Backcountry Hunters & Anglers

Position: New York and Pennsylvania Public Lands Coordinator

Location: NY or PA

Reports to: Conservation Director

Organizational Background

Public lands contain healthy habitats that support robust populations of fish and wildlife. BHA is hiring a full time coordinator position to respond to legislative or administrative actions related to public lands sales, transfers or other types of seizure and advance opportunities to proactively enhance public lands, public access, fish and wildlife habitat, and the future of hunting and fishing. This position will work closely with BHA’s state chapters and provide leadership on other important issues relevant to our mission as well.

This position is expected to require an average of 40 hours/week for a contract period of 12 months with opportunities to extend being possible.

Primary Responsibilities

• The NY/PA public lands organizer will work with the state chapters of BHA and other diverse interests in a collaborative setting to monitor activities and legislation at the state legislature related to public lands, hunting, fishing, and management of fish, wildlife and habitat.
• Work with other sportsmen and conservation organizations to advance proactive strategies that advance BHA’s work on public lands and defend against legislative or administrative efforts that would undermine state and national conservation priorities for BHA.
• Work with the chapters and BHA staff to engage hunters and anglers at the legislature including attending hearings, committee meetings, and other important events.
• Build and manage local relationships with Congressional staff at the state and district office levels in NY and PA.
• As needed, work with state chapters and BHA staff to initiate rapid response communications (phone calls/emails) with chapter leaders and other influential grasstops to educate decision makers in NY and PA.
• As necessary or appropriate, work with BHA’s online advocacy coordinator to generate individual constituent communications to decision makers utilizing BHA’s action systems and engaging state chapter leaders, and other influential individuals.
• Work with BHA’s communications director to write letters to the editor, opinion editorials, and letters to state and national legislators that support local, state and national efforts to protect public and private lands that benefit wildlife, water or provide access for hunting and fishing.
• Work with the state chapters of BHA to recruit new members, identify new leaders or prospective board, and engage them in BHA’s work.
• Work with BHA staff to leverage traditional media, social media, and other communications platforms that complement our work in NY and PA. Coordinate chapter communications through BHA’s website, email systems, and state-based social media. Page 2 of 2
• Work with state chapters and BHA staff, including BHA’s chapter and events coordinator, to develop and promote fundraising events such as hunting and fishing film tours, hunter happy hours, storytelling nights, and other events to promote membership, attract new public lands advocates, and create in-person opportunities to advance BHA’s work in NY and PA
• Work with BHA’s communications director and the state chapters to engage in any state media opportunities and develop media/press statements to respond to any campaign needs.
• Work with BHA staff, including the state policy director, to assist state chapters with developing or sending any legislative or programmatic updates.
• Assist the conservation director and development coordinator with writing grant proposals and reports.
• Perform other duties as determined by the conservation director

Qualifications

• Must be a hunter and/or angler with a willingness to work flexible hours and travel across both states regularly including periodic travel to state legislatures as needed.
• Self-motivated and with the initiative and ability to work independently.
• Ability to communicate with diverse audiences (i.e., elected officials, land owners, livestock producers, professionals from state and federal agencies, conservation groups and non-governmental organizations).
• Ability to work cooperatively in a team environment and coordinate with other sportsmen and conservation organizations.
• Conduct work with integrity, good humor and a focus on developing partnerships, building trust and strengthening professional relationships.
• Knowledge of state legislative processes, wildlife science, and public lands issues including NY and PY conservation issues strongly preferred.
• College degree with relevant experience and strong writing skills.
• Applicants must have a valid driver's license.

Interested applicants should submit a resume and cover letter to [email protected] with the email subject line “NY/PA Public Lands Coordinator.” BHA is an equal opportunity employer.