Communications and Outreach Manager

Duration: 10 month position beginning April 2022, with possibility for annual renewal

Location: Our office is based at the University of Montana in Missoula, MT, but work occurs throughout western MT

Program Description: The University of Montana Bird Ecology Lab (UMBEL) contributes to knowledge of avian ecology through a combination of original research, long-term and ecological effects monitoring, education, and community engagement. We run two field-based songbird banding projects across the summer and fall seasons: the Bird’s-eye View Education Program (BEVEP) and Fall Migration Monitoring. During the breeding season, BEVEP operates MAPS stations along important river corridors in western Montana, where, in some cases, active restoration is a primary goal. The program is highly collaborative, with a large number of partner organizations working together to build an effective educational program. It demonstrates the importance of healthy riparian habitat using birds as a tool and teaches visitors about the natural world around them. We aim to provide experiential learning for participants to be stewards of the environment as well as to offer a “bird’s-eye view” of our wildlife. During the fall season, we monitor songbird migration using a standardized constant-effort mist-netting protocol. Initiated in 2011, the project not only provides valuable monitoring data, it also provides an opportunity to collaborate on a local and national scale to conduct and support migration research. For more information about our organization, please visit: https://hs.umt.edu/birdecologylab/default.php

Position Description: The University of Montana Bird Ecology Lab (UMBEL) is hiring a Communications and Outreach Manager. The position will entail roughly 60% community outreach, BEVEP program coordination, and banding field work, 30% communications and fundraising, and 10% various reporting, data entry and management, and office tasks. The candidate will assist with our summer bird banding (MAPS) and fall migration bird banding. The ideal candidate will enjoy working in a number of diverse roles. Job duties include field work, outreach program oversight, social media management, data entry/management, writing (both scientific and blog-style writing), fundraising, and administrative tasks. The position is highly collaborative and includes working with a large number of partner organizations (Clark Fork Coalition, Montana Natural History Center, Clark Fork Watershed Education Program, Five Valleys Land Trust, US Forest Service, Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks, MPG Ranch, local Audubon groups, etc) in conjunction with the program director to develop a cohesive and dynamic outreach program.

Qualifications:

·       M.S. degree in ornithology, natural resources, wildlife science, biological sciences, or comparable field is highly preferred. B.S.                  required.

·       Strong interest and expertise in ornithology, applied ecological research and avian conservation.

·       Demonstrated experience with communications, including informal or professional presentations, blogs, social media,                              e-newsletters, brochures, videos, etc, is required.

·       Fundraising and grant-writing experience is highly preferred.

·       Experience teaching and public speaking to a varied audience from youth to adults is required.

·       Experience with outdoor classroom/environmental education is preferred.

·       Songbird banding/handling experience is required, including the ability to lead a crew of varied experience levels in all aspects of            station operation.

·       North American Banding Council (NABC) Certification as Bander or Trainer is preferred but not required.

·       A strong sense of ethics and knowledge of safety practices for mist-netting/banding songbirds is preferred.

·       Demonstrated experience working collaboratively with partner groups/agencies toward common conservation goals.

·       Excellent inter-personal communication skills and the ability to work in a team toward common goals.

·       Excellent critical thinking and writing skills.

·       Possess a valid driver’s license.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements: Job duties are approximately 50% field work and 50% office work. Field work involves early mornings and routinely walking long distances each day to check nets in sometimes cold, wet, hot, or dry conditions. Must be willing to camp and/or travel occasionally. Must be able to lift up to 40 lbs. The majority of office time requires sitting at a desk and conducting routine computer and office tasks.

Compensation: This is an hourly, full-time, 10 month position which requires roughly 40 hours/week and includes a full benefit package including medical, dental, vision, vacation, and sick leave. Hourly wage is $18-22/hour DOE.

How to apply: Please send an application as a single document/file (word or pdf is fine) which includes a brief cover letter, resume/CV, and contact information for 3 professional references. In the cover letter, please tell us why you are interested in this position, why you enjoy studying birds in the field, and describe any relevant experience that is not in your resume. Applications should be sent to Megan Fylling at megan.fylling@umontana.edu, with "Communications and Outreach Manager" in the subject line. Applicants with diverse backgrounds, experiences, ability and perspectives are encouraged to apply. AA/EEO/ADA/Veterans Preference Employer. We will begin reviewing applications January 1 and position will be filled as a suitable applicant is found.