Place-Based Stewardship Education Specialist

The Northeast Michigan Great Lakes Stewardship Initiative (NEMIGLSI) network is pleased to offer an exciting, flexible full-time opportunity to support school and community-based place-based stewardship education (PBSE) efforts throughout northeast Michigan. The NEMIGLSI network is a regional Great Lakes and natural resource stewardship education collaborative led by a network coordinator and supported directly by the Michigan Sea Grant, Michigan State University Extension, NOAA Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary,  the Community Foundation for Northeast Michigan and many other community partners. This network supports youth-led Great Lakes stewardship projects through hands in the dirt, feet in the water PBSE efforts in and with schools and communities, serving 8 counties across northeast Michigan.

SALARY: $40,000 - $50,000, based on experience

BENEFITS: Paid time off including 9 paid holidays, professional development support, health care stipend

REPORTS TO: NEMIGLSI Network Coordinator

SCOPE AND PURPOSE OF SERVICE: The Place-Based Stewardship Education Specialist is responsible for supporting the natural resource stewardship education mission of NEMIGLSI in collaboration with the Network Coordinator. The PBSE Specialist must be a highly motivated, responsible individual who is flexible and able to adapt to the needs and goals of the NEMIGLSI network. This individual needs to be confident and eager to support the advancement of PBSE and Great Lakes environmental stewardship efforts in northeast Michigan.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Technical knowledge of the Great Lakes and other Michigan natural resources
• Experience working with schools and teachers
• Strong interest in educational and youth development programming through natural resources
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Able to work independently and as part of a team 
• Computer proficiency, particularly the Google Suite
• Ability to pass a background check
• Commitment to Great Lakes and natural resources stewardship across northeast Michigan
• Ability to traverse and carry supplies and equipment (10-15 lbs) over uneven ground

POTENTIAL POSITION DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

This position is adaptable to the skill set of the applicant. Scope of work will be determined based on applicant strengths and interests. The position offers opportunities to develop creative approaches to PBSE.

Place-Based Stewardship Education Opportunities:

• Coordinate with educators, students, school administrators, and community partners to explore and develop place-based education projects and facilitate relevant field and school visits for network partners. PBSE projects may include but are limited to: water quality monitoring; habitat restoration; invasive species management; marine debris; pollinator and schoolyard habitats; community science data collection; and other stewardship activities.
• Identify and build relationships with school and community partners
• Support existing school PBSE projects to provide a positive learning experience for students and service connections for community partners
• Implement professional development opportunities for network educators and partners

Communication Opportunities:

• Utilize and create content for online resources including the NEMIGLSI website and social media
• Promote PBSE stewardship efforts with print, TV, radio, and electronic press
• Plan and participate in community outreach events that connect to PBSE efforts

Administrative Support Opportunities:

• Collect, organize, and maintain data for individual schools and stewardship projects 
• Communicate and engage with the community, and existing and potential network partners on behalf of the NEMIGLSI network
• Provide logistical support for network activities
• Assist in organizing NEMIGLSI annual networking meetings, leadership team meetings, and administration team meetings
• Implement existing grant and program requirements, including project management, budgeting, and reporting
• Collaborate with NEMIGLSI staff/partners for future grant development and implementation
• Collaborate with NEMIGLSI staff for fundraising campaigns
• Work with NEMIGLSI and other stakeholders to identify and implement strategies for program development, sustainability, and continuous improvement
• Perform other duties as assigned per grant agreements and/or leadership

HOW TO APPLY: 

Interested candidates should provide a cover letter, resume, and references to Meag Schwartz at northeastmichiganGLSI@gmail.com. Applications will be reviewed upon their receipt and interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis.