The SCBNA board and staff are pleased to offer a remote, part-time, 6-month (with option to extend to 12 months) paid communications internship with our Communications Committee. The aim of this position is to increase SCBNA’s capacity to communicate and interact with members and potential members. We seek applicants who have experience and/or education in communications, writing, social media, and/or marketing, as well as education or training in ecology and/or conservation biology. The successful candidate is expected to provide support on SCBNA’s social media accounts, as well as seek new and innovative ways to reach and interact with our diverse membership. Desired content across communication platforms will include updates and announcements, information about our biennial conference, the North American Congress of Conservation Biology (NACCB), and general conservation news and storytelling. The successful applicant may also assist with other communications outreach, such as e-newsletters and website content. Candidates who have experience in updating website content are highly desired. The intern will regularly interact with and gauge the online/communications needs of SCBNA members, will report directly to the Communications Committee Chair  and Director of Operations, and may collaborate with other Communications Committee members. Regular meetings and communications with these parties will be required. 

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:  

  • Knowledge and experience with digital communication tools, including social media platforms 
  • Interest, education, and/or training in ecology and conservation biology 
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills 
  • Experience with graphic design, photography, and web-based design programs 
  • Creativity in communicating content in effective and unique ways 
  • Commitment to and experience with Diversity, Equity & Inclusion initiatives in conservation or related fields

TIME COMMITMENT: Five (5) to eight (8) hours a week for six (6) months with an option to extend to twelve (12) months with target start date in October 2021

COMPENSATION: $20 an hour, estimated 5-8 hours per week  

APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Applicants should submit the following application materials electronically in a single pdf document to be considered for this position: Resume, cover letter, and names and contact information for two (2) references.  

To apply, please email your application to Communications Committee Chair, Lauren Jonaitis, jonaitislauren@gmail.com.

Review of applications will begin September 13, 2021. Applications will be considered until the position is filled. Inquiries about the position should be directed via email to Lauren Jonaitis. The anticipated approximate start date for the internship is October 2021.

SCBNA is committed to increasing equity and inclusion within the field of conservation biology and in its board and staff members. To this end, SCBNA has an Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity Officer on the board and an Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity Committee. We offer grants to attend congresses, follow best practices in conference  design (including such things as gender neutral bathrooms, providing a private place for nursing or other needs, providing sign language interpreters, etc.), run sessions on equity and inclusion at congresses, and are currently working on an Allyship program to increase the effectiveness of allies in addressing equity issues in the field of conservation. We recognize that this work will never be complete and we are committed to continually evaluating and improving our equity and inclusion work. 

SCBNA is an Equal Opportunity Employer advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories. 

The Hawaiʻi Chapter of the Society for Conservation Biology (HISCB) organized “Restoring the Mind & Body Through Aloha ʻĀina,” a series of four volunteer workdays from March through May 2021. Forty-six volunteers worked to make improvements to the local wetland and coastal areas and were given the opportunity to restore mental well-being through the natural environment, connect with like-minded individuals, and learn to identify native and invasive species.

The volunteer activities, which included removing invasive plants, out-planting native species, and mulching, benefited two local community-based conservation organizations, Kākoʻo ʻŌiwi and Mālama Loko Ea. Kākoʻo ʻŌiwi focuses on restoring agricultural and ecological productivity to wetlands on the island of Oʻahu and promoting the social and economic advancement of the local community. Mālama Loko Ea focuses on the restoration of Loko Ea, a 400-year-old loko i’a (fishpond) in Hale’iwa, Hawai’i.

To learn more about the Hawai’i Chapter and get involved with upcoming events, visit their website and follow them on Facebook or Twitter. To find a chapter near you or learn about starting your own chapter, visit the North America Chapters website.