General Position Description:

The South Puget Sound Salmon Enhancement Group (SPSSEG) is seeking an exceptional and resourceful individual to join our team. The ideal candidate is passionate, highly organized, and has experience implementing educational programs. This flexible hybrid position has four primary focal areas:

• coordination of Kennedy Creek Salmon Trail (20%),
• program management for Salmon in the Schools (45%),
• field work assistance (20%), and
• grant writing/organizational support/communications (15%).

SPSSEG offers a small professional office and relies on staff members to be flexible taking on new projects and/or programs as they are collaboratively developed. * Above percentages are approximate and subject to change

Essential Functions of Job: Specific duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

• Coordinate Kennedy Creek Salmon Trail program, including volunteer management, site management, and leading field trip tours. Every November, this program hosts about 5,000 visitors.
• Provide professional educational support for the Salmon in the Schools program during the school year, including classroom lessons, curriculum development, aquarium maintenance, field trip coordination, and grant reporting. In 2023-2024, this program served 918 high-poverty 3rd-5th grade students.
• Attend local community outreach events.
• Grant writing to sustain and expand the education program.
• Support SPSSEG Project Managers in salmon related field work and data collection.
• Assist with riparian restoration projects including implementation and monitoring.
• Provide organizational administration (website, newsletter, flyers, social media, reports, etc.).
• Participate in career-development opportunities.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in fisheries, natural resources, environmental education, or other related field (additional relevant work experience may substitute for college degree).
• At least 1-year of experience working in K-12 youth science, STEM, or outdoor education programs.
• Demonstrated exceptional communication skills.
• Must be physically fit and able to work for extended periods in the classroom, field, and in inclement weather conditions and rugged terrain.
• A valid Washington State driver’s license and reliable transportation to schools and restoration sites within SPSSEG’s service area (personal vehicle mileage is reimbursable at the federal mileage rate).
• A valid First Aid and CPR Certification is required to supervise interns or volunteers.
• Must pass a Washington State Patrol criminal background check to directly work with children.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal candidate will possess some or all the following:

• Knowledge of the salmon life cycle, ecology, and general habitat restoration practices.
• Knowledge of teaching methodologies, youth engagement, and curriculum integration helpful.
• Ability to learn and conduct habitat assessment techniques, fish capture and identification, and other field related activities.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaborate with a diverse array of people including students, staff, project partners, community members, and volunteers.
• Organized, self-motivated, and able to prioritize effectively to handle multiple projects and deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal, public, and written, communication skills, with ability to quickly build relationships whether in person, by phone, or through email.
• Flexibility, creativity, problem-solving mind, and an eagerness to learn and grow while working on a variety of education and restoration projects.
• Experience writing and managing grants and/or overseeing habitat restoration projects is a plus.
• Additional relevant work experience, education, or technical training is highly desirable.

Working Conditions:

The Education and Salmon Habitat Specialist works from an office in a busy, natural resource and public service-oriented environment. Work is performed in classrooms, outdoors and in inclement weather. During the school year, this position can expect to travel to classrooms (Thurston and Mason counties primarily) and deliver in-person lessons or tank maintenance for two to three days of the week. Remote work is available as schedule and team needs allow. Sufficient mobility is required to set up and maintain fish tanks and to navigate uneven terrain, steep slopes, streams/creeks, marshy areas, and other field conditions. Flexibility is required for attendance at evening, and weekend meetings or events and at various locations and field sites.