Outreach Program Assistant

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 salary of $17.00 an hour. The first month you'll be at our headquarters in Baraboo, WI for training and then head to 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.

About the Role

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. The position is based at Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge in Decatur, AL. The incumbent will be supported by the Outreach Biologist and work closely with the Outreach Biologist Assistant. 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.

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. These connections are critical in building a network of people who can help monitor and protect these remarkable birds on the landscape.

A key part of your role will involve 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 a bachelor's degree in biology, conservation, or a related field, along with a valid state driver's license, an acceptable driving record, and access to a reliable vehicle for work-related travel (mileage reimbursement is provided). The ideal candidate has experience with public speaking, cultivating and maintaining diverse partnerships, and engaging and supporting volunteers. Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams, is required, as is experience delivering educational or outreach programs through online platforms. 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.