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Summary of Duties

This is a part-time (20 hours a week) position through the Washington State University (WSU) Extension division of Thurston County’s Community Planning and Economic Development (CPED) department. Overall responsibilities include use of technical recycling/composting/gardening knowledge and skills in the implementation, revision, and coordination of programs. Implementing strategic planning efforts to build community awareness, education, and outreach activities.
The Education and Outreach Specialist I position will work on behalf of both programs. Some essential functions include:
  • Help train, support and retain current volunteers. Including recognition events.
  • Assist Thurston County residents and community organizations with local recycling, composting and gardening resources.
  • Create educational materials and displays. Including developing workshops and trainings that teach environmentally-friendly practices and sustainable gardening, composting and recycling to community members.
  • Conducts education seminars, workshops, and “training the trainer” sessions in a group or individual setting.
  • Create marketing materials, update program websites, social media sites, and sites to maintain an internet presence.
  • Maintain volunteer and program records and databases. Help implement a new online volunteer management system.
  • Staff outreach booths, make presentations to community groups, and help coordinate community service projects.
  • Offer follow-up support to newly trained volunteers including: processing training benchmarks, helping volunteer’s access educational resources; sending out e-mail notifications; assisting with volunteer trainings and orientations etc.
  • Inventory, prepare, and put away program/event supplies.
  • Monitor and update statistical information and performance measures.
  • Conduct special projects and research.
  • Researches and drafts policies and procedures and contributes to preparation of grant proposals.
  • Coordinates activities and efforts to maximize program success in the community.
  • Assist with functions sponsored by our non-profit fundraising arm, the Master Gardener Foundation of Thurston County.
This class specification reflects the general concept and intent of the position and should not be construed as a detailed list of responsibilities.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, public administration, education, volunteer management, communication or other closely related field. Additional experience can be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.
  • Must have three years of experience closely related to the duties of this position; OR an equivalent combination of education and related experience. Desired experience working with the general public and volunteers, leading recycling/composting/gardening presentations, or other related field experiences.
  • Must have the ability to utilize a personal computer with related software to perform the essential functions of the position.
  • Current Washington State Driver’s License or have requested and obtained an appropriate accommodation.

Desired Skills

We are especially interested in candidates who also have the following qualities:
  • Provides excellent customer service skills both internally and externally;
  • Is a self-starter with the ability to multi-task and achieve goals.  Can be collaborative as well as be self-directed;
  • Ability to communicate clearly and concisely with the public and within all levels of the organization;
  • Excellent organizational and follow-up skills. Precise attention to detail is strongly desired;
  • Ability to be effective with time management, flexible, dependable and strategic;
  • Is resourceful, but can also follow County and University policies;
  • Knowledge of local recycling procedures and;
  • Experience composting, growing plants, food and/or other gardening practices in the Pacific Northwest.

Other Position Related Information

Washington State University (WSU) Thurston County Extension has a long history of focused, community educational outreach for the betterment of society. The Thurston County Master Recycler Composter and WSU Master Gardener programs are under the auspices of WSU Extension and the Thurston County Solid Waste department.

The Master Recycler Composter and the WSU Master Gardener programs of Thurston County are volunteer service organizations. Both programs are committed to life-long learning and sharing of information with our community. WSU Extension and Thurston County Solid Waste staff train volunteers in numerous recycling/ composting/gardening subjects. Once trained, they volunteer in local education projects and help answer related questions from Thurston County residents.  To learn more about the WSU Extension along with our amazing Master Composter Recycling Program, click HERE.

Questions Regarding This Recruitment? Please Contact:
Cori Carlton 360-867-2162 | cori.carlton@co.thurston.wa.us

This position is:
–  Represented by a Union
–  Eligible for overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
–  Eligible for benefits

Items required for consideration:
– Application
– Letter of Interest
– Resume