Fwd: Job: Tremont.Manager.Conservation

[Ellen Hostert]

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: <evo...@evol.biology.mcmaster.ca>
Date: Wed, Jan 10, 2024 at 1:56 AM
Subject: Job: Tremont.Manager.Conservation
To: <ehos...@maine.edu>

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS INSTITUTE AT TREMONT
POSITION DESCRIPTION

POSITION TITLE: Manager of Science Literacy and Research
Reports to: Education Director
Job Status: salaried
Category: exempt
Classification: regular full-time

To Apply: Submit a completed application form,
resume, and thoughtful cover letter at our website
[https://gsmit.org/now-hiring-manager-of-science-literacy-and-research/]

Our Values and Culture
We create experiential education programs focused on the natural world,
knowing such learning and research opportunities are uniquely suited to
bring about life-changing outcomes in individual passion for learning,
sense of worth, and behavior.

We believe a lost connection with the natural world can be repaired,
beginning with experiences that take place in the original classroom—the
outdoors. We believe such experiences produce cascading results that
enrich individual lives, strengthen communities, and empower community
members.

We celebrate the distinctive setting the Great Smoky Mountains National
Park (GSMNP) provides as a living laboratory to explore the biodiversity
that forms the building blocks of healthy ecosystems, examine past and
present human impacts on the land, and navigate questions about how to
best support the land that supports us.

We carry out our mission with both urgency and joy, recognizing that
the work of connecting people and nature could not be timelier.

Qualities we seek:
We are seeking a passionate scientist who understands the power of science
& science communication. People who thrive in this role have experienced
awe and wonder through outdoor exploration, and want to facilitate these
experiences for others. They know that by looking at the world through a
scientific and ecological lens, we begin to understand the connectedness
of all things and our own role within these systems. They also understand
that being told about data and science is not always the best pathway into
science, and that by facilitating experiences in scientific processes
and projects, they are creating connections to place and to others,
and building trust in science through active participation.

The Manager of Science Literacy and Research plays a crucial role in
cultivating a science identity among participants and colleagues. They
understand that one’s connection to the natural world is dependent on
aspects of identity and demographics; some communities and backgrounds
are excluded or disenfranchised from connections with nature. They work
to demystify the study and exploration of nature by creating accessible
pathways into science that are fun, engaging, and welcoming. They are
uniquely positioned to invite curious people of all ages into the Smokies
and beyond to notice the world around them through the lens of careful
and consistent study.

The Manager of Science Literacy works effectively with varied
audiences. This role will meet and work with a variety of volunteers,
colleagues, community science volunteers, non-profit park partners,
and National Park personnel to bridge the gap between science and the
public. They will proactively identify and resolve the needs of these
constituents, and work to find common values.

OVERVIEW of the POSITION
As a key member of the program leadership team, the Manager of
Science Literacy and Research strives for excellence in developing
and implementing programs in line with the strategic goals, mission,
and purposes of Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont (GSMIT).

The Manager of Science Literacy and Research is directly responsible for
developing, implementing, and coordinating, science literacy, community
science, and research that support GSMIT’s education mission.

KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY
The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of
specific statements of the duties does not exclude them if the work
is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this position. Other
duties may be required and assigned by the supervisor.

Organizational Leadership
Provides vision, sets priorities, and creates an annual budget for
community science at Tremont.

Works with the Program Leadership Team to integrate science literacy
into GSMIT programs, including curricular design, lesson planning,
and alignment with learning standards.

Develops and coordinates summer science camps, including design and
implementation of curricula and field experiences. Maintains a role in
teaching and program supervision.

Hires, trains, and supervises summer science staff in coordination with
the Education Director and Human Resource Manager. Assists with hiring,
training and supervision of other program staff, especially as it relates
to their involvement in community science programs.

Oversees inventory of science equipment and tools

Science Literacy
Acts as a resource and thought partner for staff, including working
with Teacher Naturalists to meet their specific needs with regard to
the scientific understanding of our program content

Recruits, trains, and coordinates all science volunteers for Tremont

Leverages community science to invite communities who are
disproportionately affected by the lack of access to the National Park

Advances science communication through social media posts and videos,
blogs, an annual science report with data from our diverse community
science projects.

