Environmental Education Coordinator

Environmental Education Coordinator – non-exempt

Duties include, but are not limited to:

Assisting with educational programs 40% of the total time

• Instruction of the school education programs located on or off district property
• Instruction of the public education programs located on or off district property 
• Instruction of programs for community groups located on or off district property
• Plan and develop new education programs across all departments
• Plan, develop, and build new displays for the nature center
• Organize and display educational materials at the nature center 
• Care for the live animal displays

Coordinating facilitation of special events 25% of the total time

• Plan and coordinate special events and programming
• Coordinate staffing and volunteer needs for special events
• Maintain accurate records of all special events 
• Chair special event committee meetings and submit reports following each event
• Oversee the repair and maintenance of costumes/clothing for living history programs
• Assist with the promotion of the district at community events, fairs and parades
• Maintain food service manager sanitation license for the State of Illinois 
• Work with Education Director to develop a yearly budget for events

Monitoring, posting and creating social media content 20% of the total time

• Schedule and coordinate social media content
• Monitor social media platforms and interactions with BCCD pages 
• Respond to inquiries and forward concerns to the leadership team
• Create marketing materials for BCCD events and education opportunities

Other Functions 15% of the total time

• Assist with the daily activities of the administrative office
• Assist with the development of marketing materials that promote district programs
• Attend professional training seminars or workshops
• Participation in professional groups and organizations 
• Assist with other programs and activities of the district
• Supervise part time education staff and camp staff
• Other duties as assigned

 Required Qualifications

• Maintain a Tuesday through Saturday work schedule
• Possess the skills, knowledge, and professional development equivalent to a bachelor’s degree
• Experience working with children and/or adults in an educational setting
• Experience working with volunteers in a supervisory capacity
• Experience facilitating special event programming
• Knowledge of the native flora and fauna of northern Illinois
• Knowledge of ecology and the interrelationships of people and the environment
• Knowledge of Illinois history and the rural lifestyles of the 1800’s time period
• Possess a valid driver’s license or ability to attain one
• Certification in first aid or the ability to obtain it
• Certification as a Scouting America Merit Badge counselor or ability to obtain
• Obtain a Food Service Sanitation Handler Certificate within the first 60 days of employment

 Preferred Qualifications

• Bi-lingual Spanish and English speaker
• Two years experience in environmental education

Physical Functions and Equipment Used

Ability to:

• Lift and carry up to fifty pounds
• Work near campfire smoke
• Hike up to six miles in moderate terrain
• Drive vehicles, golf carts, utility vehicles, and trucks
• Use hand tools such as hammers, screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers
• Use a computer, smartphone, tablet, copy machine, and other office equipment

Working Conditions

Ability to:

• Work outside under all types of weather conditions
• Work in conditions where there are biting and stinging insects
• Work in conditions with the possibility of exposure to minor cuts and burns 
• Cook over an open fire in adverse conditions
• Work with proper PPE and other safety equipment
• Work in an office setting with regularly scheduled hours
• Work outside during special events and programs
• Work evenings and/or weekends as needed

Specific Skills

English Language – Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language, rules of composition and grammar

Speaking -- Talk to others to convey information effectively

Reading Comprehension – Understand writing in work related documents

Writing -- Communicate effectively in writing appropriate for the needs of the audience

Active Listening -- Give full attention to what other people are saying and ask questions as appropriate

Ability to speak in front of a group of at least fifty people

Ability to contact people by phone, email, and letter

Literacy with computer programs, such as -- Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Google, Zoom 

Train and Teach others -- Develop formal educational or training programs and teach or instruct others

Organize, Plan and Prioritize work -- Develop specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish work

Perform general physical activities – Ability to perform physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping and handling material

Compensation Range: $22.00 - $25.00

Based on education and experience.  Paid vacation, sick time, and holidays.  Health, dental, and vision insurance.  Enrollment in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund.

All prospective employees must pass a pre-employment drug test, background check, physical, and driving history check. 

The Boone County Conservation District is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building a diverse staff and maintaining an equitable work environment. We encourage applications from women, minority groups, veterans, and people with disabilities for whom a reasonable accommodation can be provided.

Applications will be accepted thru 8/21/2024

Please send resume, references, and cover letter to: 

Education Director
mfreedlund@bccdil.org 
Boone County Conservation District
603 N Appleton Rd
Belvidere, IL 61008