Outreach Program Assistant

The International Crane Foundation (ICF) is looking for a community-oriented team member in Decatur, AL to contribute to education and engagement initiatives and lead outreach conservation efforts for the Sandhill Crane and endangered Whooping Crane. This full time LTE opportunity is for 7 months, starting September 2026 and ending March 2027 with a wage of $17.00 an hour. The first month you'll receive training at our headquarters in Baraboo, WI and then spend the rest of the term in Decatur. Housing will be provided at no cost in Baraboo and through our partnership with Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge, located at 2700 Refuge Headquarters Rd Decatur, AL 35603.

The Outreach Program Assistant supports the mission of ICF by leading outreach programs, forming community-based partnerships, coordinating volunteers, resolving threats to cranes, and collaborating with wildlife refuge staff to preserve and grow the Whooping Crane and Sandhill Crane populations. In this unique position, you will take the lead on all aspects of ICF's Whooping Crane outreach program in Alabama, helping to build a strong local network of support for the cranes, their habitat, and their continued recovery while working with our other Outreach Biologist team members.

Your work will center on engaging communities near crane use areas through a variety of educational and outreach programs. From in-person and virtual presentations in K-12 classrooms to talks with birding clubs, hunting groups, civic organizations, and zoo visitors, you'll tailor messages to help diverse audiences understand and support crane conservation.

In addition, you'll assist ICF staff in broader outreach efforts throughout Alabama. This includes participating in media interviews, writing articles or social media content, leading naturalist hikes or programs, and helping to distribute educational materials across the region.

You'll be instrumental in forming and maintaining meaningful relationships with volunteers, hunters, and agency partners along with training and coordinating volunteers to support outreach efforts. You'll also work closely with hunters and educators through in-person and online hunter education programs, helping to reduce threats to cranes by increasing awareness and understanding.

Lastly, you'll be responsible for ensuring that outreach activities are accurately recorded in a shared database in a timely manner, contributing valuable data that supports ICF's ongoing research and evaluation.

Qualifications Required

Qualifications include

• Bachelor's degree in biology, conservation, or a related field
• Valid state driver's license with an acceptable driving record and access to a reliable vehicle for work-related travel (mileage reimbursement is provided)
• Experience with public speaking, cultivating and maintaining diverse partnerships, and engaging and supporting volunteers
• Experience delivering educational or outreach programs through online platforms
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams

The successful candidate will demonstrate excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively connect with a variety of audiences in both in-person and virtual settings.

Please note that the work environment is a combination of office work and outreach events away from the office, with occasional opportunities to assist volunteers or refuge staff with bird monitoring. The office environment is clean and climate controlled with limited noise. Outreach events vary, including outdoor venues and indoor settings with climate control.

Apply today and use your skills to make a meaningful contribution to wildlife conservation!