Some of these organizations are international in scope; others, domestic. Some strive for the preservation of whole ecological systems; others, for one particular species. Still others object to the use of certain traps or nets that may inadvertently kill another already threatened species. Some work toward the abolition of poaching or trade in a specific animal product.
People who work for governmental agencies have to follow the land-use policy of the particular administration in power at the time. Since private organizations are independent of governmental dictates as to philosophy and strategy, they are free to pursue their goals as they see them.
Positions in the Private Sector
Not-for-profit organizations may not have employment eligibility requirements as strict as those of government agencies, but they do need fully qualified administrative, clerical, and creative people; scientists and lawyers; and personnel and public-relations specialists.
The top administrative titles may vary slightly from organization to organization. Some may combine functions and responsibilities. Such positions may include the president or chief executive officer, who may have assistants or deputies. Generally, there is also a corporate counsel, chief of marketing, business officer, controller, and administrative director.
Chief executive officers oversee all staff and operations. Their deputies work in conjunction with these top administrators and often stand in for them when they are absent. Legal counsels serve as advisers to the staff and often coordinate outside legal help. The marketing directors supervise a staff that develops products and services, advertising, and promotions, in addition to performing market research.
Business managers see to the daily financial and administrative needs of the organization, while the controller supervises the financial staff. Directors of administration are responsible for all operations within the office, such as maintaining space, equipment, and supplies.
Many not-for-profit organizations also employ computer specialists, including managers and analysts, who design and write programs, analyze systems, and produce reports. Benefits and affirmative action plans, organizational policy, staff records, and recruiting are all handled by the personnel or human resources department.
Directors of development supervise a staff of fundraisers and assist local chapters where needed. Developing a steady list of donors, foundations, and corporate contributors is crucial to not-for-profit and nonprofit organizations because they are not funded by public funds or taxes, as are government agencies.
The public-relations department prepares and distributes in-formational newsletters, magazines, pamphlets, brochures, and direct-mail pieces to the public that will produce a true image of the work of the organization. The activities of these specialists may also include appearances on radio and television shows and at special events or community meetings.
All private organizations depend on membership for support for their cause and for financial stability. The membership staff is responsible for developing services to promote new membership and keep existing members. Research is also vital to these organizations, so there is usually a research group that compiles and analyzes statistics for management, who can then translate the data into reports and recommendations.
There also may be a need for long-range program or planning directors, project directors, and field service representatives, as well as volunteer coordinators. The project director may work on carefully designed ad hoc projects that only last a certain time and have a specific purpose. Field service representatives work as liaisons between the national organizations and the local chapters.
Critical for nonprofit organizations are the government relations director and public policy specialist. Government relations directors represent the organization's interests in its relationships with Congress and other government agencies. They may also be responsible for getting government contracts and grants for the organization. Public policy specialists gather and analyze legislative information and distribute it to the national headquarters or local affiliates. They may also be responsible for working with the government relations staff.
Positions within private-sector organizations, as in state agencies, may vary in title, specific responsibilities, and salary. You will want to contact the organizations individually if you are interested in working for them. Many of these organizations employ field workers, including scientists, biologists, ecologists, and environmental specialists, depending on the specific purpose of the organization. These positions generally require a B.S. degree; for managerial positions, such as refuge manager, an M.S. degree.
