The Estuario is seeking qualified applicants to serve as Estuario Project Coordinator for Public Engagement efforts dedicated to representing the Estuario at the Condado Lagoon on weekends and other high usage times.
The San Juan Bay Estuary Program (Estuario) is a private non-profit organization that designs, implements, and provides restorative maintenance in order to improve the water quality and ecosystems within its eight municipalities. Estuario’s mission is to restore and conserve the water quality in the Estuario de la Bahía de San Juan ecosystem as a sustainable hub of social and economic development.
Estuario is the only tropical estuary in the National Estuary Program, providing not only environmental and resiliency programs, but also educational and recreational activities that support thriving communities.
The Estuario’s work is guided by the development and implementation of the Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP). In collaboration with local, state, and federal agencies, NGOs, academic, and business leaders, the Estuario works to restore and conserve water quality in the San Juan Bay Estuary ecosystem. The Estuario works to build partnerships and leverage federal funding for regional-scale restoration, water quality improvement, and resilience-building projects.
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 Reserve. The co-management of the lagoon is guided by this plan and is meant to attend to the critical issues impeding the sustainability of the management plan through actions related to Coordination, Education and Awareness, Vigilance and Compliance, Fiscal status, and Ordinate of Aquatic Uses.
The Estuario Project Coordinator for Public Engagement will work onsite at the Condado Lagoon and carry out an ongoing education and awareness program emphasizing the importance of protecting and conserving the Lagoon through activities and events. These activities will implement actions that restore and conserve the quality of the Condado Lagoon and actively engage the public in water restoration.
The successful applicant will have demonstrated knowledge and working experience with designing, developing and managing on-the-ground habitat restoration projects. They will have strong intrapersonal and communication skills to successful work with Estuario staff, contractors, as well as stakeholders and users of the Condado Lagoon to implement and coordinate restoration and education/awareness activities held on site. The ideal candidate is energetic, collaborative, organized, self-directed, and focused.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Represent the Estuario at the Condado Lagoon during weekends (Saturday, Sunday, and some Fridays), holidays, and other high usage times
- Inform, educate, and engage the public around restoration and ecological aspects of the Condado Lagoon
- Identify, coordinate, and carry out activities that would advance the implementation of the CCMP and the Conservation Management Plan for the Condado Lagoon Estuarine Reserve
- Develop and share educational material for targeted audiences (business owners, partner organizations, volunteers, outdoor recreation audiences, etc) that emphasizes the importance of the protecting and conserving the Laguna and estuary waters to the ecosystem
- Coordinate and carry out tabling events to share educational materials and engage with the users of the Lagoon and the general public
- Coordinate and carry out CineEstuario events throughout the year
- Support the implementation of work plans by carrying out outputs/deliverables related to the position
QUALIFICATIONS
EXPERIENCE
- Demonstrated work experience with environmental fieldwork including in inclement conditions and following safety protocols
- Demonstrated work experience with hands-on restoration activities, including but not limited to school programs, leadership training, educational workshops, awareness-raising activities, and effective hands-on water conservation and restoration projects
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Demonstrated knowledge of the principles and practices of communicating scientific and technical concepts and ideas to audiences of mixed knowledge and expertise regarding ecological aspects of estuarine restoration and conservation
- Position requires a high degree of independence
- Strong interpersonal skills allowing the ability to work with many personalities while always showing respect for differing opinions and experiences
- Skills communicating verbally and in writing with a variety of people or organizations to answer questions and explain information, policies, regulations, decisions, or actions
- Skills working in a team environment with an understanding of roles and responsibilities of team members
- Be adaptable to changes in workload
- Maintain high level of professionalism
- Provide exceptional customer service
- Enjoying work outside and doesn’t mind working in inclement weather conditions
- Comfortable on water in kayaks, paddleboards, and other watercraft
- Must be detailed-oriented and able to manage multiple responsibilities
- Good negotiator and problem solver, with experience in a fast-paced work environment
- Ability to work in a collaborative, team-based environment
- Ability to prioritize time efficiently, work independently and manage competing priorities
- Computer literacy in Microsoft Office, cloud-based data access and share software such as Google Drive, and other software such as Adobe, etc required
- Provide their own personal computer and transportation
COMPENSATION
Commensurate with experience.
LANGUAGE REQUIRED:
Fully bilingual in English and Spanish.
HOW TO APPLY:
Interested candidates please submit a cover letter and resume/CV: [email protected]. The email and cover letter must be directed to Brenda Torres, Executive Director, and must specify in the subject the title of the position, «Estuario Project Coordinator -Public Engagement».
Source of funding: EPA 320 Grant 28
The Corporation for the Conservation of the SJBE provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or genetics. MBE/WBE and other certified minorities and small businesses are encouraged to apply.
