Conservation Chaiperson

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Position Title: Conservation Chair

Purpose: The Conservation Committee takes action on behalf of wildlife and habitat. The committee evaluates and makes policy recommendations to the Eastside Audubon board of directors on issues of conservation significance. The chair position leads the committee and is a member of the board.

Key Responsibilities:

• Studies conservation issues at the local, state and federal level.
• Advises the board of directors and general membership as to what conservation or advocacy steps we may wish to take.
• Chairs monthly Conservation Committee meetings.
• Works with the Conservation Committee members to develop objectives and action strategies, as well as projected budgets, for the board’s approval.
• Oversees the following sub-committees and/or task groups: community science, bird surveys, Marymoor Park habitat restoration and Christmas Bird Count.
• Develops position statements regarding various conservation issues.
• Writes a periodic article for the newsletter on committee activities.
• Keeps the board informed of National Audubon’s conservation campaigns, including regional, state and local issues.
• May nominate an "Environmentalist of the Year" to be awarded at the January volunteer appreciation dinner. Advertises for nominations for Environmentalist of the Year in the newsletter beginning in July.
• Attends monthly board meetings and program nights.

Conservation ChairQualifications: All board members must display a commitment to the organization and an understanding of the organization and its principles, mission, goals, and services. Board members should also know the responsibilities of governance and management, and paid and volunteer staff. The conservation chair must also display the following:

• Independent research and preparation of short summary reports on the issue and communicating findings effectively to a group.
• The ability to successfully work with staff and other volunteers.

Responsible to: Board president.

Length of Appointment: The term is 2 years.

Time Commitment: Estimated to be approximately 176 hours per year, consisting of:

• 2-4 hours per month for board meeting and program night attendance (48 hours annually).
• 2 hours per month for coordination and meetings with conservation committee (24 hours annually).
• 2 hours per week with various tasks including developing and organizing conservation projects, writing letters of support/opinion letters on behalf of the Chapter, and following up on emails, both internal and external. (104 hours annually)

Support and Training: The board president is available to answer questions and offer guidance. All board members have the opportunity and are encouraged to participate in at least one board-appropriate training per term, paid for by Eastside Audubon. Additionally, attendance at the Audubon Council of Washington or another Audubon meeting at least once per term is encouraged.