IN THIS ISSUE:
- NWF EcoLeader Spotlight: Kawika Winter, NWF Fellow
- Jobs and Opportunities: NWF Graduate Student Fellowships, Deadline 5/15
- Take Action: Take Action for Wildlife in Crisis
- Happenings: May is Garden for Wildlife™ Month
NWF ECOLEADER SPOTLIGHT
Kawika Winter
Reserve Manager, He’eia National Estuarine Research Reserve
NWF Fellow
Project: As an NWF Fellow, Kawika focused on developing a natural resource management system for the Limahuli Garden and Preserve, which is a part of the National Tropical Botanical Gardens on the north shore of the Hawaiian Island of Kaua`I.
Kawika’s Career Journey: Kawika went on to serve as the director of the Limahuli Garden and Preserve at the National Tropical Botanical Gardens (NTBG). The NTBG is a congressionally-chartered, non-profit organization with a mission to enrich life by perpetuating the survival of plants, ecosystems and cultural knowledge of tropical regions. This multi-site organization has five botanical gardens and nature preserves between Hawai`i and Florida. The Limahuli Garden and Preserve is the largest of NTBG's sites which is housed in a one-thousand-acre valley in the most biodiverse corner of the most biodiverse island in the biodiversity hot spot that is the Hawaiian archipelago. There are dozens of species of plants and birds that are critically endangered. The valley is filled with storied and sacred places of the Hawaiian people. As the Director, Kawika’s job involved harnessing the synergy which comes from bringing the world of science and conservation together with the world of ancestral practice and philosophy, and to direct that energy towards being a model of biocultural conservation in Hawai`i. Kawika likened his role of Director “to that of a symphony conductor”. As an administer over the conservation, research, education, visitor, and community-outreach programs he makes sure that everyone is playing in time from the same sheet of music. Kawika now serves as Reserve Manager at He’eia National Estuarine Research Reserve.
Kawika on his NWF experience: As an NWF Fellow I have tapped into a network of conservation professionals around the country which I would not have access to otherwise. Professional networks, such as these, are absolutely essential to seeking out new collaborators and creating the synergy needed for conservation efforts to make a real and lasting impact.
My NWF Fellowship occurred right at the cusp of my academic and professional careers which was a very formative time for me. The Fellows trip to Washington DC, which was my first time there, truly opened my eye to the importance of influencing national policy. It helped to put me on a trajectory of engaging with policymakers in my own state, which has been a fruitful use of my time and energy. Inspiring and influencing the perspectives of policymakers is one of the most effective ways of making strides in conservation.
Read Kawika’s interview in our EcoLeader Top 50 Inspiration series, HERE.
What are YOU up to? We love to hear all of the exciting and inspiring things NWF alumni are investing their time in. Let us know (cochranc@nwf.org) and you could be featured in the “Alumni Spotlight.”
JOBS/OPPORTUNITIES
Be sure to check out the NWF EcoLeaders Career Center for even more career and professional development resources including career sector outlooks, employer interviews, webinar archives and more! www.nwfecoleaders.org/careercenter
Sign up to become an EcoLeader community member to access the Career Center, it’s free to join!
NWF Graduate Student Fellowships
6 Remote Positions Available – DEADLINE 5/15
National Wildlife Federation is currently accepting applications for graduate student research fellows to inform and strengthen NWF Education and Engagement programs, including the EcoLeaders Community. Fellows receive a $6,000 stipend and gain valuable career experience.
Senior Director, Design and Engagement, Early Childhood Health Outdoors, NWF
Denver, CO
As the leader of NWF’s flagship Early Childhood Health Outdoors (ECHO) program, this position will lead an effort to bring the benefits of nature into the daily lives of young children and families across America, while also serving as a thought leader for NWF’s goal of improving built environments for children and communities who have historically faced institutional barriers to quality outdoor spaces.
Operations Manager, National Wildlife Federation National Advocacy Center
Washington, DC
This position provides operational support to the National Advocacy Center (NAC) and is responsible for managing activities conducted at the NAC. Major areas of responsibility include: (1) leading all aspects of NAC’s financial systems and operation, including making timely and supported recommendations on final budget decisions to NAC Leadership, assisting program staff with financial/administrative procedures, and providing fundraising and grant support; (2) supporting and inspiring a team environment and culture that advances NWF core values and commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice; and (3) oversight of NAC operations and internal communications.
