Partnerships and Wilderness Program Manager

Who We Are:

NatureBridge provides best-in-class environmental science education experiences for more than 30,000 students and their teachers every year in the world’s best classrooms: our National Parks. Our mission is to connect young people to the science and wonder of the natural world, igniting self-discovery and inspiring stewardship of the planet. Through our programs, students explore the outdoors, connect with their peers, discover themselves and develop a lasting relationship with science and the environment around them.

What You Will Do:

The Partnerships and Wilderness Programs Manager coordinates relationships and programs with our partner organizations in Yosemite National Park. They manage logistics for NatureBridge program operations outside of our traditional environmental science school programs, and collaborate with the Yosemite National Park Wilderness Branch on WildLink, a joint program between NatureBridge, the National Park Service, and Yosemite Conservancy. Read about the program here! The NatureBridge Campus Director and the Partnerships and Wilderness Program Manager will also work closely on the opening of our new campus at Henness Ridge, the National Environmental Science Center. 

This position takes place at our campus in Yosemite National Park and cannot be performed remotely. The role will also include travel within a four-hour radius of Yosemite and on day and overnight trips.

Your primary job will be:

• WildLink Program Management: coordinate and oversee all aspects of the WildLink program including wilderness expeditions, ambassador projects, and pre- and post-trip activities
• Planning and Facilitation of Overnight Programs: prepare for, lead, and train others to run developmentally appropriate, and logistically-sound programs in multi-day wilderness settings
• Effective Communication: warm and clear communicator both in-person and via email, online video, and phone; ability to communicate efficiently and appropriately with a wide range of constituents, including children, school administrators, parent/guardians, NPS personnel, and professional colleagues
• Organization and Strategy: well-honed self guided organization, task initiation, prioritization and planning skills
• Problem solving: motivation to explore solutions in collaboration with multiple NatureBridge departments and partner organizations and the ability to apply creative decision making
• Inclusive Innovation and Optimization: maintain and analyze data through both equity and efficiency lenses to inform recommendations about programs and partnerships
• Partnership Cultivation: identify and cultivate relationships with mission-aligned schools and organizations to participate in WildLink, develop new programs, and utilize NatureBridge facilities for conferences
• Collaborative Program Development: with campus director team, envision, design, and implement new initiatives for the opening of the National Environmental Science Center, with specific focus on conference and community use of the campus (read more about the NESC here)
• Risk Management: lead, and train others to assess both interpersonal and environmental risks; provide developmentally appropriate, and logistically-sound programs in multi-day wilderness settings; evaluate and manage risk and emergency response protocols in collaboration with the Yosemite Campus Risk Manager. 
• Gear Maintenance: inventory and maintain backcountry equipment and supplies; manage assigned gear budget
• Perform other duties as assigned

Compensation:

• $50,100 - $54,000 Annual Salary
• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• Option for a 403b retirement plan with employer match after six months
• Generous paid vacation, training days and sick leave
• Other benefits include Employee Assistance Plan (EAP), Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and more
• Subsidized shared housing may be provided as a benefit of employment 

Who You Are:

We are looking for candidates who have:

• Three to five years experience in experiential or environmental education including wilderness expedition programs
• Professional or personal experience in the inclusion and centering of those that have had historic and systemic barriers to accessing the outdoors. We especially encourage you to apply if you are a member of (or have extensive experience working with people from) any communities that are impacted by the historic and current system of oppression that has limited access to environmental education, or the outdoors in general.
• Ability to coordinate logistics for multi-day, overnight programs in Yosemite National Park
• Strong organizational skills and comfort working with limited oversight
• Ability to hike seven to ten miles with a full expedition backpack and lift and carry loads of up to 50 pounds
• Pro-active communication skills and ability to work both independently and as a member of a team
• Current Wilderness First Responder, CPR certification, and valid California driver's license; or a willingness to attain within the first 6 months of hire at your own expense
• Technological acumen, especially with Salesforce (CRM) and Google Suite
• Ability to work a flexible 40-hour week that includes weekend and evening work
• Consideration will also be given to a candidate’s ability to speak Spanish; knowledge of the National Park Service and experience working as a park partner; and familiarity with Yosemite National Park Wilderness

If you are interested in the role and do not meet every requirement listed, please still apply! We are interested in applicants with unique lived experience and skill sets.

*All NatureBridge Employees are required to complete a background check in order to be eligible for employment.

Why should you join the NatureBridge team?

• We are a mission-driven organization that values your contributions and supports you in making a positive impact on young people and the environment
• You will get to work in a beautiful natural setting with other dedicated staff who are passionate about the environment
• You want to be part of an organization that is invested in growth, self-examination, and creating equitable and inclusive environments for staff and participants

NatureBridge is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate based on any protected category, including, but not limited to, race, color, religion, gender, gender expression (including transgender expression or pregnancy), political affiliation, age, immigration status or disability. We encourage qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply. Please let us know if you require any accommodation. 

How To Apply:

Submit your application and cover letter to our Online Career Portal (Link). The deadline for applications is September 15, 2023.