Education Specialist

DUTIES: The Education Specialist will work with Earth Discovery Institute’s Education Director, primarily to support environmental education and recreation programs, and oversee program evaluation and best practices. Responsibilities include:

• Lead groups of students and families on educational and recreational field trips throughout San Diego County
• Support and lead EDI classroom lessons at schools
• Develop and implement strategies to measure the effectiveness of EDI programs, events, and donor services; design effective monitoring and evaluation survey instruments
• Oversee survey data collection, database management, and data analysis
• Support Education Director with indicator selection, target setting, and metrics reporting
• Review and stay current on best practices for environmental education programs to optimize EDI’s programs
• Ensure outcomes and lessons learned are integrated into projects and shared with relevant stakeholders
• Communicate departmental needs to the Education Director
• Assist with the development/refinement of lesson plans, curricula, and other resources; ensure curricula adheres to current standards
• Help plan and participate in paid program trainings
• Represent EDI while participating in outreach events
• Carry out other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS: This is an entry-level position for someone with at least 2 years of experience working with youth and/or monitoring and evaluation experience. Applicants must be highly organized and comfortable working in both indoor and outdoor settings. Patience working with children, attention to detail, and excellent communication are essential skills. Reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license with a clean record are required. A bachelor’s degree in education, conservation, or a related field is beneficial, but not required. Familiarity with national and state education standards (NGSS; CA Environmental Principles & Concepts) and inquiry-based learning concepts is also a plus, but not required.

HOURS: The position is as-needed, approximately 0–29 hours of work per week, but typically 15 hours per week. Anticipated start date is September 1, 2023. Schedule is variable but field trips and events generally take place on weekdays 9:00am–1:00pm, 1–4 days/week, with some weekend events.