ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The Environmental Education Coordinator is responsible for connecting youth and families with the land through engaging educational programs aligned with natural cycles and observable phenomena, while representing the overall mission of the Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation (JDCF). This includes developing, coordinating, and leading fieldtrips at JDCF preserves in partnership with area schools, as well as leading the summer camps and public youth and family programs that take place on JDCF preserves. This position works closely with volunteers who assist with the planning and implementation of these programs.

This includes the following primary functions:

Education Program Duties

• Continually improving and organizing programs and curriculum to connect young people with the land across cultures.
• Lead the youth and family volunteer team.
• Partner closely with area schools to coordinate and implement the Chicago Field Museum’s Mighty Acorn environmental education program curriculum for 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders.
• Organize and run the Sunshine Acres career-readiness program in partnership with the Northwest Academy special education cooperative with students grades kindergarten through high school.
• Organize annual public youth and family programs aligned with seasonal natural phenomena, often coordinating guest experts to lead programs.
• Lead the curriculum planning and coordination of volunteers for two 3-day summer camps each year in partnership with the Galena Arts and Recreation Center and Apple Canyon Lake Association.
• Partner with Tribal Nations and cultural centers to host Indigenous youth retreats and culture camps.
• Coordinate and lead on-demand field experiences for school and other youth groups.
• Attend Education and Outreach Committee meetings.
• Support Director of Education and Outreach as needed.

Community Engagement Duties

• Work closely with Director of Education and Outreach to manage, recruit, inspire, and empower volunteers for education programs.
• Partner with other educational organizations such to devise and implement programs.
• Engage in Native American Tribal relationship building efforts through social gatherings and site visits.
• Staff outreach tables at community events.
• Participate in Community Science projects as needed.
• Identify underrepresented communities in the local conservation network and work to engage those communities.

Administrative Duties

• Maintain records of event attendees and volunteer hours.
• Maintain photo records of programs.
• Write up summaries of programs for organizational newsletter.
• Assist in creation and monitoring of budget for the education programs.
• Participate in monthly staff meetings.
• Seek/participate in professional development opportunities.

Other Duties

• Assist in the maintenance of the Mąą Pįį Preserve Center for Science and Culture campus, which includes a traditional Ho-Chunk long-lodge and a three-sisters garden in the summer.
• Maintain the stock and quality of program equipment such as first aid supplies, nets, loppers, visual aids, etc.
• Occasionally participate in all staff stewardship workdays.
• Scout trails and surroundings for teachable phenomena.
• Build and maintain a personal connection with JDCF nature preserves in your own way.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Love of spending time exploring in the outdoors and sharing this love with kids.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in a field that relates to the responsibilities of this position such as Education, Environmental Studies, Biology, etc.
• 3 or more years of experience in developing, coordinating, and presenting education programs in an informal outdoor setting.
• Successful experience coordinating volunteers in other community settings.
• Desire to learn about the Indigenous cultures of the region.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Highly self-motivated and able to work independently, as well as collaboratively with a team.
• Skilled at organizing groups of people to complete a task.
• Ability to adapt and problem-solve on the spot with a team.
• Knowledgeable about using hands-on or movement activities and games to represent ecological concepts.
• Ability to learn how to use hand saws and loppers to guide students in stewardship activities.
• Demonstrated experience in reading weather forecasts and radar maps in preparation for outdoor programs and adapting program plans accordingly.
• Proficiency with common computer software such as Microsoft Office and Google apps.
• Ability to learn how to use database apps.
• Current CPR/First Aid certifications preferred.

BENEFITS:

• This is a full-time position with potential for advancement.
• Starting salary is $48,000 - $53,000 per year, depending on experience.
• 80 hours per year of paid vacation time and 80 hours of paid sick time accumulates from the date of employment. Additional paid vacation time is available after two years of continuous full-time employment.
• 10 paid holidays.
• Health, Dental, Vision, Long Term Disability, Life Insurance, and Retirement Plan after eligibility periods are met.
• Flexible, “family-first” work schedule.
• Being part of a growing, dynamic, and impactful organization.
• Working in the Driftless Area of Jo Daviess County – a beautiful landscape of rolling hills, deep river valleys, a thriving tourist industry, low cost of living, and excellent recreational, entertainment, and educational opportunities.