Coordinator for Conservation in Prisons Program and Native Seed Partnership

The Institute for Applied Ecology is a mission-driven non-profit organization that works to restore species and save ecosystems. Founded in 1999, IAE fills a unique niche in conservation and works with a diverse group of partners to conserve native species and habitats through restoration, research and education. Our team of botanists, ecologists, educators, and restoration professionals advances our mission across the western U.S. from our headquarters in Corvallis, Oregon and our branch office in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Position Summary

The Coordinator in this position brings a diverse skillset and strong fortitude to deliver native plant production, ecological education, and partnership coordination.

This position will provide daily operational oversight of native plant production at the Wyoming Honor Farm (WHF), deliver ecological education to adults-in-custody and other community groups, and coordinate the growing Wyoming Seed Partnership, helping deliver conservation value through native species propagation, ecological awareness, and increasing conservation capacity.

The Coordinator will maintain collaborative relationships with key partners (prisons, state and federal agencies, nonprofits, private firms, etc.), create project plans, and implement actions to achieve desired project outcomes.

The Coordinator will be part of IAE’s Northwest Plant Materials Program, contributing to the program and IAE beyond the specific scope of the position. A significant degree of creativity and latitude is required.

Special Note: The majority of this work takes place in a men’s, minimum-status correctional facility, and requires you to supervise and work alongside the adults-in-custody (AICs) without Department of Corrections (DOC) staff supervision. Please be aware that while in this position, you will be alone with male AICs and exposed to the general population not on your crew. IAE and partners will provide training and assistance to increase your familiarity and comfort in this environment, including DOC-provided safety training.

Specific Responsibilities

• Plant Production:
  • Manage native plant growing operations at Wyoming Honor Farm.
  • Supervise and guide incarcerated crews in growing plugs of multiple species of native plants for use in restoration. Crews (typically 2-5 individuals) are responsible for sowing, thinning, fertilizing, watering, and maintaining plants (up to ~30,000) on a daily basis.
  • Provide on-site management at least twice per week during the growing season
  • Coordinate seed acquisition; plan and order supplies throughout the season to ensure successful growth.
  • Connect with partners on the status of growing operations throughout the season, informing them of important milestones and any issues with the plants.
  • Develop and maintain key partnerships involved in this work, including state agencies, private environmental consulting firms, and nonprofit organizations.
• Ecological Education and Outreach:
  • Deliver educational lessons to adults-in-custody and other community groups.
  • Lead development and delivery of educational content to adults-in-custody and middle school students, following pre-established curriculum.
  • Conduct tours, workshops, and presentations for funders, partners, and the public, as requested.
  • Contribute to blogs and newsletters about the project.
• Seed Partnership:
  • Coordinate the Wyoming Seed Partnership (WYSP) with multiple partners.
  • Facilitate, plan, and coordinate partner meetings in collaboration with co-coordinators (The Nature Conservancy).
  • Engage partners to identify species for native seed increase.
  • Assist with development of WYSP projects and programs.
  • Design outreach materials and social media posts for volunteer events.
  • Assist partners with wild seed collection.
  • Communicate with WYSP partners including emails and reports.
• Grant Management:
  • Edit existing documents and reports, generate new reports and other written reports, and contribute to blogs/newsletters with guidance/support from supervisor.
  • Assist with grants/proposal narratives and/or budgets as requested.
• Other duties as assigned, which may include things such as:
  • Assist with other departmental and IAE projects as requested and participate in inter-department programs.
  • Participate in monthly IAE all-staff meetings and program meetings.
  • Potential to participate in conferences/workshops as schedule and funding allows.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in ecology, biology, communications, education, horticulture, or related field with three years of post-degree experience.
• Positive attitude with excellent oral and written communication skills, including experience developing and maintaining relationships with partners and colleagues.
• Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects/deadlines at once.
• Ability to create outreach materials designed for multiple audiences, including the scientific community, general public, and young students.
• Experience growing plants in a horticultural setting, or a willingness to learn specific plant needs required for this position.
• Experience creating and delivering educational content in formal and/or non-formal settings.
• Interest/enthusiasm for engaging incarcerated individuals in valuable restoration work while maintaining clear boundaries with participants.
• Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and Zoom.
• Good physical condition and ability to work long hours at the correctional facility with minimal to no supervision.
• Current U.S. driver’s license and clean driving record.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a carceral setting or with incarcerated individuals (youth or adults).
• Knowledge of or experience with social/environmental/restorative justice.
• Experience ordering materials needed for growing operations, such as soil, soil amendments, seeds and seedlings, gardening supplies, etc.
• Creation of budgets and/or grant proposals.
• Experience creating outreach materials, using Canva, Adobe, or another design platform.
• Training in trauma-informed teaching strategies.

Physical Challenges

• Ability to work long hours in a correctional facility in varying weather conditions.
• Must be able to lift/move 25 pounds.
• Ability to remain in a stationary position, often sitting or standing for prolonged periods.