilities and requirements of this job. The incumbent may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification, including projects in locations other than Southern California.

Equipment Used:

Standard biological fieldwork equipment, PC and/or Apple computer, general office equipment, telephone, radio, electric and gas cart, manual and automatic transmission vehicles, digital camera, audio-visual equipment, camping equipment, among others. 

Specific Skills:

• Skill in working with volunteers and collaborators from other Departments at TLD and from among the general public
• Helps to conduct biological field research, education, and outreach programs, all of which may involve either solitary (when safe), collaboration with other professionals, or involvement with volunteers
• As needed, ability to help plan, implement and evaluate communications strategies, education programs, and interpretive media based on established professional practices
• Knowledge of computer, multimedia, and information technology
• Knowledge of broad range of interpretive skills and techniques applicable to interpretive media development
• Skill in written communications, including the ability to write grants, plans, and reports in accordance with TLD policy, and generate and answer routine correspondence
• Skill in oral communications, including the ability to present material in a training or instructional capacity, speak before large and small audiences, and interact effectively with a diverse collection of individuals and groups
• General knowledge, enthusiasm, and compliance with the TLD mission, history, and policies
• Knowledge of the natural and cultural history of southern California’s desert ecosystems

Conditions of Work:

PHYSICAL EFFORT: Requires walking, hiking, bending, climbing, lifting, and driving of vehicles. Requires time working on a computer. 

DISCOMFORT/RISKS: Work with constantly changing external groups may be physically and intellectually demanding. Occasional exposure to the extreme heat and aridity of the desert environment will occur.

HOLIDAY/EVENING WORK: Holiday, weekend, and evening work may be required.

TRAVEL: Regular travel in the deserts of California in carrying out job responsibilities. Occasional travel to attend workshops, conferences, symposiums and meetings nationally will be necessary. Rarely, international travel in support of conservation projects in other countries.

Qualifications:

• Either completion of a four-year university degree or college-level work towards a degree in the biological sciences or environmental education. 
• Preference given to those who can speak Spanish or Cahuilla.
• Valid California driver’s license. Must be insurable on The Living Desert's automobile policy. 
• Must be a motivated self-starter with good leadership and communication skills.