Interpretation & Education Program Manager

If you are looking for a rewarding and challenging opportunity to contribute to the legacy of open space protection while using your talents in program development and project management to provide engaging and enriching services for the general public (adults, youth and children), we have an outstanding opportunity for you! The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (Midpen) is seeking an Interpretation & Education Program Manager in the Visitor Services Department.

About Midpen: Midpen helps plants, animals and people thrive throughout the greater Santa Cruz Mountains region by preserving a greenbelt of more than 65,000 acres of public open space with 250 miles of trails in 26 extraordinary preserves, permanently protected for natural resource conservation and ecologically sensitive public enjoyment and education. Midpen is a public agency with a focused mission that guides our work, and where every employee makes an impact.  If you are looking for an outstanding opportunity to contribute to the legacy of open space protection, natural resource restoration and outdoor recreation, working with an incredible team of like-minded colleagues, we invite you to apply for this position!  Check out the Working for Midpen video on our Employment Opportunities page.

A Few Reasons Why You May Love This Job

• Collaborative work that directly supports Midpen’s mission to protect and restore the natural environment
• You’ll be part of a talented and dynamic team whose work contributes to providing nature’s benefits to everyone
• Excellent employee benefits, including medical, dental, vision, tuition reimbursement, and a retirement pension through California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS)

Work Environment/Working Conditions:

Under the supervision of the Visitor Services Manager/Chief Ranger in the Visitor Services Department, this position will primarily report out of the Midpen administrative office though will occasionally work from the Daniels Nature Center at Skyline Ridge Preserve. Midpen office staff are working hybrid schedules with in-office days and at-home (remote) days. The selected individual for this position may work three days a week in the office and two days remote. This classification is partially sedentary in a standard office setting and partially active in the field - hiking/walking is required while conducting programs and trainings, employee may also be required to drive vehicles over unimproved roads. Persons in this classification occasionally lift, carry, push and pull equipment and supplies weighing up to 25 pounds. The selected individual will be required to work evenings, weekends, and possibly occasional holidays. Must wear Midpen issued uniform when interacting with the public or as deemed necessary.

Education & Experience:

We realize your time is valuable, so please apply only if you have at least the required minimum qualifications outlined here - any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in business administration or a related field, and two (2) years of relevant experience working in programs providing educational services to the public, preferably in a park, recreation area or open space environment.  Possession of a valid California Driver’s License.

Desirable experience and education includes program development and project management needed to provide engaging and enriching services for the general public (adults, youth and children).  Possession of a professional-level certification through the National Association for Interpretation (NAI) as an interpretive manager (CIM™), trainer (CIT™), planner (CIP™), and/or Environmental Educator certification through the California Association for Environmental & Outdoor Education (AEOE), and/or UC California Naturalist trainer certification. Completion of major course work in interpretation, environmental education, park management, natural or physical sciences, environmental, conservation studies or business administration. Possession of or ability to obtain basic first aid and CPR certifications.

https://www.calopps.org/midpeninsula-regional-open-space-district/job-20329633