Conservation Northwest Jobs

Position Summary:

We are looking for 2 to 4 skilled educators, volunteer coordinators and wildlife advocates to join us in advancing wildlife and recreation coexistence across several popular locations within the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. The outreach specialist will primarily work weekends alongside volunteers, disseminating wildlife knowledge, tips for respectful recreation, and collecting visitor data at trailheads and parking lots. This is an opportunity to combine public speaking and community engagement skills on behalf of conservation work, with significant professional growth and community leadership potential.

Conservation Northwest aims to support sustainable outdoor recreation and wildlife awareness through the Wildlife Ambassador Project. We also seek to reduce impacts on wildlife and habitat in light of unprecedented increases in outdoor recreation participation. This position will work to accomplish the goals of Conservation Northwest’s Wildlife-Recreation Coexistence Program, which aims to better outdoor recreation and wildlife dynamics through education, outreach, science and policy.

Core Work Duties:

• Work alongside CNW staff to implement the wildlife ambassador program across the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
• Engage and educate campers, hikers, bikers and other recreationists with ways to recreate with wildlife in mind at popular recreation locations
• Conduct on-site learning opportunities concerning wildlife-human coexistence particularly around bear, elk, cougar, black-tailed deer, mountain goat, and other local species
• Create a welcoming and positive environment for trail and campground visitors
• Distribute Conservation Northwest materials and merchandise (i.e., bandanas, stickers, pamphlets, etc.)
• Coordinate volunteer operations and complete related tasks assigned by the Community Outreach Coordinator, Wildlife-Recreation Coexistence.

Desired Qualifications:

• Demonstrated public speaking, coordination and organization skills. Ability to verbalize clear, compelling information to the public about sustainable recreation its relevance and its core principles. Interest in campaign planning and advocacy are encouraged. A background in environmental education is very welcome.
• Organized self-starter with an ability to take initiative in their work, quickly familiarize oneself with complex topics related to outdoor recreation access and natural resource protection, and complete multiple tasks with a degree of independence.
• Experience in a campaign effort or non-profit setting is preferred. Applicable experience in marketing, sales, hospitality or other comparable roles may be considered.
• Must be able to cultivate working relationships with diverse urban or rural stakeholders relating to wildlife and wildlands conservation and outdoor recreation issues.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred but not required. Relevant education or equivalent experience in conservation, environmental science, natural resources, communications or public affairs issues is preferred.
• Passion for keeping the Northwest wild. Interest in equitable solutions to conservation issues and promoting accessible outdoor recreation opportunities to diverse groups

Who we are: 

Conservation Northwest has a 35+ year track record of success protecting and connecting wildlands in Washington and British Columbia, and recovering our region’s iconic wildlife including wolves, wolverines, fishers, lynx, and grizzly bears. We recognize that for long-term progress, conservation must go hand-in-hand with healthy, prosperous, and equitable communities. 

Our M.O. is simple: connect the big landscapes, restore the most vulnerable wildlife, and protect our natural heritage for future generations. We have an annual budget of $3-$4M and 28 staff working across Washington. Our conservation community also includes more than 15,000 activists, supporters, and online followers.  
 
Our Mission: We protect, connect and restore wildlands and wildlife from the Washington Coast to the British Columbia Rockies. 

Our Values: Adaptability, boldness, collaboration, empathy, equity, integrity, pragmatic idealism, rationality, tenacity