Interpretive Program Coordinator

Over the past 50 years, The International Crane Foundation (ICF) has grown from the dream of two college students to a world-renowned conservation effort to save the world’s cranes and the flyways and habitats they frequent.  The successful candidate will be a conservation minded individual who thrives bringing the story of our cranes to the public, and developing others to be strong, confident story tellers.   If you are not currently a crane enthusiast, do not worry you will become one fast in our mission-based organization.

What is it like to work at ICF? Prepare to be surrounded by people who are passionate for our mission, dedicated to the organization, and engaged with their fellow staff and associates. Our campus is located on 200+ acres of rolling prairies with trails. ICF operates a zoo that features all 15 of the world’s cranes.  The salary range is $42,000 to $45,000 plus a nice benefit package. You will play a critical role in promoting and expanding our mission across the U.S. and our partner countries around the world.  Does this sound like you?  

Position Summary:

The Interpretive Program Coordinator supports the mission of the International Crane Foundation (ICF) by managing and leading on-site interpretive tours of the crane exhibits; plans, develops, and evaluates new and existing interpretive materials and services; represents the Visitor Program on ICF’s Safety Committee; and manages the volunteer naturalist program and provides general oversight to the ICF volunteer program by creating consistency in training and orientation across the institution. The incumbent coordinates and leads the hiring, training, and supervision of seasonal interns and volunteers assigned to the Conservation Education Department.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

·       Recruits, supervises, mentors, and evaluates CED interns and volunteer naturalists. Ensures that volunteers and interns represent ICF professionally and incorporate interpretive standards into creative and dynamic guided programs for ICF’s diverse audiences.

·       Develops, evaluates, and implements interpretive programs for various audiences that support the organization’s mission, such as thematic guided public tours, school field trips, Girl Scout badge programs, VIP groups; manages on-site special events related to the visitor program, and gives formal/informal presentations to enhance the understanding of cranes and threats to cranes and their diverse landscapes. Assists with providing daily oversight of the exhibits/interpretive area opening/closing procedures.

·       Coordinates and supervises ICF’s volunteer naturalist program, including organizing annual volunteer recognition events and yearly training.

·       Provides oversight of ICF’s volunteer program in coordination with Human Resources Generalist. Assists with matching the needs of ICF departments and programs with the skills, interests, and availability of volunteers. Maintains current volunteer contact lists, administrative forms, background checks, waivers, personnel needs, and reporting duties for funding and audits.

·       Coordinates local Wisconsin outreach events; assists with the development of on-site events, as related to the visitor program; and contributes to the promotion of ICF’s AZA-accredited attraction by tabling or giving outreach presentations in the local area; maintains materials for outreach, including ICF’s mascot.

·       Maintains a positive relationship with affiliate conservation groups in the local area.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities: 

·       Represents the Visitor Program on ICF’s Safety Committee. Attending monthly meetings to discuss safety and emergency procedures, both in general and for events, and conducting emergency training drills with other departments.

·       Collaborates with staff to develop interpretive text for various interpretive media, including exhibit panels, brochures, program descriptions/outlines, video scripts, marketing materials, online resources, etc.

·       Coordinates with Site Facilities staff on the daily upkeep of visitor program facilities and the opening/closing procedures of visitor program facilities for the season.

·       Works with team to develop and implement methods to evaluate naturalist guides, public programming, and the overall visitor experience to gauge the effectiveness of ICF’s key educational messages and visitor satisfaction.

·       Maintains and develops content for ICF’s self-guided tour app.

·       Supports the Cranes of the World Managing Director in maintaining the visitor program and volunteer experience budget.

·       Assists the Development and External Affairs staff to create meaningful, emotional, and intellectual connections with visitors, donors, and special guests.

Core Competencies:

·       Clear understanding of the role of science in conservation and the ability to communicate effectively to identified audiences regarding scientific programs and concepts.

·       Ability to effectively engage visitors in the organization's mission through tours, talks, and other creative means.

·       Ability to develop new ideas or approaches to engage, educate, and inspire a diverse audience.

·       Excellent verbal communication skills, including speaking clearly and persuasively to individuals and groups; listening effectively; and responding well to questions from conservation colleagues, ICF supporters, visitors, press, and the general public.

·       Excellent written communication skills, including the ability to effectively draft correspondence and reports in a clear, concise, logical, and grammatically correct manner; and the ability to vary writing style to meet the needs of the audience and media.

·       Ability to identify problems; collect, organize, and analyze information, and make appropriate decisions or recommendations within defined scope of responsibilities.

·       Ability to work weekends and a variable schedule during the visitor season (April – October)

·       Work as a constructive member of a team, including the free sharing of information and technical expertise as needed.

·       Demonstrate respect and sensitivity for others; inspire trust; and work with integrity and ethics.

·       Quickly, effectively, and continually adapt to changes in work environment and duties, processes, and technologies.

Qualifications Required:

·       Bachelor’s degree in environmental interpretation, environmental education/studies, natural sciences, biology, education, or a closely related field and no less than two years of related environmental and/or education experience.

·       Experience developing, leading, evaluating, and implementing interpretive programs and products in a science/conservation/natural history-based informal education setting.

·       Experience leading a diverse workforce including training, mentoring, assigning and directing work, assessing and communicating individuals' work performance, and addressing and resolving employee issues.

·       Experience utilizing the basic features of Microsoft Word suites; E-mail, Internet, and design software (e.g., Corel, Draw, Illustrator, or Photoshop).

·       Valid state driver’s license and acceptable driving record.

Preferred Qualifications:

·       NAI (National Association for Interpretation) training and certification.

·       Experience recruiting, training, and hiring employees.

Physical Abilities and Work Environment:

The physical abilities and work environment characteristics described below are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

·       Ability to operate computers and phones.

·       Ability to communicate with fellow staff, visitors, and donors. Communication will include both one-to-one communication, small, and large group communication. Communications need to be in English. Communication means both written and oral communication.

·       Ability to work at a workstation for 5-7 hours a day.

·       Occasionally required to lift and move items up to 20 pounds.

·       Ability to lead tours across our site outdoors during the spring, summer, and fall seasons in all types of weather.

The work environment includes office work and giving tours during visitor season. The office environment is clean and climate controlled. Tours are given outside and can be given on hot, humid days and in light rain.

To apply send resume and cover letter to ICFjobs@savingcranes.org  Please put Interpretive in the subject line.

“ICF is committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity and inclusion. We hire great people.”

ICF is an equal opportunity employer.