Conservation Technician-Harbor Wetland

The National Aquarium is seeking a Conservation Technician for the Harbor Wetland exhibit in Baltimore, MD. This role involves daily maintenance tasks, managing conservation projects, overseeing volunteer participation, and engaging with the community. The technician will also participate in outreach events, evaluate project results, and support mentorship of interns. A strong commitment to conservation and community engagement is essential, along with the ability to work outdoors in various conditions.
About the position

The National Aquarium, a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to aquatic education and conservation, is seeking a passionate and dedicated Conservation Technician to join our dynamic Conservation Programs team. This role is pivotal in supporting the coordination and implementation of various Conservation Program initiatives, particularly focusing on the Harbor Wetland exhibit. The Conservation Technician will be responsible for the daily maintenance of the Harbor Wetland, ensuring that the exhibit is well-prepared for visitors and that all conservation activities are conducted efficiently and effectively. In this position, the Conservation Technician will coordinate and implement daily maintenance activities for the Harbor Wetland exhibit, which includes tasks such as weeding, pruning, watering plants, and debris removal. The role also involves managing ongoing maintenance projects, including airlift swaps, water quality monitoring, visitor engagement, and conducting biodiversity surveys. The technician will support and oversee volunteer participation in Harbor Wetland and other Conservation Programs activities, ensuring that program logistics, volunteer safety, and tracking are maintained. Engagement is a key component of this role, as the Conservation Technician will communicate with National Aquarium staff, stakeholders, and partner organizations to leverage resources and build opportunities for engagement and conservation initiatives. Participation in outreach events is also expected, focusing on environmental stewardship and connecting participants to the National Aquarium's conservation efforts. The technician will be involved in evaluating project results and preparing summary reports, as well as participating in departmental staff meetings and supporting the mentorship of unpaid staff, including interns and volunteers. This position requires a strong commitment to conservation and community engagement, as well as the ability to work in various outdoor terrains and weather conditions. The Conservation Technician will play a crucial role in fostering a connection between the community and the National Aquarium's mission to inspire conservation of the world's aquatic treasures.

Responsibilities
• Coordinates and implements daily maintenance activities for the Harbor Wetland exhibit, including weeding, pruning, watering of plants, and debris removal.
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• Manages ongoing Harbor Wetland maintenance projects, such as airlift swaps, water quality monitoring, visitor engagement, and biodiversity surveys.
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• Supports and oversees volunteer participation in Harbor Wetland and other Conservation Programs activities, ensuring program logistics, volunteer safety, and tracking are maintained.
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• Engages and communicates with National Aquarium staff, stakeholders, and partner organizations to leverage resources and build opportunities for engagement and conservation initiatives.
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• Participates in outreach events, focusing on environmental stewardship and connecting participants to National Aquarium conservation efforts.
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• Participates in the evaluation of project results and preparation of summary reports.
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• Participates in Conservation Programs Department staff meetings and other internal meetings as necessary.
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• Supports mentorship of unpaid staff including interns, Aquarium Conservation Team volunteers and other episodic volunteers as directed.

Requirements
• Bachelor's degree in environmental science, social science or related field is preferred but not required.
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• Experience or interest in working with audiences that have experienced systemic inequality and environmental injustice.
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• Comfortable interacting with visitors around the interpretation of Harbor Wetland, its animals, and the research being conducted.
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• Enthusiastic, outgoing, and willing to engage in conversation.
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• Ability to drive a National Aquarium vehicle and perform strenuous field activities, including lifting 30lbs (with or without assistance), reaching, pushing, and digging.
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• Prepared to perform in various outdoor terrains and weather conditions.
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• Ability to work weekends, evenings, and holidays.
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• Knowledgeable regarding environmental issues pertinent to the ocean, the Chesapeake Bay, and urban conservation.
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• Proficiency in clerical skills (word processing, data processing, telephone etiquette).
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• Proficient in use of Microsoft office software applications and willing to learn new software tools used at the National Aquarium.
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• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Nice-to-haves
• Ability to write and speak Spanish is preferable.

Benefits