IERC Outreach Coordinator & HOC Staff Ornithologist

Organizational Summary: Integral Ecology Research Center (IERC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to wildlife conservation and ecosystem health through scientific research. Our mission is to perform ecological research and compile, organize, and disseminate the results of this research to increase scientific knowledge for the public, advance the management and conservation of wildlife species and their communities, and enhance overall ecosystem health and conservation.

position Summary: IERC seeks a motivated, collaborative, and community-oriented person to serve a dual role as IERC’s Outreach Coordinator and staff ornithologist with the Humboldt Ornithology Collective (HOC). This position provides an opportunity for an environmental professional to play a meaningful role in elevating IERC’s presence in both the broader community and the scientific community at large, while contributing directly to a growing ornithological research and education program in partnership with Cal Poly Humboldt.

The Outreach Coordinator plays a central role in advancing IERC’s mission by building and sustaining meaningful relationships with funders, community partners, and the public. This position sits at the intersection of science communication, relationship management, and donor stewardship.

This role serves as the primary steward of IERC’s external voice, ensuring that the organization’s scientific work is communicated clearly, consistently, and compellingly across all audiences. The position requires experience in organizational development and communications, preferably in a nonprofit setting.

The Humboldt Ornithology Collective (HOC) is a university-linked research and education consortium anchored at Cal Poly Humboldt with other ecological partners including IERC. HOC’s mission is to become the West Coast’s leading center for ornithological science, workforce training, and applied conservation education.

Under the general direction of their supervisor, the Outreach Coordinator/staff ornithologist will support outreach and communications, participate in community engagement, manage bird banding stations near Humboldt Bay, gather and manage biological data. The duration of the project is estimated to be one year, with anticipated grant-funded extension into future years.

Minimum Educational Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Wildlife Management, Natural Resources, Environmental Science, Ecology, Communications or a closely related field.

Minimum Qualifications

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Access, PowerPoint).
• Familiarity with Canva or other graphic design software.
• Proven skills in written and verbal communication, including experience preparing materials for diverse public audiences.
• Must be able to periodically navigate remote terrain as an integral part of field work documentation.
• Ability and willingness to travel occasionally, for up to 3 nights at a time.
• Ability to pass a pre-employment background check and drug screening.
• Demonstrated experience with community outreach, stakeholder engagement, public events, or partner communications in a professional or organizational setting.
• Demonstrated experience with social media management, digital content creation, or organizational communications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Curriculum development, training facilitation, or workforce development experience.
• Experience with donor relations and/or fundraising software platforms.
• Experience working with Tribal nations, land management agencies, or multi-agency environmental partnerships.
• Experience developing organizational communications strategies that connect multiple program areas into a unified public narrative.

IERC Benefits Package:

• Paid Time Off
• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance (50% Employer match)
• FSA and/or CDFSA
• 403(b) Retirement Program (5% Employer match)
• Health and Wellness Reimbursement Program ($800 annually)
• Winter Holiday PTO (Additional 32 hours of PTO)