Informs development of science investigations for use in schoolyards
and other settings.

Research
In cooperation with park partners, National Park Service staff, and
researchers, coordinates the development and maintenance of all community
science projects (bird banding, phenology, salamander diversity, Monarch
tagging, bio-blitzes, etc.) at the Institute and leverages them to
achieve GSMIT strategic outcomes.

Responsible for data entry and quality control for all community science
and other research projects.

Analyzes and interprets research and monitoring to enrich our experiential
education courses.

Seeks relationships with universities or private partners to conduct
research. Ensures any project is also used as a pathway for education.

Oversees our bird banding station during summer months.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Develops and teaches classes and leads hikes and expeditions with youth
and adult programs as needed

Operates a motor vehicle to transport program participants or to conduct
other work activities.

Maintains up-to-date first aid training, minimum Wilderness First
Responder (provided by Institute)

Maintains an awareness of new techniques, practices, trends, and advances
in the profession; reads professional literature; maintains professional
affiliations; attends conferences, seminars, workshops, and training
sessions as appropriate.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's, preferably Master’s Degree, in the Biological Sciences or a
related field with 2-5 cumulative years experience in both research and
environmental education (preferably residential). Demonstrated ability
to plan and implement science-oriented education programs. Ability to
work with a variety of people and to build support of partners and
volunteers. Experience with field research procedures/protocols and
ability to oversee research projects. Experience with bird banding,
in particular, Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship (MAPS)
protocols is a plus. Applicants must be enthusiastic and committed
to the growth and facilitation of Natural History and placed-based
experiential education.

SALARY & BENEFITS:
$42-45K starting annual salary
Medical and dental insurance 
6% 401K retirement match
Paid professional development
Generous paid time off (Annual Leave, Sick Leave, and holidays).

Housing is not provided.

Deadline: Position begins early 2024. Applications accepted until position
is filled.

To Apply: Submit a completed application form,
resume, and thoughtful cover letter at our website
[https://gsmit.org/now-hiring-manager-of-science-literacy-and-research/]

Performance Aptitudes:
COMMUNICATION SKILLS: Requires the ability to listen well, speak
clearly, and express thoughts effectively. This position requires a
master communicator as they relate with large groups, small groups,
and individuals.

DEVELOPMENTAL SKILLS: Requires the ability to appropriately select and
mentor staff to support their growth.

INITIATIVE: Requires the ability to influence events rather than just
accept them.

LEADERSHIP SKILLS: Requires the ability to effectively create conditions
that will motivate and guide individuals towards task accomplishments
and a productive work environment.

PLANNING, ORGANIZATION, AND PROBLEM-SOLVING: Requires the ability to
establish and translate plans for the department that are consistent
with goals and priorities. Must have the ability to organize effectively
and systematically.

SAFETY: Requires the ability to monitor and model safe work habits.

TECHNICAL EXPERTISE: Ability to use or willingness to learn common tools
for data analysis, such as Excel or Google Sheets.

Vehicle Utilization: Requires possession and maintenance of a valid
Tennessee driver’s license.

Physical Ability: Tasks require the ability to exert moderate physical
effort in light work, typically involving some combination of stooping,
kneeling, crouching and crawling, and which may involve some lifting,
carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of moderate
weight (20-40 pounds). Must be able to hike while carrying a pack 10-15
miles in a day.

Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont is an Equal Opportunity
Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, GSMIT
will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with
disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to
discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

We encourage you to apply even if your experience is not a 100% match
with the position. We are looking for someone with relevant skills and
experience, not a checklist that exactly matches the job description. We
want to help you grow, and in return, you help us grow into a stronger,
more inclusive organization.

John DiDiego <jo...@gsmit.org>

(to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to
gol...@mcmaster.ca<mailto:gol...@mcmaster.ca>)

--

Important!  I check email once a day, and often not at all on weekends.  I will respond to your message.  Thank you for your patience.

Ellen E. Hostert, Ph.D. (she/her)
Professor of Biology
University of Maine at Machias
116 O'Brien Avenue
Machias, ME 04654
(207) 255-1301
ehos...@maine.edu