Environmental Education Coordinator

About the Friends of the New Jersey School of Conservation

The Friends of the New Jersey School of Conservation (FONJSOC) unites people from all walks of life whose lives have been influenced through participation in programs at the School of Conservation. Our members are teachers, university professors, researchers, former students, environmental educators, former campers and counselors, and friends representing more than half a century of New Jersey School of Conservation (NJSOC) experiences. The Friends provide financial support for preservation, restoration and other projects to ensure the NJSOC remains a destination where the citizens of New Jersey, and the world, can learn to become better stewards of our natural resources.

Located on a 240-acre tract of land in Stokes State Forest in Sussex County, New Jersey, the NJSOC is our nation’s oldest and largest environmental education center. NJSOC has a long and celebrated history, beginning in 1949 when officials from the Department of Higher Education, college presidents, the Department of Conservation and Economic Development, politicians, and conservationists worked together to realize the promise of a world-class outdoor education center in an abandoned CCC camp. It played a key role in the development of the environmental education movement, and has served as a model for environmental centers throughout the world. The SOC’s resident programs and summer camps have served more than 400,000 students, teachers, masters and doctoral candidates, faculty and visiting professionals from every walk of life through the nearly 40,000 workshops and environmental education programs offered at the SOC over its 73-year history.

Job Description 

The Environmental Education Coordinator (EEC) employs interpretive, outreach and administrative skills to: 

• implement educational and interpretive programs highlighting the natural and cultural features found at the NJSOC; 
• strengthen efforts to reach and provide environmental education-based programming to our statewide community with an emphasis on diverse, under resourced, and underserved communities; 
• assist with the daily operations and coordination of facilities at NJSOC; 
• perform a variety of administrative and technical duties in support of the organization. 

The EEC reports to the Director of Education. 

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Promotion, Coordination, Development, Facilitation and Assessment

• Assist with the development and management of content for the NJSOC website, social media and e-blasts.
• Assist with communications in all forms of media including onsite and community outreach events. 
• Coordinate school field trips and campus space use by mission- aligned organizations.
• Create original and innovative interpretive materials, activities and curricula that align with state and national standards.
• Lead students through multi-day, hands-on, experiential learning in outdoor settings. 
• Cultivate an inclusive learning environment by delivering culturally relevant content, presenting multiple and balanced perspectives and connecting instruction to participants’ lives and community. 
• Manage students’ physical safety in outdoor settings using sound judgment and applying appropriate risk management decisions; administer first aid as needed. 
• Assess and document student learning and program outcomes. 
• Establish and maintain respectful, supportive and compassionate relationships with staff, volunteers and participants.
• Model responsible environmental behavior.
• Staff NJSOC on weekdays, weekends and/or overnights as required to ensure coverage.
• Fulfill other duties as assigned. 

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree/equivalent experience in education, outdoor recreation, natural resources and/or related field. Teaching certification or equivalent in combination of training and experience is preferred.  
• Working knowledge of natural history and inquiry-based, multi-disciplinary science.
• Experience in interpretive teaching and curriculum development utilizing exemplary instructional skills. 
• Possession of the social and emotional skills necessary to build rapport and positive relationships with people of all ages, backgrounds, abilities, cultures, orientations, identities and communities.
• Ability to perform physically challenging work outdoors in all weather conditions on uneven terrain. Ability to lift and carry 40 pounds.  
• Experience in marketing and developing partnerships with businesses, schools, natural resource agencies, etc.  
• High level of digital competency in various media including; Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Eventbrite, etc.  
• A willingness to be coached and openness to feedback.
• Commitment to equity and inclusion within our community.
• Excellent organizational and planning skills.
• Ability to work flexible hours including overnights and occasional weekends. 
• Current CPR/First Aid certification or willingness to complete training after a job offer. 

COMPENSATION

Salary Range: $50,000-$56,000/year, depending on experience. 

This is a full-time, salaried position with a complete benefits package including paid time off, healthcare and retirement.

In addition, this position offers an opportunity to work and grow in a spectacular location within a progressive community.

The FONJSOC values a diverse workplace. People of color and those from economically disadvantaged communities are particularly encouraged to apply. FONJSOC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring on the basis of race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic.

How to apply:

To apply, email a cover letter and resume to Tanya Sulikowski, Director of Education, tsulikowski@friendsofnjsoc.org. Please use EE Coordinator Application in the subject line. 

Application deadline: January 31, 2023