Job Opportunity

Plastics, particularly single-use disposables, have become a global environmental crisis. The extraction, production, and transport of plastic and its toxic components, as well as subsequent proliferation in the environment, has increased dramatically over the past two decades and is on track to triple by 2050. Emerging research has demonstrated that it is not just end-stage waste mismanagement that is problematic; there are serious human health and environmental concerns at all stages of the plastic life-line.  The Missouri River Bird Observatory (MRBO) and Missouri Stream Teams United (STU) have partnered with Missouri Foundation for Health (MFH) to create a statewide program to help address the plastic crisis.   

The Plastic Pollution Educator is a full time, salaried position housed within the Missouri River Bird Observatory.  Beginning on or about August 1st, 2025, this position is a two-year term position with possibility of extension based on funding and performance. The position is based in central Missouri with office space at MRBO’s headquarters in Arrow Rock, MO but with a flexible work-from-home schedule. The Educator’s work also requires extensive travel throughout the state to engage partners and build community conservation and education opportunities focused on plastic reduction.

This position is based on a shared vision between MRBO and STU to engage Missourians of all ages, their communities, and many organizational partners in collaborative education and grassroots advocacy work. The Plastic Pollution Educator will help MRBO and STU to shift public perception of plastics, ultimately contributing to the reduction of plastic production, use, and waste. In collaboration with a counterpart at STU, the PPEC will help lay the groundwork for people-driven, grassroots change in contaminant policy within the state of Missouri and beyond.

Main responsibilities of the Plastic Pollution Educator position include:

• receive deep background training from the national organization Beyond Plastics and employ the Beyond Plastics education and organizing frameworks in Missouri (please see: https://www.beyondplastics.org).
• collaborate with school district administrators and teachers to provide programs, activities, and events for students, with the dual goals of educating young people and helping schools convert away from single-use plastics.
• develop and implement Plastic Free Lunch Days and related events in schools.
• assist at least two schools in securing financial support for permanent conversion to reusables.
• regularly table at community-wide events (such as festivals) to promote awareness of plastic pollution.
• organize and conduct plastic brand audits with partner organizations and community allies.
• contribute regular articles and posts for MRBO and STU newsletters, social media, website(s), and full semi-annual reports.
• contribute to the implementation of a series of workshops for community members and civic groups throughout Missouri; these workshops will provide deep training on the plastic issue to empower and recruit local grassroots advocates.
• assist in the establishment of, and engage in long-term supportive collaboration with, Beyond Plastics Local Chapters.
• attend and present at meetings and conferences to educate a wide variety of audiences about plastic pollution.

Required Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience in environmental education for youth, and ideally, some experience with adult education.
• An understanding of the dire significance of the plastic issue and enthusiastic dedication to addressing it.
• Competence in coordinating and implementing various components of education programming, including working with multiple partners at scale.
• Comfort with working remotely and an ability to remain focused, communicative, and efficient without constant in-person interactions with supervisors and teammates.
• Willingness to engage in frequent evening and weekend work to deliver education events and public outreach opportunities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and experience with public speaking.
• Proficient in IT applications, such as social media, website management, and basic document, spreadsheet, graphics, and photo file management.
• Ability to work independently, with broad direction from MRBO, in collaboration with partner organizations, and most importantly as part of a supportive team.
• Dedication to environmental conservation and a willingness to serve this cause demonstrated by a high level of initiative, motivation, and energy.

Work Environment:
Office space will be available in Arrow Rock MO. The Plastic Pollution Educator can work remotely (i.e. from home) much of the time but must live in the central Missouri region. 

The Educator will be provided an Apple laptop computer, relevant software subscriptions, and office supplies. The employee should be prepared to use their own cell phone for work-related business. 

The Educator will work independently but with frequent communications with other MRBO staff and program partners. MRBO conducts weekly all-staff meetings alternating between virtual (Zoom), in person, and hybrid formats. Additionally, the Educator will meet virtually with MRBO and STU staff approximately once per month.

Benefits:

• Starting salary of $40,000 annually.
• Monthly health insurance stipend of $300.
• All work-related travel will be pre-paid or reimbursed, to include hotels/Airbnbs, applicable meeting and event registrations, and mileage for personal vehicle use.
• Frequent professional development opportunities are provided.
• Ten days paid vacation per year.
• Independence and abundant flexibility in work scheduling.