CHNEP Conservation Specialist

CHNEP Conservation Specialist

As a CHNEP Conservation Specialist, you play a vital role in protecting and restoring Southwest Florida's estuaries while inspiring others to become environmental stewards. Your work directly supports the Coastal & Heartland National Estuary Partnership's mission through education, outreach, community engagement, and conservation initiatives.

In this role, you will:

• Connect communities to conservation
• Lead engaging public events, workshops, and trainings that help residents understand and protect our region's natural resources.
• Bring science to life
• Translate environmental science into meaningful stories and educational content through social media, videos, publications, presentations, and outreach campaigns.
• Inspire the next generation
• Develop hands-on environmental education activities and presentations that spark curiosity and encourage stewardship among diverse audiences.
• Empower volunteers and partners
• Coordinate volunteers, support citizen engagement programs, and collaborate with community partners to expand conservation impact throughout the region.
• Support restoration and research
• Contribute to environmental restoration projects and conservation initiatives that improve the health of local waterways, habitats, and wildlife.
• Be a trusted community resource
• Serve as a welcoming ambassador for CHNEP by responding to public inquiries, sharing information, and helping people connect with conservation opportunities.

The impact you'll make

Every event you organize, every volunteer you inspire, and every educational experience you create helps build a more informed, engaged, and environmentally responsible community. Your efforts will help protect our estuaries, strengthen conservation partnerships, and ensure a healthier future for Southwest Florida's natural resources.

Join us and help educate, engage, inspire, and protect the places that make our region unique.

Education and credentials that power this role

Education and experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Conservation Biology, Environmental Studies/Sciences, or Environmental Policy
• An equivalent combination of relevant training, education, and experience will be considered

Licenses and/or certifications:

• Must maintain a valid driver's license.

Your purpose & day-to-day journey

As a CHNEP Conservation Specialist, you serve as a bridge between science and community. Your purpose is to transform environmental knowledge into meaningful experiences that educate, inspire, and empower residents, volunteers, partners, and visitors to become active stewards of Southwest Florida's natural resources.

Through communication, collaboration, and creative outreach, you help advance conservation efforts while fostering a deeper understanding of the region's estuaries, watersheds, wildlife, and habitats.

Your day-to-day journey

Each day brings opportunities to connect people with nature and conservation. You will:

• Communicate scientific and environmental concepts in ways that are engaging, accessible, and meaningful to audiences with diverse backgrounds and levels of expertise.
• Design and deliver hands-on educational activities, presentations, and outreach experiences that inspire learning and environmental stewardship.
• Coordinate logistics for outreach programs, including scheduling, materials preparation, curriculum updates, and event support to ensure successful public engagement opportunities.
• Build positive relationships with volunteers, community members, partner organizations, and stakeholders through professional, welcoming, and collaborative interactions.
• Research environmental topics and translate technical information into clear written materials, presentations, reports, and educational resources.
• Utilize technology and communication tools to support outreach efforts, maintain records, distribute information, and evaluate program effectiveness.
• Plan, organize, and support meetings, workshops, trainings, and community events that further CHNEP's conservation and education goals.
• Exercise sound judgment, organization, and problem-solving skills while managing multiple priorities and projects.
• Collaborate with colleagues and partners to develop innovative approaches that expand community awareness and participation in conservation initiatives.
• Produce high-quality written communications that are accurate, well-organized, and tailored to a variety of audiences.
• Review information, educational materials, and outreach products to ensure consistency, quality, and alignment with CHNEP goals.

The difference you make

By combining environmental knowledge, communication skills, and community engagement, you help create informed citizens, stronger partnerships, and lasting conservation outcomes. Your work directly contributes to protecting and restoring the natural resources that make Southwest Florida a vibrant place to live, work, and enjoy for generations to come.

Extra details you should know

Physical demands: The work is sedentary work which requires exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Physical abilities required: Sitting or standing for sustained periods of time, lifting, hearing, visual acuity, reaching, talking, and manual dexterity.

Work environment: Work is performed in a relatively safe, and secure work environment.

Risk/safety conditions: The position requires no exposure or risk related to physical and/or mental health and safety.

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