Elementary Youth Programs Coordinator

Overview

The Elementary Youth Programs Coordinator is an energetic, organized, and engaging educator who plays a key role in the development, delivery, and success of youth programs at Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter, with a primary focus on early childhood and elementary-aged learners. Swaner’s youth programs use hands-on, inquiry-based learning to inspire curiosity, foster environmental stewardship, and connect young people with the natural world. Working closely with the Director of Youth Programs, the coordinator supports and facilitates a variety of educational experiences, including field trips, classroom outreach, camps, and after-school programs. This position is instrumental in creating safe, and engaging learning environments that support the needs of diverse learners. The successful candidate is passionate about environmental education, enjoys working directly with children, and thrives in a collaborative, dynamic setting dedicated to meaningful learning experiences in nature.

The Extension Program Coordinator I reports to the Director of Youth Programs. This classification assists in the oversight, mentorship, and coordination of support staff, education staff, and volunteers.

Responsibilities

• Enrolled Programs (40%):
  • Acts as lead educator to deliver hands-on programs to youth aged 5 to 13; develops science-based curricula; collaborates with the Director of Youth Programs to plan schedules and themes; assists with daily operations, registrations, data collection, and program evaluation.
• School Programs (40%):
  • Delivers SEEd Standard-aligned lessons during field trips and classroom outreach; maintains, updates, and creates curriculum for school partners; builds professional rapport with teachers and school staff; assists in documenting program impacts.
• Coordination & Operations (10%):
  • Oversees and mentors education staff and volunteers; maintains program supplies, educational materials, and facility resources.
• Other Duties (10%):
  • Supports Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter initiatives and events; performs additional job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g., outdoor education, elementary education, museum studies, environmental science, communications, or visitor services); OR an equivalent combination of education plus related experience.
• Experience working with youth in a formal or informal educational setting.
• Valid driver’s license to drive university vehicles and transport materials.
• Successful completion of a background check.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Three years of related experience in informal/formal education, museum engagement, or outdoor education.
• Communicate effectively in Spanish.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of environmental science, conservation principles, and educational pedagogy.
• Ability to work with all backgrounds, and accessibility practices in educational programming.
• Ability to design, organize, and deliver hands-on, inquiry-based youth education activities.
• Highly skilled in critical thinking, organization, prioritization, and creative problem-solving.
• Skilled in using personal computers and related software applications.
• Ability to build collaborative working relationships with coworkers, youth, teachers, volunteers, and external partners.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; ability to receive feedback and adapt programs.
• Ability to gather and synthesize program data for evaluation and impact reporting.