Program Coordinator (Wetlands, Coastal & Marine Environments)

About us

Earthwatch Institute is a leading global environmental not for profit organisation, committed to conserving the diversity and integrity of life on Earth to meet the needs of current and future generations.

Founded in 1971, and with five offices around the globe, we aim to empower people to save the natural world. We do this by engaging the community directly in environmental and sustainability experiences through Work (corporate programs), Life (student and teacher programs) and Play (public expeditions). This hands-on experience bridges the gap between science and the community, creating an informed society that can translate scientific knowledge into sustainable action.

Earthwatch Institute is the largest citizen science business in Australia. We focus our research on the most critical issues facing our planet (climate change, ocean health, restoring our iconic landscapes and protecting our unique wildlife), and have supported thousands of research expeditions across the globe.

About you

Wetlands, coastal and Marine Environments are your thing? You love travel?

We want to hear from you!

You’re proactive and ambitious with a can-do attitude. You consider organisation, communication and relationship building skills to be key strengths.

With your degree, and some relevant experience in marine science, ecology, geography or environmental management, you’re able to communicate confidently about topical environmental issues such as marine debris, climate change impacts, wetland ecology and help translate citizen science data into on-ground outcomes. Your enthusiastic and outgoing nature means you have no problem in initiating and maintaining relationships, across a diverse array of stakeholders. Such as expedition and event participants, researchers, corporate partners, traditional owners and local community members.

You successfully work autonomously as well as effectively within a small team environment and you're keen to be supported within a culture that promotes collaboration and outside the box thinking.

The Role

We're looking for a passionate and motivated person, to coordinate the delivery and ongoing development of our Wetlands, Coastal & Marine Environments programs.

Reporting to the Senior Program Manager, this role requires substantial domestic travel and possibly some international travel. Based at our Carlton office, or at a local partner organisation office (if outside of Victoria), this role offers hybrid working, with the general expectation of attendance at the designated office a minimum of 1-2 days per week. Day-to-day activities include engaging and working with participants and project partners to deliver Wetlands, Coastal & Marine Environments expeditions, workshops and events. Program coordination includes organising logistics, expense management, scientific data analysis, science communication materials, development of program resources, and collating citizen science data and program evaluation metrics for funder and organisational reporting.

Earthwatch Australia promotes a healthy work-life balance and supports remote and flexible, hybrid work from home and office arrangements. Whilst we aim to work a standard work week, field work associated with this role will also require out of hours and weekend work.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES 

1. Project Coordination 

• Work with line-manager to ensure contracted milestones are delivered to a high stand, on time & within budget 
• Coordinate recruitment of participants, including (but not limited to) schools, teachers, students, corporate partners & volunteers
• Support participants & stakeholders to meet the outcomes of programs using tactics that prioritise efficiency & positive experiences such as (but not limited to) workshops, teacher professional development, in person & online coaching & mentoring by self & volunteers, peer networks, & other practical engagement approaches  
• Coordinate all program logistics & travel to project locations to deliver all program experiences 
• Develop & deliver resources for in-person & online learning experiences 
• Work with Earthwatch staff, scientists and project partners in the field to ensure that expeditions are delivered seamlessly and successfully with participant satisfaction and safety of highest priority 
• Work with line-manager to measure outcomes, behaviour change & program impact, as defined by the program logic. Establish measurement parameters & collect the data required to effectively monitor & evaluate the activities 
• Contribute to the internal, impact & partnership reporting of the program 

  2. Stakeholder Relations   

• Assist in managing relationships with key partners, across all sectors of the program 
• Build & maintain strong connections & rapport with external stakeholders, including schools, sponsors & delivery partners 
• Attend and professionally represent Earthwatch at outreach and networking events

  3. Program Marketing & Communication 

• Assist with the marketing & promotion of programs 
• Work to engage and educate participants from all sectors including public, corporate, teachers, students and communities across Australia
• Ensure timely internal distribution of project information & updates for marketing, business development, public relations, awards & fundraising purposes   

4. Risk and Incident Duties 

• Work with line-manager to draft safety & risk mitigations for field experiences, for review & endorsement by Earthwatch HSEC staff
• Implement safety protocols in line with best practice, during experience delivery 
• Coordinate field/event incidents on projects  
• Participate as part of Earthwatch Australia Incident Management team, taking responsibility for the Duty Officer role as required 

 5. Other duties  

• Undertake upskilling & professional development as agreed/required to fulfil your role effectively 
• Assist in the continual improvement of EW processes and procedures 
• Fulfil other tasks as mutually agreed 

The Essentials

Requirements

• Be an Australian citizen or hold a valid work visa for full time work in Australia
• Hold a valid Australian driving license
• Current Working with Children Check or willingness to obtain
• Up to date Qualification/Certification in First Aid or willingness to obtain
• Hold a degree from recognised tertiary institution in a relevant field (marine science, ecology or conservation)
• Diving and snorkelling qualifications and experience

Skills & Competencies

• Sound knowledge and experience in marine science or related field (i.e., ecology, geography or environmental management)
• Strong organisational skills, with experience in field logistics and project coordination
• Demonstrated experience in community engagement, group and event facilitation
• Ability to network and inspire others including the ability to connect with and instruct diverse teams of people, including Indigenous partners and groups
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Demonstrated proficiency in ArcGIS, R and python code and in Microsoft 365 apps, including Excel and Sharepoint site management
• Sound understanding of the value and key concepts of citizen science and behaviour change
• Ability to undertake domestic and (potential) international travel (up to 20 weeks per year), and to work outside of normal working hours as required
• Demonstrated ability to work independently

Desirable attributes

• Experience in basic program budgets
• Data analysis, report writing and science communications experience
• Public speaking/workshop facilitation
• Knowledge of mangrove, saltmarsh and coastal wetland habitats
• Knowledge of coral reef ecosystems
• Proficiency in ESRI online storymaps

Key selection criteria

1. A relevant qualification and a sound understanding of marine science or related field (i.e., ecology, geography or environmental management), citizen science and/or behaviour change
2. Strong organisational skills, with experience in field logistics, project management/program coordination
3. Confidence in effective communication, including networking, building relationships and motivating a diverse range of people
4. Experience in group facilitation
5. A collaborative team member, who easily builds rapport and can contribute to a positive work culture
6. High level of technological proficiency

What we offer

• MODE OF EMPLOYMENT: Full time, 1-year, fixed term contract
• SALARY: Tier 1 ($68,000-$73,000), plus superannuation in line with the rates set by the Australian Government Superannuation Guarantee. 20 days annual leave. 
• STAFF BENEFITS:
• Supportive small team environment
• Staff rates on Earthwatch expeditions
• Green office space in Carlton, Melbourne which is close to public transport links
• Flexible & remote work arrangements available
• Employee Assistance Program
• Salary Packaging option
• Professional Development with upskilling support

This is an evolving role in a small, but growing organisation, so it should be noted that this outline cannot be representative of the full tasks list to be undertaken by the successful applicant. It is recognised that the duties of all roles can be subject to change from time to time. Alterations to duties and responsibilities within the scope of the role should be expected and as the company grows, reporting lines may evolve.