Hiring: Project Coordinator for Environmental Program

Title: Project Coordinator, Pesticides and the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Project

Status: Part-Time – approximately 15 hours per week – 1099 contractor

Location: Hybrid 

Reports to: Project Director

Rate: $25 per hour

Preferred Start Date: August 1, 2022

Position Overview

Maryland Pesticide Education Network is looking for the right person to grow into a leading role in our organization as an Environmental Project Coordinator for our Pesticides and the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Project. We are known for innovative, successful, environmental and public health programs and policies that advance protections from pesticides and create systemic change toward safer alternatives.

We are seeking a Project Coordinator to help facilitate our 15-year program which brings together over 300 diverse stakeholders to advance pesticide protections and practices through four working group, numerous projects and an annual stakeholder conference. 

The successful candidate will meet or exceed organizational goals, including specifics such as the number of facilities enrolled in our programs, evaluated, and remaining engaged with MPEN.

Major Job Responsibilities: 

• Coordinating annual invite-only virtual fall regional conference that attracts over 200 stakeholders, who include federal and state agency scientists, academics, waterkeepers, farmers and leaders of environmental organizations from Md, D.C, VA, DE and PA
• Coordinating and communicating with members of three working groups: Research & Data Gaps, Sustainable Agriculture, Healthy Alternatives to advance Project initiatives
• Scheduling for the three working groups that meet quarterly
• Producing agendas and minutes for meetings
• Relationship-building and advocacy with Project stakeholders
• Understanding adverse pesticide impacts and identifying alternative products and practices
• Leveraging data to produce science-based reports showcasing recent studies, needs, opportunities, and outcomes 
• Coordinating design, development, and implementation of educational initiatives and materials related to pesticide impacts on our waterways, farming, our food supply, public health and safer alternatives to toxic pesticides and best management practices to reduce adverse impacts
• Partnering with our leadership team and marketing coordinator to drive clear, consistent messaging about MPEN

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental sciences
• At least 5 continuous years of professional experience in waterways protection, working on pesticide-related issues, environmental research and/or advocacy.  An understanding of, and an appreciation for, our mission to curb toxics and harmful pesticides
• Strong computer skills across multiple platforms (Google Suite, Microsoft Office, social media, etc.)
• Researching skills
• Lifelong learner
• Magnetic, engaging, and energetic personality

A highly qualified candidate has all of the above and any:

• Master’s degree in environmental sciences
• Graphics and social media content creation [Canva, Adobe, YouTube, LinkedIn]
• Experience with non-profits, start-ups, and/or advocacy
• Experience with engaging stakeholders, including government agency scientists. policy-makers and the public in regards to environment-based initiatives.

Currently part-time, this position has the potential to grow into a full-time position.

Maryland Pesticide Education Network is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community; we consider applicants for employment without regard to, and do not discriminate on the basis of, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, race, protected veteran status, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, religion or any other legally protected status.

Candidates will be required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination upon commencing employment. Exemptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis for medical conditions or religious beliefs.

To Apply

Please email resume with cover letter and work samples (submitted as attachments or links) to: bonnieraindrop@gmail.com

Screenings of applicant resumes will be performed by multiple members of our team and movement to candidate interviewing will be based on basic qualifications (professional experience and education); your ability to communicate what you bring to Maryland Pest Education Network; evidence of an understanding for and an appreciation of Maryland Pest Education Network’s mission; and the creativity, quality, and applicability of your submitted work samples. Lived experience is exceptionally important to our team and we encourage thoughtful inclusion of those experiences in your communications with us.

Working at Maryland Pesticide Education Network

We are a small, passionate and mighty team at Maryland Pest Education Network. Our staff works in a hybrid fashion. While much of our work can be done remotely, in-person visits to facilities throughout the state of Maryland and meetings with MPEN staff are also essential. We are not siloed. In many regards we work hand-in-hand with one another across all of our initiatives. We believe in striking a balance between life and our organization. As such, our expectations of the quality and quantity of time spent on MPEN initiatives is based on outcomes and timelines, with the flexibility of how work is accomplished at your discretion.

We Value:

• A rigorous, scientific-based approach to our organization’s work for systemic change to pesticide-free lifestyle, policies, and laws.
• Creative thinking and taking individual initiative
• Team collaboration
• Diversity in our staff, board members, and MPEN-led coalition members
• Strategic partnerships
• An environmental and social justice lens in implementing and assessing our work
• Being accountable to each other and those who support our work
• Welcoming constructive criticism and better ideas
• Operating from open and honest communication, mutual respect, and optimism
• Curiosity, lifelong learning and skills development
• A diligent and responsible work ethic
• Passion and commitment to our shared mission

Are You Called to Help Manifest This Vision?

Vision: The use of toxic pesticides are replaced by safer alternatives and policies in our state and nation.