Environmental Education Coordinator

This position also assists in planning and implementing special events, grant development, administrative and visitor services, and general nature center operations.  The individual must be independent, self-motivated, creative, and resourceful.  The Education Coordinator works under the general direction of the Environmental Education & Community Outreach Division Manager and is based at the Oxbow Eco-Center.  

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:
Plan, develop, implement and oversee youth and adult education programs and activities that meet the needs of multi-generational audiences. 
Plan, develop and implement youth camp programs.
Oversee animal husbandry program including management of animal care volunteers. 
Facilitate teacher workshops that encourage outdoor and environmental learning. 
Maximize impacts through market research, creation of distance learning opportunities, and coordination with the school district, colleges, environmental science, research and management entities, local environmental learning centers, and others.
Market educational programs including SLC TV programs and public service announcements, radio interviews, press releases, social media posts, web-based and printed announcements.
Define, track and analyze performance measures and prepares narrative and reports.
Provide excellent customer service and make all decisions with the customer's interest at heart.
Cultivate partnerships that promote environmental stewardship and an ethic of service within the community.  
Work cooperatively with Center and department staff to accomplish goals and missions of ERD and the EECO Division.
Assiss with the process for ongoing quality control of curricula and instructional delivery of programs, classes and activities. Defines learning outcomes and assesses program impacts. 
Assist with policies and procedures, training manuals, orientation materials, and other support materials.
Assist with training, supervising, evaluating and mentoring education interns, volunteers, and support staff.
Assist with developing and maintaining exhibits, displays and educational signage.
Assist with special events and special projects as needed.
Assist with donor and volunteer cultivation activities. 
Assist with identifying and securing funding resources for programs, including grants.
Assist Manager in the annual preparation of budget for education program, and adherence to budget.
Assist with general nature center operations including opening, closing, and gift store services. 
Understand and comply with the St. Lucie County Board of County Commissioners employee handbook and other established policies and procedures. 
Perform other job-related functions as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge of:
Florida ecology, ecosystem management, flora and fauna of the region and/or state, ecological concepts, and environmental issues; with the ability to focus broadly on environmental issues/ecology of the region.
Environmental and sustainability issues with the ability to focus broadly on global environmental challenges and on ecology and stewardship of natural resources; local, state and federal legislation and programs pertaining to ecosystem protection and restoration projects and improvements on natural areas.
Principles of interpretation and informal education in an outdoor environment.
Nature center operations, including scheduling, programming, and basic supervisory practices.
Knowledge and understanding of best practices in animal husbandry as it relates to animal collections for educational purposes is a plus. 
Planning, program development, project management, monitoring and reporting.
Wildlife biology, botany, biology, habitat requirements, land management and restoration techniques, field monitoring, data collection and evaluation techniques, site preparation techniques, tools, and soils; volunteer and public engagement.
Experience in developing and implementing passive recreation and eco-tourism programs; Florida historical and archeological resources and related permitting requirements and resource-based protection measures, management and interpreting for public environmental education.
Current trends, resources and information related to environmental education, volunteerism, and eco-tourism; environmental stewardship and sustainable eco heritage tourism principles.
 
Skills:
Strong time-management skills
Excellent written and oral communication skills, including strong public speaking skills
Excellent organizational skills
Excellent interpretation skills
Strong teaching skills and pedagogical experience.
Proven skills in scheduling, programming, leadership, and record keeping.
Effectiveness as a strong team player.
Proficient with MS Office
Strong internet literacy; social media skills a plus
Creative and artistic skills a plus
 
Ability to:
Foster teamwork and work cooperatively and effectively with others to set goals, support organizational goals, resolve issues, and make decisions that enhance organizational effectiveness.
Motivate as a self-starter
Demonstrate a superior work ethic
Manage multiple priorities on an ongoing basis
Be detail oriented, plan efficiently
Represent the Environmental Resources Department (ERD) and EECO enthusiastically. 
Commitment to advancing environmental sustainability and literacy.
Be innovative, interpret exhibits, answer questions and educate patrons visiting, calling and e-mailing Center 
Coordinate, develop, and conduct nature programs, including outdoor recreational activities. 
Train, supervise, and evaluate interns and volunteers.
Demonstrate capability to effectively communicate orally and in writing. This position requires substantial mentoring and instruction (formal and informal). Comfort with teaching, public speaking and offering feedback. 
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with volunteers, fellow employees, various organizations, and the general public. 
Significant leadership experience and problem-solving skills.
Perform while working in an unstructured environment with numerous interruptions throughout the day.
 
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:
Physical Demands and Work Environment
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. 
Frequent work outside involves moderate physical activity and frequent work inside in sedentary posture. Frequent public contact.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.  
Can work under deadlines and other stressful conditions.
May require travel dependent on company needs. 
  
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION: 
This job description is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of all the responsibilities, skills or working conditions associated with the position.  While it is intended to accurately reflect the position activities and requirements, Management reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties and assign other duties as necessary that are a logical assignment to the position.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE/RECOVERY ACTIVITIES: 
County employees are essential in providing services to our community and continuing services following a disaster or emergency. To maintain services during and/or following a disaster or emergency, and as a requirement of County employment, County employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location, and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens. 

ADA STATEMENT: 
A qualified employee or applicant with a disability may be afforded a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential job functions of a position in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education: Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university in the natural sciences, environmental studies, biological sciences, environmental education, or closely related field. 
Experience: Minimum of three (3) years of experience planning, developing, and implementing environmental education programs.  Experience supervising volunteers or staff, preferably in a nature center or park services context; and experience building community partnerships and networks is preferred.  
NOTE: An equivalent combination of experience/training and/or experience may be substituted to meet the above noted minimum qualifications.
Licenses, Certifications, or Registrations: Valid Florida’s Driver’s License and must maintain a good driving record.  Must successfully obtain and maintain CPR and First Aid certification. 
 
 

Additional Information

Pay Grade G12

Driving Position – Operating County vehicles and/or equipment is a primary function of this position.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT SCREENING: This position requires a physical, drug testing, driver's license verification and level 2 background screening.