Program Associate ECOLOGY PROJECT INTERNATIONAL
Ecology Project International (EPI) seeks a Program Associate who will manage and implement EPIs Costa Rica Sea Turtle Ecology Program from EPIs offices in Missoula, Montana and Costa Rica. Guided by local scientists, EPI introduces students to authentic scientific study, raises cultural and ecological awareness, and promotes international cooperation. Our project site in Costa Rica consists of 6 km of beaches that support endangered leatherback and green sea turtles nesting during our March - August field season. During this field season, more than 500 visiting Costa Rican and U.S. students and their teachers participate in a residential field ecology course focused on the monitoring and protection of the nesting sea turtles. This program is administered in partnership with the Pacuare Reserve and the Endangered Wildlife Trust of England who jointly oversee the research and land management. EPI also runs residential field program in Mexico, Ecuador and the United States. See www.ecologyproject.org for more details. Responsibilities: The Program Associate will: - manage and implement EPIs Sea Turtle Ecology Program from Missoula Montana with some travel to Costa Rica at times during the field season (December August); - ensure high quality and effectiveness of program content and delivery while striving for operational efficiency; - Recruit, hire, inspire, train, develop, guide and supervise instructor staff and programming personnel, and ensure collaboration and proper coordination with the rest of the staff; - Oversee and help develop the programs budget; monitor spending; ensure the timely negotiations and execution of client contracts; - Work with other staff to develop effective strategies for fundraising, student recruitment, pricing, promotions and program content; help identify potential fee- and income-producing opportunities; - Identify, prioritize and pursue professional-development opportunities that produce highest return for resources spent; stay fluent in best practices as they apply to sea turtle conservation and environmental education; - Collaborate with Executive Director, board, and senior staff to ensure strategic plan is executed and revised; - Evaluate existing and potentially new education and program offerings and ensure that program content is aligned with current proficiency requirements when appropriate; - Collaborate with other nonprofits, government agencies, foundations and businesses to achieve EPIs mission and goals; - Oversee any and all special projects assigned by the Executive Director and designated as high priority; - Maintain good humor and apply professional, common-sense solutions to everyday challenges. This position demands a high degree of organization and attention to detail, supervisory and management skills, finance and budget experience, strong Spanish and English language skills, familiarity with Costa Rica, and the ability to work independently on a variety of challenging issues. Qualifications: Required: · Two or more years experience in a program-delivery, logistics planning, and / or educational management position of an environmental or educational institution · A desire and commitment to make a difference in the world; · Demonstrated ability to develop plans and timelines and follow through to completion · Experience selecting, leading, developing, and inspiring a diverse team of staff and volunteers, esp. from a distance · Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, ability to multi- task, adapt to change, to work independently, to prioritize effectively; · Excellent oral and written communication skills; · Strong computer skills, esp. MS Word, Excel, and Outlook; PageMaker and Access a plus · Experience with budgeting and accounting; · Masters degree or equivalent work experience in a related field; · English and Spanish fluency; · Experience living and working in Latin America, especially Costa Rica; · Creative thinker and active outdoors-person · Practices environmental stewardship Preferred: · Experience with fundraising and donor relations; · Field research experience, especially sea turtles; · Knowledge of and familiarity with Costa Rica, especially the Caribbean slope; · Wilderness First Responder and CPR certifications. Closing date for applications is September 24, 2006 Compensation: This is a salaried position with benefits including medical and dental insurance, paid vacation and optional unpaid leave of up to two weeks per year. Dates: This is a full-time year-round position with Ecology Project International starting in October, 2006. If interested, please download a job application (MS Word or PDF format) from www.ecologyproject.org and email, send, or fax the application, along with a resume, cover letter, and three references to: Ecology Project International Attn. Program Associate Hiring P.O. Box 9192 Missoula, MT 59807 [EMAIL PROTECTED] (406) 721-7060 fax