*View additional job opportunities with National Wildlife Federation HERE
*View additional job opportunities with National Wildlife Federation’s state affiliate organizations HERE
TAKE ACTION
Take Action for Wildlife in Crisis
Fueled by climate change, habitat loss, and other challenges, one-third of all wildlife species in the United States are at increased risk of extinction. And birds are facing an unprecedented crisis: three billion fewer birds grace the skies than in 1970. Species like the magnificent American kestrel urgently need proactive, local conservation action before they require the more costly and drastic emergency-room recovery efforts of an endangered species.
And here’s the good news: the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act, when passed, will catalyze collaborative, on-the-ground habitat restoration projects, help with species reintroductions, tackle disease, and boost other much needed conservation efforts to match the magnitude of the wildlife crisis.
HAPPENINGS
May is Garden for Wildlife ™ Month
Join in the 10th annual Garden for Wildlife month celebration! Whether you’re a gardening novice with a small balcony or a gardening veteran with a few acres, you can provide for local wildlife by planting with purpose.
Wildlife Unite 2022 Conservation Conference and Annual Meeting
June 7 – 11, 2022
Online
WildlifeUnite is the annual gathering of grassroots wildlife conservation leaders from across the nation to develop skills, share information and set strategy. Over the course of five days, WildlifeUnite provides a menu of keynote speakers, engaging presentations, and learning opportunities – all entirely online, so you can take part from anywhere! WildlifeUnite also hosts the 86th Annual Meeting of the National Wildlife Federation, where delegates from all over the nation gather virtually to set policy and govern the organization.
MORE JOBS/OPPORTUNITIES
Policy Fellow, Outdoor Industry Association
Remote
Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) seeks a Policy Fellow for a two-year fellowship, with a focus on bringing equity, inclusion, and diverse perspectives to the outdoor industry and its policy initiatives. The OIA Policy Fellow will help develop policy platforms for state and federal policies that impact the outdoor industry, including but not limited to state outdoor equity funds, state climate policy, federal climate policy, federal infrastructure that benefits the outdoors and community connection to the outdoors. The fellow will report to the Director of Government Affairs. This position qualifies for a benefits package including health insurance, paid time off, as well as a stipend for professional development and training.
Assistant Vice Chancellor and Director of Sustainability, University of Illinois at Chicago
Chicago, IL
The Assistant Vice Chancellor and Director of Sustainability leads the planning and implementation of policies, programs, and processes to fulfill UIC’s Climate Commitments and execute the Climate Action Implementation Plan (CAIP).
Communications Manager, Center for Sustainable Business, World Resources Institute
Washington, DC
As the Communications Manager for the Center for Sustainable Business, you will develop, craft and disseminate messages and materials that are understandable and actionable for the business community and the stakeholders that influence it. In this position, you will build upon and protect WRI’s brand as an independent and trusted NGO. You will be responsible for a communications strategy to disseminate The Center for Sustainable Business’s research, tools and thought leadership, and act as a critical part of the team supporting WRI’s Corporate Consultative Group communications.
21st Century Conservation Fellow, Natural Lands
Coatesville, PA
This full-time, 12-month paid fellowship offers the selected applicant the opportunity to gain experience in aspects of land management, become familiar with local flora and fauna, gain experience in community outreach, and learn the workings of a land trust. The fellowship will be hosted at our ChesLen Preserve.
Research Manager, Rainforest Action Network
Remote (CA)
Our Climate and Energy Program campaigns to keep fossil fuels in the ground and persuade corporate targets, including the world’s largest banks and insurance companies, to develop and implement comprehensive climate, environmental, and human rights policies to guide their lending and underwriting. The Research Manager is responsible for overseeing and executing research for the C&E Program, engaging with financial institutions, and coordinating special projects as needed. This position will inform and support the team’s work to call out corporate greenwashing and inadequate government response while ensuring our research is responsive to our frontline and grassroots partners.
Paralegal, Vermont Land Trust
Vermont
Invest your talents in supporting life-long connections to Vermont’s farms, forests, and natural areas! Our ideal candidate is a legal support professional who can: work collaboratively and independently, with keen attention to detail; juggle multiple tasks, partner and communicate within and across teams; and support VLT’s Staff Attorney by managing legal transactions in a fast-paced, mission-driven organization.
Look for the next Young Professionals Listserv issue coming in June 2022!
