Mojave Desert Plants Education Technician 2

This part-time opportunity is for an education technician working with Mojave Desert plants at the California City Correctional Institute. A self - chosen crew of adults in custody will work with you to grow plants specific to the desert in a seed-bulking program with our partners. You will provide the expertise to grow these plants while also educating incarcerated adults about the horticulture, botany and ecology of desert plants. 

Job Title: Mojave Desert Plants Education Technician 2
Work Location: California City, CA 
Status: Regular, Part-time (10-20 hours/week, depending on seasonal workload) 
Supervisor: Program Manager
Compensation:  $18.20 - $23.55/hr., depending on experience 

Application period: January 21, 2022 – March 4, 2022. Applications reviewed on receipt. Get yours in early as we may hire sooner!

The Institute for Applied Ecology (appliedeco.org) is hiring a part-time Education Technician to help lead efforts in our Mojave Desert Plants in Prisons project.

The Institute for Applied Ecology (IAE) is a dynamic nonprofit organization founded in 1999 whose mission is to conserve native species and habitats through restoration, research and education. We fill a unique niche among nonprofits and work with a diverse group of partners including federal, state and county agencies and municipalities to accomplish our mission. We maintain an open and convivial office environment with over 20 regular staff in our main office in Corvallis, OR and a branch office in Santa Fe, NM. We are committed to diversity and equity in our work place and the communities we serve.

The Ecological Education Program at the IAE offers educational opportunities for students of all ages from K-12 to adult community members and specialty audiences, such as teachers or adults in custody. Through outreach activities and informal science education, we engage people in meaningful place-based active education conducted in schools, camps, prisons and in the wider communities that we serve. We work with other nonprofit partners, community members, departments of correction, schools, granting organizations and federal agencies to deliver education focused on connecting people to nature. Our efforts are primarily focused on underserved, under-resourced and diverse audiences.

Studies have shown that Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC), women and other marginalized groups are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications as described in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and qualifications for the role.

VACCINE REQUIREMENT: In compliance with federal guidelines, IAE has a mandatory Covid-19 vaccination policy. All employees are required to submit proof of up-to-date vaccination prior to employment. Employees may request exceptions and reasonable accommodations for medical reasons or sincerely held religious beliefs. Any offer of employment will be contingent on complying with this policy.

SPECIFIC DUTIES

Project management including managing all aspects of plant materials production including sowing, daily care, IPM, and watering accomplished in conjunction with adults in custody (AIC). May include management and hiring of subcontractor and potential work with volunteers. 

●      Education and curriculum development for work with AIC. Includes delivery of educational lessons, travel, coordination with prison contacts and evaluations of curricula. 

●      Writing reports, press releases and blog/newsletter posts as needed. Contribute to grant funding including discovery, development of relationships and writing of grant (with support) including concept, budget and schedule of work.

●      Conducting other work as needed, such as tours, workshops and presentations for various audiences, assisting with other EE projects as requested and participating in inter-department education programs. 

QUALIFICATIONS

●      A minimum of five years of educational teaching (formal or informal) experience.

●      A strong background in biology/ecology related field, including an interest or experience in native plant propagation.

●      Able to pass Department of Corrections background check.

●      Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Google Suite.

●      Ability to work some weekends and ability to lift 25 pounds.

●      Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Experience managing and coordinating several projects simultaneously.

●      Positive attitude and excellent oral and written communication skills.

●      Current U.S. driver’s license.

DESIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

●      Bilingual English/Spanish

●      Technologically savvy – including the ability to develop videos (including storyboards, filming, editing), create written works and work in GIS (Storymapping and other needs).

IAE supports diversity and equity, and we encourage applications from all groups of people. We recognize that the strength of IAE is in our people and we believe that every employee has the right to work in surroundings that 
are free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment. IAE does not and will not discriminate in employment and personnel practices and our commitment to equal employment opportunity applies to every aspect of the employment relationship.

How to apply:

To apply for this position, submit:

• Cover letter that includes a summation of your interest in the position and start date.
• List of three references, one of which should be a past employer. Please give us written permission to contact them.
• Resume 

Applications must be received by 9:00 am March 4th, 2022. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Non-US residents must include a copy of their work visa. Applications considered upon receipt. Get yours in early as we may hire sooner!
 

Email materials and/or questions with subject line – MOJAVE TECH – to:

Karen Hall, Ecological Education Program Director
karenhall@appliedeco.org