Conservation Coordinator

Conservation Coordinator

General Description

The Conservation Coordinator administers the daily operations of field conservation programs of the Detroit Zoological Society (DZS).

Under the general supervision of the DZS Director of Conservation, the Conservation Coordinator will provide administrative and logistical support to implement the DZS Conservation Action Plan. The Conservation Coordinator will assist in facilitating conservation projects and activities locally, nationally, and internationally, ensuring successful implementation through partner communication, meeting facilitation, task and project tracking, and documentation management. The Conservation Coordinator will be responsible for helping to assess and improve the conservation of wildlife populations; contributing to knowledge of species conservation status, needs and conservation action effectiveness; and cooperating with internal and external partners on field conservation project development and administration.

The Conservation Coordinator will support, both publicly and privately, the principles and mission of the Detroit Zoological Society. They will support, adhere to and enforce DZS policies and standards, and will always demonstrate a high level of integrity and professionalism.

This job description is by no means all-inclusive and may be subject to change during a performance period. It will be reviewed and modified as needed to ensure effective operations and successful execution of DZS mission.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Coordinate and conduct applied field conservation projects and activities aimed at understanding, protecting, and supporting wildlife populations and habitats, and furthering knowledge of conservation status, needs and conservation action effectiveness.
• In coordination with the Director of Conservation, implement the DZS Conservation Action Plan and other aspects of the DZS conservation philosophy and focal conservation initiatives.
• Consult and cooperate with internal and external conservation partners (i.e., non-governmental organizations and non-profits, government entities, communities, universities, independent researchers).
• Work collaboratively within and among multiple DZS departments and divisions - including Life Sciences, Education, Operations, Marketing and Communication, Guest Relations and Development - to plan and implement DZS conservation programs and initiatives.
• Assist in data collection and data management to track progress and metrics for DZS conservation projects and partnerships to ensure strategic goals are being met.
• Assist in producing annual reports on conservation programs and investments.
• Conduct educational presentations in both formal and informal settings.
• Develop and provide presentations at professional meetings.
• Assist the Director of Conservation in the development of new, strategic DZS conservation projects and partnerships in support of the DZS Conservation Action Plan and DZS Strategic Plan.
• Support AZA activities, including participating in relevant collaborative conservation programs such as Saving Animals From Extinction (SAFE).
• Share results of conservation activities through publication of scientific and popular articles.
• Assist in purchasing equipment and supplies, and monitoring budgets.
• Travel to local, national, and international field conservation sites to evaluate and participate in applied conservation projects with partners.
• Work independently, with review from DZS Director of Conservation.
• Perform other duties as required.

Qualifications

Minimum

• Bachelor's degree in zoology, ecology, conservation biology, or a closely related discipline.
• Two years of experience working in field conservation, ecological research, and/or managing zoo/aquarium-based conservation programs.

Preferred

• Master's degree in zoology, ecology, conservation biology, or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrated background in wildlife conservation project management.
• Knowledge of Great Lakes and/or global environmental and ecological threats.
• Strong organizational, communication, and facilitation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, balance competing priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Experience coordinating programs, projects, or events with diverse audiences.
• Comfortable with both independent work and cross-team collaboration.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Suite (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Teams).
• Familiarity with project management software, ArcGIS, and emerging conservation technologies (e.g., autonomous recording units (ARU); trail cameras; traditional and AI-based data processing).

Working Conditions

Work is performed indoors and outdoors with exposure to all seasonal weather conditions, with risk of zoonotic disease transmission, and with exposure to computer monitors. Weekend, evening, and holiday work will be required as necessary. National and international travel is required for this position for extended periods of time in variable climates and working conditions.

Physical Requirements

This position requires sitting, standing, walking, bending, and stooping for extended periods, the ability to lift and move up to 40 pounds and the use of standard office equipment and the computer.

Just as we value and celebrate biodiversity, the DZS celebrates the diversity of our human community. We are committed to ensuring that our programs and facilities are fully accessible to create a welcoming and inclusive workplace for all.