Wildlife Project Coorindator

SUMMARY                                                                                                                                           

The Wildlife Project Coordinator runs long-term wildlife monitoring and conservation projects that protect Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve and advance regional knowledge. They report to the Senior Science Program Manager and coordinate volunteers to plan, coordinate, and lead wildlife conservation projects in the Preserve and the broader region. They bring expertise in wildlife biology, conservation, and ecology, along with a commitment to working collaboratively with volunteers and effectively communicating with the broader community.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Scientific Projects 

• Sonoran Desert Tortoise tracking and health assessments
• Bat monitoring and health assessments
• Bird, butterfly, and ground-dwelling arthropod diversity monitoring
• Wildlife monitoring using motion-triggered cameras
• Additional wildlife-focused projects as determined by conservation priorities

Project Coordination 

• Collaborate with the science team and volunteers to implement wildlife monitoring and research in Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve and surrounding areas.
• Ensure field collections, data management, and reporting adhere to professional standards.
• Oversee data collection, mapping, and analyses in ArcGIS, Microsoft Excel, and other platforms.
• Manage wildlife databases in Microsoft Excel, ArcGIS, Survey 123, and other platforms.
• Ensure all project protocols are clearly documented and accessible to volunteers and outside organizations.
• Oversee project logistics, including protocols, equipment, data collection, and training.
• Support management of permits and report writing.
• Track activities, review project outputs, maintain quality control across all projects.

Volunteer and Community Engagement

• Manage teams of volunteers to plan, prepare for, and accomplish data collection on assigned projects.
• Work with Senior Science Manager to create annual project implementation plans that accomplish overall conservation goals.
• Cultivate a culture of collaboration, respect, continuous learning, and openness to new ideas.
• Support Senior Science Program Manager and communication staff in developing articles for media and newsletters.
• Present on research projects and topics of expertise to a wide variety of audiences including scientists, donors, community groups and the general public.
• Participate in Conservancy events including education, volunteer recognition, and fundraising events.
• Participate in collaboration with scientists and partner organizations.

Other duties, as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS                                                                                                                

• Bachelor’s degree focusing on conservation, biology, wildlife ecology, or closely related field.
• Two or more years of biological/ecological fieldwork experience, including leading field crews, interns, or volunteers.
• Experience conducting scientific research (incl. design, implementation, data analysis, and reporting) preferred.
• Proficiency in using mapping software like ArcGIS online and related apps (Field Maps, Survey 123) for data collection, mapping and analysis.
• Experience handling animals, telemetry tracking, and wildlife camera management preferred.
• Commitment to being part of a dynamic and collaborative team.
• Familiarity with Sonoran Desert plant and animal life preferred.
• Ability to work effectively with volunteers, inspiring them to engage and advocate for conservation work.
• Must have exceptional attention to detail, able to multitask, be organized, fast, efficient, skilled at prioritizing and meeting deadlines and excel in a fast-paced environment with the ability to keep a positive outlook under pressure.
• A valid driver’s license and access to reliable

Working Conditions

Work is performed in an office setting as well as outdoors. Some local travel to meetings is required. Ability to navigate difficult terrain during fieldwork and safely lift at least 20 pounds