The San Juan Bay Estuary, or Estuary, is seeking to hire an Estuary Project Coordinator for Public Outreach and Education at the Condado Lagoon Estuarine Nature Reserve, to educate about the importance of the Lagoon and engage with its users and the general public.
Established in 1994, Estuary is an association whose mission is to restore and conserve the waters and associated ecosystems of the San Juan Bay Estuary (SBA) and its watershed to ensure the prosperity of our tropical ecosystems, the health of our communities, and the vitality of the economy in the San Juan Bay Estuary and its urban watershed. Estuary serves as a catalyst and facilitator, operating as a trusted, non-profit, science-based regional organization registered with the Puerto Rico Department of State. As part of the National Estuary Program, Estuary focuses on implementing the Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP) for the SBA.
In 2013, through Law No. 112, the Condado Lagoon was designated an estuarine reserve by the Government of Puerto Rico. This legislation established a commission for community management and the development of the Conservation Management Plan for the Condado Lagoon Estuarine Nature Reserve. The co-management of the lagoon is guided by this plan and is intended to address critical issues that hinder the sustainability of the management plan through actions related to coordination, education and awareness, monitoring and compliance, fiscal status, and water use management.
The Estuary Project Coordinator for Public Participation will work on the grounds of County Lagoon and conduct an ongoing education and awareness program emphasizing the importance of protecting and conserving the lagoon through activities and events. These activities will implement actions to restore and maintain the quality of County Lagoon and actively engage the public in water restoration.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Develop and implement an action plan approved by the Supervisor based on high usage times to represent the Estuary and conduct activities/events on the grounds of the County Lagoon.
- Identify, coordinate and carry out activities that advance the implementation of the CCMP and/or the Conservation Management Plan for the Laguna del Condado Estuarine Reserve.
- To inform, educate and engage the public about the restoration and ecological aspects of the County Lagoon during times of high use.
- Engage specific audiences (business owners, hotels, partner organizations, volunteers, outdoor recreation audiences, etc.) to participate in activities that emphasize the importance of protecting and conserving the County Lagoon for the San Juan Bay Estuary ecosystem in coordination with the Education team.
- Coordinate and conduct presentation events to share educational materials and interact with users of the Laguna and the general public.
- Conduct workshops/activities to learn about the flora and fauna in collaboration with the users of Laguna del Condado and the community.
- Coordinate meetings with the Friends of the Lagoon, including developing the agenda, sending invitations, booking the meeting space, assisting with the documentation of the meeting minutes, and exchanging relevant materials before the meeting.
- Coordinate with the Communications team to promote activities.
- Coordinate and carry out all Estuary Cinema events.
- Coordinate with all relevant stakeholders to ensure that activities/events have the required permits and/or documentation.
EXPERIENCE
- Proven work experience with environmental fieldwork, even in adverse conditions and following safety protocols
- Demonstrated work experience with practical restoration activities, including but not limited to school programs, leadership training, educational workshops, awareness-raising activities, and effective practical water conservation and restoration projects
COMPENSATION
In accordance with experience.
LANGUAGE REQUIRED:
Fully bilingual in English and Spanish.
HOW TO APPLY:
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and curriculum vitae/CV by email no later than October 4, 2023: [email protected] The email and cover letter should be addressed to Brenda Torres, Executive Director, and should specify the job title, “Estuary Project Coordinator - Outreach and Education,” in the subject line.
Funding source: EPA 320 Grant 29
The EBSJ Conservation Corporation provides equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. MBE/WBE and other certified minority and small businesses are encouraged to apply.
