Bird Conservation, Environmental Education

Position: Engagement Coordinator
Organization: Pelee Island Bird Observatory

Location: Pelee Island with some travel to Windsor and Essex County, some remote work possible
Housing: Free rent while living on Pelee Island

Type: Full Time Permanent with 3 month probation period
Reports to: Executive Director
Benefits: Free rent while living on Pelee Island, Extended Health Plan, three weeks paid vacation, ten sick days per year
Salary: $52,357.00 CDN
Anticipated Start Date: February 1 2026
Application Deadline: January 9 2026

About PIBO

We are a registered charity dedicated to the conservation of birds by conducting scientific research, avian population monitoring and connecting people to birds. The field station and its work are done on Pelee Island, which sits in the migratory path of two major North American flyways, a premier location to study and observe hundreds of migratory species and dozens of breeding birds with limited ranges in Canada.

Position Overview

PIBO is seeking an experienced and enthusiastic Engagement Coordinator to join our team. This new position will lead the efforts for organizing and coordinating a variety of community and volunteer based programming on Pelee Island as well as a key role in the development and pilot programming of citizen science and education for PIBO’s new Bird Centre, a brand new interpretive centre on Pelee Island. This is a new role and duties and responsibilities will be phased as the Centre opens, including a 3 month planning period before the Centre opens in spring/early summer 2026. The Engagement Coordinator will also provide logistical support for PIBO research operations, deliver education and interpretation for visitors, ensure routine maintenance of facilities and equipment at the Bird Centre, and assist with the coordination of data entry, management and end of year report summaries as required.

Duties and Responsibilities

Program Development and Coordination:

• Oversee and assist in the development and implementation of event planning and engagement programming surrounding PIBO’s new Bird Centre.
• Develop and carry out the plans for the 2026 Bird Centre opening event
• Responsible for supporting some data collection for research activities as needed.
• Plan, deliver and support public-facing activities, including bird banding demonstrations, citizen science programs and the annual SpringSong weekend hosted by the Pelee Island Heritage Centre.
• Develop operational, education and outreach manuals as well as associated forms and permission documents and waivers.

Outreach and Education:

• Develop an outreach strategy for visitors which include giving guided tours, public workshops and leading interactive activities while promoting avian stewardship for a variety of age groups and abilities.
• Responsible for the logistics of visiting researchers, guest birders, school groups, etc
• Collaborate and promote bird conservation and Pelee Island’s biodiversity with local conservation, nature and tourist groups.
• Working with the science team, develop and disseminate local and current content for social media and newsletters.
• Assist with off-island outreach events as available.

Facilities and Equipment:

• Oversee maintenance and use of PIBO vehicle, field equipment and Bird Centre building systems.
• Ensure routine maintenance of landscaping, nest boxes and outdoor educational spaces
• Maintain the functionality and cleanliness of the public areas.
• Set up public areas for events and ensure adequate refreshments and supplies are present.

Administration and Reporting:

• Manage the budget for the Bird Centre as related to operations and outreach activities.
• Issue and manage invoices for guests and researchers of the Bird Centre in coordination with the Executive Director.
• Responsible for the engagement monitoring and performance measurements of programs, workshops and accommodations.
• Assist with the writing and compilation of annual program report.
• Assist Field Supervisor with permit and compliance reports.

Fundraising:

• Assist in the planning and implementation of the Guest Birder event and SpringSong in coordination with the Pelee Island Heritage Centre as well as future fundraising events on the island.
• Manage PIBO’s onsite merchandise shop.
• Assist Executive Director with grant applications and sponsorship opportunities in support of programs.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Engage with local stakeholders to develop relevant programs and opportunities that reflect community needs.
• Assist Executive Director and Board with strengthening partnerships with key stakeholders including government agencies, community groups, conservation organizations and tourist boards.
• Create and implement a communications strategy for different stakeholder groups using current research data, testimonials, statistics, event updates, etc.

Skills and Experience:

• Experience creating and implementing environmental education programs for a variety of audiences.
• Experience with community development work focusing on environmental programs and outreach.
• Event planning experience.
• Ability to create policies and forms using relevant templates.
• Familiarity with citizen science programs in SW Ontario.
• Very comfortable with public speaking and giving presentations.
• Ability to identify 75-80% of the birds in Eastern Canada by sight and sound.
• Ability to synthesize and utilize PIBO’s ecological data to create tailored materials for various purposes.
• Experience with or an interest in learning to band birds with a focus on passerines.
• Ability to convey to a variety of audiences often complex ornithological knowledge.
• Strong writing and communication skills for a variety of platforms and purposes (newsletter, Social media, annual reports).
• Basic handy person skills or willing to learn.
• Basic budgeting skills.
• Experience developing and leading volunteer programs.
• Intermediate photo editing skills to utilize major social media platforms.
• Experience with developing a communications strategy for the purpose of promotions, advertising and stakeholder development.
• A valid Class G Ontario Driver’s license with current insurance.
• At least 2 + years experience in biology, ecology, environmental education and outreach or other natural resources field is preferred.
• Comfortable living in a communal environment with limited personal space.

To Apply:

Please send your resume, together with a cover letter describing your experience and interest in working with PIBO, to Suzanne Friemann, executive director of PIBO, at: suzanne.friemann@pibo.ca

Please mention you saw this at GoodWork.ca.

Our Commitment to Diversity

PIBO actively engages individuals from all backgrounds. We are committed to embracing diversity within our organization because we firmly believe that diverse employee teams help us to achieve our best organizational outcomes and provide the most effective support to the communities we serve. We are deeply dedicated to creating and maintaining an inclusive, equitable and supportive work environment. PIBO believes in growth and supporting our employees as best we can so they can become their best selves in and outside of work. We believe that a healthy work environment means building an inclusive culture where people can thrive together and feel supported and empowered.
We strongly encourage people of all backgrounds and identities, including but not limited to people of color, lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, transgender and non-binary people, veterans, parents, and individuals with disabilities to apply. PIBO is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes everyone to our team. If you need reasonable accommodation at any point in the application or interview process, please let us know.
Research has shown that women and people from marginalized communities apply to roles when they meet 100% of the job requirements, whereas people without marginalized identities apply if they meet an average of 60% of the requirements. If you think that your skills are transferable and can add value to this role, please apply so that we can determine whether it’s a good fit.
In your cover letter, please note which pronouns you use (for example – she/her/hers, he/him/his, they/them/theirs, etc.).