About ESA
The Ecological Society of America, founded in 1915, is the world's largest community of professional ecologists and a trusted source of ecological knowledge, committed to advancing the understanding of life on Earth. The Society publishes five journals and a membership bulletin and broadly shares ecological information through policy, media outreach, and education initiatives. ESA welcomes and encourages participation by all individuals regardless of age, culture, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, national origin, physical or mental difference, politics, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, or subculture.
About ESA's Society Programs Office
- ESA connects the research and management communities, and supports the use of science to inform decision making and build capacity among scientists by:
- Training: We offer workshops and courses to help scientists gain the skills they need to navigate changes in funding, policy, and technology.
- Facilitating engagement: We connect ESA members with agencies that require ecological knowledge and expertise.
- Synthesizing information: We help make ecology more accessible to managers and the public.
Position Overview
ESA seeks an energetic candidate with strong organizational and communication skills to provide administrative and logistical support for the ESA Panel on Vegetation Classification). A basic background in and appreciation for ecology, biology, or environmental sciences is desired; interest or experience in vegetation ecology or ecosystem classification is highly beneficial.
The Program Associate will be the primary staff liaison for the ESA Panel, scheduling and hosting meetings (1-2 online meetings per month, 1-2 in-person meetings per year), coordinating logistics for peer review meetings, taking and posting meeting notes, maintaining shared documents for the Panel, updating websites, taking photos at events, and creating promotional materials. The Associate will assist the Society Programs Director with tracking budget information. There will be opportunities to network with scientists in a variety of disciplines and contribute to workshop/grant reports and presentations.
Responsibilities
- Organization and planning: assist with meeting and workshop planning to ensure events run smoothly; manage virtual delivery of events and/or onsite logistical details for events, including a/v, room setup, printed materials, and timekeeping; schedule and manage conference calls for working groups.
- Communications and writing: take effective and concise notes during conference calls and events; contribute to workshop and meeting reports and presentations; liaise with workshop and meeting participants as needed through email, phone, and in-person communication; help draft and proofread grant proposals and reports.
- Outreach and marketing: create and refine outreach materials for the USNVC; this may include email campaigns, flyers, website updates, liaising with ESA's Public Affairs office regarding social media updates, and creating/editing videos.
- Data entry: act as the point of contact for travel reimbursements; monitor and report on travel budgets.
- Travel to a minimum of two in-person meetings is required each year, including the ESA Annual Meeting each August.
- Other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
- Strong interest or experience in environmental studies, ecology, or a related field;
- Master's degree; or Bachelor's degree with 2-3 years in a project management role;
- Meeting facilitation experience in face-to-face or online environments
- Well-organized, detail-oriented, and able to handle multiple tasks
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Basic computer skills, including working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and Zoom
- Willing to perform data entry and other essential tasks
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with WordPress or basic HTML skills
- Understanding of the basics of US Vegetation classification and inventory
- Individuals are encouraged to apply even if they don't meet 100% of these preferred qualifications.
This is a part-time position with benefits (20-24 hours/week), with the possibility to become full time, contingent on funding. The position will involve occasional travel and occasional remote work will be permitted. The position pays $25-30 per hour, based on experience/qualifications, and is contingent on grant funding. Excellent benefits.
Please email a cover letter and resume, combined in one pdf file, to with "Science Program Associate" in the subject line. Application review will begin May 30. Interviews for shortlisted candidates will begin shortly thereafter. The position is open until filled.