Sagebrush Propagation and Education Technician

The Institute for Applied Ecology (appliedeco.org) is hiring a part-time Education Technician to lead our Sagebrush in Prisons Project at Deer Ridge Correctional Institute in Madras, OR. This is a regular, part-time position, averaging 20 hours per week annually. More hours may be required in spring and fall, and fewer hours in the summer and winter months.

This position oversees the propagation of roughly 50,000 sagebrush plants, grown from seed and planted by our partners in restoration sites across the region. The educational component of this position involves developing and delivering lessons to the sagebrush crew on relevant ecology and conservation topics.

The Institute for Applied Ecology (IAE) is a dynamic nonprofit organization founded in 1999 whose mission is to conserve native species and habitats through restoration, research and education. We fill a unique niche among nonprofits and work with a diverse group of partners including federal, state and county agencies and municipalities to accomplish our mission. We maintain an open and convivial office environment with over 20 regular staff in our main office in Corvallis, OR and a branch office in Santa Fe, NM. We are committed to diversity and equity in our work place and the communities we serve.

The Ecological Education Program at the IAE offers educational opportunities for students of all ages from K-12 to adult community members and specialty audiences, such as teachers or adults in custody. Through outreach activities and informal science education, we engage people in meaningful place-based active education conducted in schools, camps, prisons, and in the wider communities that we serve. We work with other nonprofit partners, community members, departments of correction, schools, granting organizations, and federal agencies to deliver education focused on connecting people to nature. Our efforts are primarily focused on underserved, under-resourced, and diverse audiences.

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.

SPECIFIC DUTIES

• Project management includes managing all aspects of plant materials production including sowing, daily care, Integrated Pest Management, and watering accomplished in conjunction with adults in custody (AIC). May include potential work with volunteers. 
• Education and curriculum development for work with AIC. Includes delivery of educational lessons. 
• Writing reports, blog/newsletter posts as needed. 
• Conducting other work as needed, such as workshops and presentations for various audiences, assisting with other EE projects as requested, and participating in inter-department education programs. 

QUALIFICATIONS

• Teaching (formal or informal) experience.
• Experience or interest 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.