IUCN CSSG PROGRAMME OFFICER

Description

Desert Botanical Garden is regarded as one of the top botanical gardens in the world and a leader in conservation of desert plants. 

We seek an enthusiastic individual committed to plant conservation to serve as Programme Officer for the Cactus and Succulent Plants Specialist Group (CSSG). The Garden serves as host institution of this Specialist Group, a part of the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Species Survival Commission.

The successful candidate will interface with leadership of the CSSG and members of the Specialist Group from around the world.

To apply, please submit a letter of interest, and CV or resumé. 

Review of applications will begin May 27, 2025.

Support development of the partnership between Desert Botanical Garden and the IUCN SSC Cactus and Succulent Plants Specialist Group (CSSG), act as catalyst for collaborative activities, and coordinate and manage the day-to-day work of the Specialist Group.

Essential Duties

Membership management

• Coordinate CSSG membership appointment and maintain membership and other expert contact databases
• Provide general support to the existing membership

Red List Assessments

• Assist with Red List assessment of species including drafting and finalizing evaluations
• Help manage occurrence data and maps for assessments
• Provide ad hoc support to the organization of Red List activities, including workshops
• Determine members with Red Listing experience and identify training needs

Fundraise for Specialist Group activities

• Identify sources of funding
• Assist with writing proposals
• Manage grant budgets

Manage Specialist Group communications and raise the profile of CSSG

• Raise the profile of CSSG-DBG in range countries through working with partners and SG members
• DBG-CSSG publication: design and implement a new SG newsletter (yearly or twice yearly publication)
• Assist with preparation of reports
• Update/maintain website with SG news; update members’ info (including managing and updating the CSSG pages of the IUCN Union Portal)
• Maintain social media (Facebook, Instagram etc.) to promote the focal plant groups and work of the CSSG

Pay Range: $22.50 - $24.50 per hour

Requirements

• Bachelor’s in conservation biology or other plant or environmental science related field; Master’s degree a plus
• Knowledge on the application of IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria desirable
• Knowledge of R data analysis software desirable.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; experience using ArcGIS; experience managing websites
• Experience in grant/science writing and project management
• Bi-lingual English-Spanish preferred

Equipment Used

Typical office equipment.

Internal Communication

Regular communication with Garden employees.

External Communication

Communication with entities related to IUCN CSSG.

Working Conditions

Physical demands include both those associated with a normal office environment, and outdoor work, which could be in the Garden, or in the field (local, regional, national). Field work may include camping, hiking, and backpacking. Travel for professional development and scientific presentations also may be required.

Reasonable accommodations may be made, when necessary and feasible, to allow a qualified individual to perform essential job functions.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Desert Botanical Garden is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all applicants without regard to race, religion, color, sex, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, or any other status protected by law.

The Garden fosters and supports workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion to honor the unique perspectives, experiences, and contributions of all, to celebrate successes, and to cultivate individual and institutional excellence.

All employees will help add to the Garden’s diversity and fully embrace it.

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and deliverables of the role. This is not a contract and should not be viewed as such. Other duties may be assigned by supervisor and/or his/her/their designee