Seasonal Outreach Specialist

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.

Overview:

• Reports to: Senior Coordinator, Wildlife-Recreation Coexistence
• Employment Type: Part-time, non-exempt. Up to 20 hours per week, mainly weekends from
• June to early September.
• Compensation: $19.00 - $21.00 per hour.
• Benefits: Mileage reimbursement and a $250 gear stipend. Sick leave included. This position does not have holiday, insurance, or other benefits offered at this time.
• Location may include:
  • Middle Fork Snoqualmie Trailhead near North Bend, WA
  • Snow Lake Trailhead at Snoqualmie Pass, WA
  • Verlot Public Service Center near Granite Falls, WA
• Physical Requirements: This job requires the ability to work, travel to, and walk through various areas within the Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest. These areas may expose the selected individuals to uneven slopes, surfaces, grades and terrain in varying weather conditions, with or without accommodations.

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 Senior 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’s mission is to protect, connect and restore wildlands and wildlife from the Washington Coast to the British Columbia Rockies. We have a 30+ year track record of success protecting and connecting wildlands and recovering our region’s iconic wildlife including wolves, wolverines, fishers, lynx, and grizzly bears. We believe for long-term progress, conservation must go hand-in-hand with healthy, prosperous and equitable communities. We have 27 staff and an annual budget of $4M.

Our Values:

Adaptability, boldness, collaboration, empathy, equity, integrity, pragmatic idealism, rationality and tenacity

Conservation Northwest is an equal-opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive workplace that represents the diversity in our communities. Multiple perspectives and experiences help strengthen our work as an organization and enhance our relevance throughout communities currently underrepresented in the conservation sector. Veterans, women, and people with diverse social, racial, and ethnic backgrounds are encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without preference given to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, social background, or disability status. 

To Apply:

Please send a resume and brief cover letter to Kurt Hellmann, Senior Coordinator, Wildlife-Recreation Coexistence, at kurt@conservationnw.org. Final candidates will be asked to provide references. These positions are open until filled, with priority given to applications received before March 31, 2025.