ESA Science Programs Specialist

Title: Program Specialist

Department: Office of Science Programs

Supervisor: Associate Director of Science Programs

Classification: Full time, Temporary, Non-exempt

About ESA

The Ecological Society of America, founded in 1915, is the worldÃf¢ÒÂEURÃ’Â(tm)s largest community of professional ecologists and a trusted source of ecological knowledge, committed to advancing the understanding of life on Earth. The Society publishes five journals and a membership bulletin and broadly shares ecological information through policy, media outreach, and education initiatives.

About ESAÃf¢ÒÂEURÃ’Â(tm)s Office of Science Programs

We connect the research and management communities, support the use of science to inform decision making and build capacity among scientists by:

Training: We offer workshops and courses to help scientists gain the skills they need to navigate changes in funding, policy, and technology.

Facilitating engagement: We connect ESA members with agencies that require ecological knowledge and expertise.

Synthesizing information: We help make ecology more accessible to managers and the public.

Facilitating peer review: We help agencies conduct peer reviews of scientific studies and programs that agencies use to support decision making.

Position Overview

ESA seeks an energetic candidate with strong organizational and communication skills to provide administrative and logistical support for a variety of programs in the Office of Science Programs (e.g. ESAÃf¢ÒÂEURÃ’Â(tm)s Sustaining Biological Infrastructure Training Initiative, and the Panel on Vegetation Classification). A basic background in and appreciation for ecology, biology, and/or environmental sciences is desired.

The Program Specialist will work with the Associate Director of Science Programs to organize and manage special ESA meetings, workshops, and training events that will bring scientists together on a wide range of topics. Additional duties may include taking notes, updating websites, taking photos and creating promotional materials, and tracking budget information. There may be opportunities to network with scientists in a variety of disciplines and contribute to workshop/grant reports and presentations.

Responsibilities

Organization and planning: assist with meeting and workshop planning to ensure events run smoothly; manage onsite logistical details for events, including a/v, room setup, printed materials, and timekeeping; schedule and manage conference calls for working groups.

Communications and writing: take effective and concise notes during conference calls and events; contribute to workshop and meeting reports and presentations; liaise with workshop and meeting participants as needed through email, phone, and in-person communication; help draft and proofread grant proposals and reports.

Outreach and marketing: create and refine outreach materials for Science Office programs; this may include email campaigns, flyers, website updates, liaising with ESAÃf¢ÒÂEURÃ’Â(tm)s Public Affairs office regarding social media updates, and creating/editing videos.

Data entry: act as the point of contact for travel reimbursements; monitor and report on travel budgets.

Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

BachelorÃf¢ÒÂEURÃ’Â(tm)s degree, with a strong interest or experience in environmental studies, ecology, or a related field

Well-organized, detail-oriented, and able to handle multiple tasks

Excellent written and oral communication skills

Excellent interpersonal skills

Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Basic computer skills, including working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite

Willing to perform data entry and other basic tasks

Preferred Qualifications

Project management experience

Meeting facilitation experience in face-to-face and/or online environments

Experience with Microsoft Publisher, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Asana, and/or Google Classroom

Experience with WordPress and/or basic HTML skills

Experience managing social media accounts (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram)

Individuals are encouraged to apply even if they donÃf¢ÒÂEURÃ’Â(tm)t meet 100% of these preferred qualifications.

This is a temporary [August 1, 2020, to June 30, 2021] full-time position based in ESAÃf¢ÒÂEURÃ’Â(tm)s downtown Washington, DC office, with occasional travel involved and remote work permitted. The position pays $18-$22 per hour, based on experience/qualifications, and is contingent on grant funding.

Please email a cover letter and resume, combined in one pdf file, to sbi@esa.org with Ãf¢ÒÂEURÃ’ÂoeProgram SpecialistÃf¢ÒÂEURҝ in the subject line. Applications are due Friday, June 12th. Interviews for shortlisted candidates will be conducted in early July. The position is open until filled.

ESA is an Equal Opportunity employer. We sincerely encourage individuals of all identities, experiences, and backgrounds to apply.

Ecological Society of America

1990 M Street NW, Suite 700

Washington, DC 20036