Sagebrush in Prisons Project Coordinator

About The Institute for Applied Ecology

The Institute for Applied Ecology (IAE) is a non-profit founded in 1999 with a mission to conserve native species and habitats through restoration, research, and education. Our vision is a world where all people and wildlands are healthy and interact positively, biological diversity flourishes, and environmental challenges are met with a social commitment to solving problems with scientific principles.

IAE values diversity and equity, and we encourage applications from all groups of people. We recognize that the strength of IAE is in our people, and we believe that every employee has the right to work in surroundings that are free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment. IAE does not and will not discriminate in employment and personnel practices, and our commitment to equal employment opportunity applies to every aspect of the employment relationship.

Studies have shown that Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC), women and other marginalized groups are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications as described in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and qualifications for the role.

Incomplete applications will not be accepted. IAE will not sponsor H1B visas. Non-U.S. residents must also include a copy of their work visa.

Closing date: Open until filled.

Number of available positions: 1

Location: Lander, WY and Riverton, WY (some travel required)

Status: Full-time, Salaried

Compensation: $27.00

Start date: 3/17/2025

End date: Employment term is 1 year, currently working to extend position for 2-3 years.

About the role

The Institute for Applied Ecology (appliedeco.org) is seeking to hire a full-time Sagebrush in Prisons and Native Seed Partnership Coordinator, level 2, to lead our sagebrush growing efforts at the Wyoming Honor Farm and establish and maintain a native seed network in Wyoming. The position is based in Lander, WY, but occasional travel is required. The person in this role will be responsible for managing the crew that is responsible for growing around 31,000 sagebrush plugs for various partners in Wyoming. They will also be responsible for coordinating and maintaining a native seed network within the state of Wyoming. Other aspects of the position include providing lessons to incarcerated crews and occasionally to schools and maintaining various partnerships within and outside of IAE.

Specific Responsibilities

• Manage the Sagebrush in Prisons Project within the Wyoming Honor Farm. This includes building and maintaining connections with partners and funders. Adapt to changing project needs and conditions.
• Be the go-to expert in propagation of plants in the project including all aspects of plant growth and development including sowing, watering regimes, daily plant care, Integrated Pest Management, seed collections, data collection, and prep for plant outs.
• Design and deliver classroom and field trip lessons to prison audiences, develop curriculum, design and manage educational evaluations, and process, analyze, and report data.
• Serves as point of contact for Wyoming seed partnership (WYSP) members to build and maintain relationships with federal, state and local, and nonprofit entities whose work overlaps with the partnership.
• Develop and write reports, newsletters, and publications with support from supervisor; effectively communicate in appropriate format to multiple audiences and write for blogs and websites in English. Coordinate with WYDOC officials for press releases.
• Coordinate and facilitate seed partnership, subcommittee, and individual partner meetings.
• Engage stakeholders to identify species for native seed increase.
• Assist with the development of a strategic plan for regional plant materials.
• Coordinate and track partner seed production, tracking or trading with potential to build sales models.

Minimum Qualifications

• A minimum of two years of educational teaching (formal or informal) experience.
• A strong background in biology/ecology related field, including experience in native plant propagation.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Positive attitude and proficient oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Google Suite.
• Able to pass the Department of Corrections background check.
• Current U.S. driver’s license.
• Ability to lift 25 pounds.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with incarcerated people, or other marginalized groups.
• Background in marketing or economics.
• Knowledge of restoration organizations and seed-based restoration.
• Understanding of native plant genetics and local adaptation.
• Strong creativity skills.
• Bilingual in English/Spanish.
• Experience with ArcGIS or other ESRI software.