ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM COORDINATOR, GULF OF MEXICO

Environmental Program Coordinator, Gulf of Mexico

Turtle Island Restoration Network (TIRN) is an award-winning ocean conservation nonprofit organization with offices in California and Texas. For 35 years, TIRN has led the grassroots fight against extinction locally, nationally and internationally. We take on the big problems of the world’s oceans and watersheds — industrial fishing, climate change, pollution, and habitat loss — with a can-do attitude and highly motivated, passionate individuals.

TIRN is seeking a full-time Program Coordinator, Gulf of Mexico team member to join our fast-paced, innovative environmental organization and be a key part of our sea turtle and ocean conservation efforts.

Position Summary

Under the direction of the Gulf of Mexico Ocean Program Director, this position will coordinate and manage volunteers for programs like fishing line and cigarette butt collection, beach clean-ups, take the lead on TIRN’s microplastic project, help research grant opportunities and prepare proposals, conduct education and outreach events and programs with schools, agencies and the public, be active in ocean advocacy, and assist with critical research.

Responsibilities

• Lead hands-on activities to protect Kemp’s ridley sea turtles along the upper Texas coast
• Manage Gulf of Mexico microplastic project including maintaining data, recruiting/training volunteers, and processing water and sediment samples
• In partnership with the Gulf of Mexico Ocean Director and senior management, design, develop and lead grassroots organizing, activism and community participation processes
• Coordinate conservation actions and build ecological awareness through classroom presentations, education programs and outreach opportunities
• Gain momentum for long-term conservation measures and policies by developing, planning, participating in and/or conducting community meetings, workshops, conferences, training sessions, fundraising events (e.g. Art of Saving Sea Turtles, Hatchling Hustle) and volunteer, education and outdoor events and programs
• Assist the Ocean Program Director with soliciting sponsors and in-kind donations for TIRN events, programs and campaigns
• Create and help implement local communication, outreach and collaboration strategies and opportunities
• Maintain relationships with collaborating groups such as environmental organizations, local homeowner groups, and municipal, state and federal agencies
• Develop and implement initiatives that increase TIRN’s visibility within the Gulf of Mexico
• Execute volunteer and intern recruitment, training and management strategies and protocols
• Assist Gulf of Mexico Ocean Program Directorin policy and advocacy through research, writing public comments and letters to members, and participating in other opportunities to influence public policy
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor and/or TIRN management

Qualifications, Skills, and Abilities

Required Skills/Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, zoology, marine science, or a related field
• 2+ years prior experience
• Managing groups of volunteers as a project team leader
• Ability to collect quality data and produce data summary reports
• Valid driver’s license

Preferred Skills/Experience

• Positive attitude and passion for ocean conservation
• Ability to manage multiple projects independently in a fast-paced environment
• Understanding of sea turtle and ocean conservation issues in the Gulf of Mexico
• Public speaking, education, advocacy and/or outreach experience
• Comfortable working with remote colleagues through virtual tools
• Enjoy developing strong relationships with community and partners

TERMS

Salary: Salary is commensurate with experience and comparable to other similar-sized nonprofit organizations.

Benefits: This is a full-time, exempt position. We offer a competitive benefits package including two weeks of vacation, health insurance, and 13 paid holidays.

Location: TIRN office in Galveston, TX. Must report to the Galveston office.

Hours: 40 hours per week and generally Monday through Friday. Weekend, evening and some overtime work will be required and is determined by programs, campaigns and events.

How to Apply

Please send a letter of interest and resume in PDF

format as one document to Ken Bouley at kbouley@seaturtles.org. Use the subject

line “GOM Program Coordinator” followed by your name.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

TIRN is an equal-opportunity employer. Thank you for your interest and we look forward to meeting you!