Conservation Action Coordinator

POSITION SUMMARY

Utah’s Hogle Zoo leads or participates in several conservation programs in Utah and globally. These programs involve such activities as ecological research and monitoring, habitat restoration, captive propagation and reintroduction of threated species, human-wildlife conflict mitigation, community-based conservation, and community science. The Conservation Action Coordinator plays a key role in supporting the Zoo’s conservation programs, including, but not limited to, the Jordan River Restoration Program, Wild Aware Utah partnership, and Western Toad Conservation Program. Hogle Zoo is also committed to operational sustainability and promoting sustainable business and lifestyle practices among its staff and guests. The Conservation Action Coordinator coordinates the Zoo’s on-grounds sustainability initiatives and interdepartmental Sustainability Committee, as well as facilitates the development of policies and practices to enhance operational sustainability. Other key responsibilities include coordinating internal and external communications for the Zoo’s community conservation programs and events and coordinating and supporting volunteers in the field, either independently or with other Conservation staff.  

Utah’s Hogle Zoo’s Mission: Create Champions for Wildlife

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP: Director of Conservation

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Demonstrate commitment to the mission and conservation efforts of Utah’s Hogle Zoo (UHZ).
2. Participate in the UHZ Conservation Department’s administrative activities and operations. 
3. Support communications associated with Zoo’s community conservation programs, including direct communications with volunteers and development of website and social media content (the latter in cooperation with the Advancement and Education Departments). 
4. Help supervise volunteers in the field for the Jordan River Restoration Program, Western Toad Conservation Program, and other Zoo community-engagement programs, as needed. Before each conservation event/activity, compile participant data and submit to the event supervisor.
5. Represent the Zoo and its conservation and sustainability initiatives at public outreach events on Zoo grounds and off-site. 
6. Coordinate the statewide Wild Aware Utah (WAU) program for the Zoo, including oversight of the website email account, meetings and communications, annual WAU Day at Hogle Zoo, and other WAU outreach events.
7. As needed, assist with field research, such as administering questionnaires, observing guest interactions during on-grounds programs, and recording habitat and wildlife data during field surveys. Assist with processing research data, such as trail-camera photos, acoustic audio files, and questionnaire feedback.
8. Investigate and recommend new tools, products, or processes to facilitate sustainability efforts and improve operational sustainability at Hogle Zoo, such as expanding recycling and composting efforts.
9. Track organizational resource consumption and conduct and help coordinate resource audits (e.g., waste, energy), as needed.
10. Coordinate meetings and communications of an interdepartmental UHZ Sustainability Committee. Work with Committee members to plan, launch, manage, and evaluate sustainability projects and campaigns.
11. Guide UHZ departmental teams on effective integration of sustainability practices in their departments’ operations.
12. Promote the greening of Zoo events, both on-grounds and off-site.
13. Compile data for the Green Practices report submitted annually to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
14. Help plan and coordinate visits, lectures, or other events associated with the Zoo’s local or global conservation partners. 
15. Track hours and document expenses associated with relevant programs, including staff and volunteer hours and purchases of equipment and supplies. 
16. Regularly check and manage email communications for the departmental Conservation email account. 
17. Perform other related duties as assigned.
18. Maintain strict confidentiality.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES 

Required

• Microsoft Office Suite
• Database tools (e.g., Excel spreadsheets)
• Strong communications skills (e.g., writing/email and speaking) 
• Excellent coordination and organizational skills
• Demonstrated human relations and interpersonal skills
• Valid driver’s license 

Preferred

• Multilingual (Spanish preferred)
• Social-science research design and data analysis 
• Interpersonal conflict-resolution skills
  
  

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE 

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline (e.g., anthropology, behavioral sciences, biology, conservation biology, ecology, environmental science, human dimensions of natural resources, psychology, sociology, sustainability, and wildlife science)
• Knowledge of and keen interest in the fields of sustainability and conservation
• Practical experience managing or supporting volunteer or public outreach events or projects

Preferred

• At least one year of applied work experience in the development and delivery of conservation or sustainability programs, with demonstrated growth and increasing responsibility
• Experience organizing and leading community-based and/or volunteer outreach programs

OTHER REQUIREMENTS FOR THIS POSITION 

• Support and promote the Zoo’s mission to create Champions for Wildlife
• Communicate with internal and external stakeholders professionally and effectively
• Apply critical thinking to analyze and solve problems
• Adhere to deadlines
• Manage stressful situations in a professional and calm manner
• Work well in teams and independently
• Work nights, weekends, and overtime, as needed
• Operate a motor vehicle safely
• Demonstrate a strong work ethic
• Follow written and verbal instructions

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The Conservation Action Coordinator will work in both office and outdoor settings. Part of their duties may involve spending time outdoors walking/hiking, at times in inclement weather or on uneven terrain. Physical tasks typically do not involve muscular strain, but commonly include walking, standing, bending, stooping, sitting, reaching, talking, hearing, and seeing. Common eye, hand, and finger dexterity is required to perform essential functions. May need to lift as much as 40 lbs. 

Utah’s Hogle Zoo is an equal opportunity employer that strives to create a welcoming environment for all.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

A resume/CV and a cover letter must be uploaded and submitted with each application. Applications without one or both of these documents will not be considered.  Apply on the Hogle Zoo website.