Science & Conservation Programs Coordinator Center for Plant Conservation
Location: Remote (USA)
Salary: $60,000 to $67,000 per year
Status: Full-time
About the Organization: Founded in 1984, the Center for Plant Conservation (CPC) is a leading authority on science-based best plant conservation practices with the mission to safeguard rare plants by advancing science-based conservation practices, connecting and empowering plant conservationists, and inspiring all to protect biodiversity for future generations. CPC serves as the hub of a one-of-a-kind network, uniting plant conservationists from 85 botanical gardens, arboreta, and other plant-focused organizations that collaboratively work to save the most rare and endangered plants of the United States, its territories, and Canada, throughout their native range.
Position Overview:
The Science & Conservation Programs Coordinator will play a vital role in the implementation and management of science and conservation programs at the Center for Plant Conservation, moving CPC’s programs from planning to execution while working with partners throughout the Network. The successful candidate will be experienced in project management and be responsible for grant program management, program development, meeting organization, and database oversight, among other duties. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the protection of plant biodiversity in Canada and the United States, and plant conservation science globally. The ideal candidate will combine strong project management skills with a background in plant conservation or a related scientific discipline. While primarily focused on program coordination, the role will also include occasional opportunities to participate in plant conservation research, including contributions to scientific publications.
Key Responsibilities: Grant Program Coordination and Reporting:
- Coordinate grant programs from inception to reporting, ensuring compliance with grant requirements and deadlines.
- Create and track subcontracts and deliverables for partners participating in grant programs
- Prepare comprehensive reports on grant-funded projects, documenting progress and outcomes for stakeholders and funders.
- Interface as needed with personnel from grant-making government agencies.
- Review invoices from CPC subcontractors to ensure collections data and content meet grant requirements. Program Development:
- In collaboration with senior program staff, coordinate the development of new conservation programs and initiatives in alignment with CPC's mission and strategic goals. Database Oversight and Development:
- Collaborate with CPC staff and web developers to maintain and improve the organization's data tools, including but not limited to, the National Collection database, CPC Reintroduction Database, and Regional Seed Banking Modules.
- Interface with CPC staff and partners to ensure data resources are up to date and fulfilling partner needs. Production of Data Reports:
- Generate data reports for presentations, grant proposals, and other communication materials.
- Ensure accuracy and clarity in data presentation to support decision-making and fundraising efforts. Meeting Organization and Planning:
- Coordinate logistics for stakeholder meetings, including scheduling, preparation, minute taking, and participant communication as applicable to grant program needs and deliverables.
- Manage the development of meeting agendas and materials, ensuring all relevant topics are covered.
- Provide support for the CPC National Meeting, to include but not limited to program development, speaker coordination, and logistics planning. Plant Conservation Science:
- Participate in plant conservation research, as program priorities and workload allow, in collaboration with the Director of Science and Conservation and partner institutions.
- Review and synthesize literature and analyze conservation data to inform research, program development, and conservation practice.
- Contribute to the preparation and authorship of scientific manuscripts, technical reports, and presentations. Experience, Qualifications & Required Skills:
Required Qualifications:- Bachelor’s degree in project management, biology or related field.
- Minimum of three years of job experience in a relevant field.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Experience coordinating projects involving multiple partners or stakeholders.
- Experience managing deadlines and deliverables across multiple concurrent projects.
- Ability to work independently in a remote or hybrid environment.
- Ability to exercise sound judgment, prioritize competing demands, identify problems, and take initiative to move projects forward with appropriate consultation from senior staff.
- Demonstrated ability to translate scientific information into clear written and verbal communications.
Preferred Qualifications:- Master's degree in project management, biology or related field.
- Proficiency in a data management platform, (e.g. MS Access, Airtable, botanical collections databases), and in data analysis (using e.g. R or Python).
- Familiarity with SQL for querying, retrieving, and updating data in relational databases (using e.g. MySQL, SQLPro).
- Experience working collaboratively with scientists, conservation practitioners, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, or other external partners. Physical demands and Mobility Requirements: Ability to tolerate sustained sitting, walking and standing as well as reaching with hands and arms
Close visual acuity (reading, laptop use) ability to discern colors
Hearing and distinguishing speech (in person, telephone, video calls)
Ability to verbally communicate and express ideas orally
Fine motor skills for keyboarding
Limited ability to move light objects (less than 25 pounds)
Must be able to perform all essential functions of the role with or without reasonable accommodation
Work Environment:- This position will operate remotely; the employee’s home address / home office will be used as their official work location for tax and benefit purposes.· This role will require occasional travel, including overnight stays, to national events which will take place multiple times throughout the year (i.e. CPC Board meetings, CPC National Meeting, other professional conferences).· This is a full time (40 hours per week) exempt role that may require occasional extended hours or attendance outside of normal business hours.
Additional Information:- This position may require the employee to undergo appropriate background checks as a condition of initial or ongoing employment.· Job duties for this position may change based on business needs.
Benefits:- CPC offers a competitive benefits package including health insurance, retirement contributions, generous paid time off and opportunities for professional development.
- To Apply:
- To apply, please submit an unabridged resume and cover letter. Application review will be on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
- The Center for Plant Conservation is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued and respected.
