Organizational Summary:

Community Nature Connection (CNC) increases access to the outdoors for underrepresented communities. By partnering closely with community-based organizations, we develop and deliver innovative and meaningful programs that build confidence in our participants.

Some of the major barriers to accessing the outdoors include lack of transportation, resources, diverse representation, inclusive practices, and awareness. These barriers are an issue of equity and are directly addressed through our efforts to connect underrepresented communities to nature, advocate for equitable access, advance diversity in park careers, and collaborate with community organizations.

Community Nature Connection has provided programming for over 25 years in Los Angeles County and continues to expand programming throughout the state. We have served tens of thousands of youth, family, and school groups with outdoor recreation experiences, overnight camping, and long term leadership and team building programs. We have a board and staff that reflect the rich diversity of California. CNC staff are highly trained and experienced outdoor educators and heritage interpreters, and are dedicated to the communities we serve. CNC recruits youth from past leadership programs to continue to pursue professional development and lead CNC programming.

Position Summary:

The Community Interpretive Program Manager will balance their time between managing, coordinating, staffing, and facilitating all of CNC’s interpretive programs for both community partners and the public. The ideal candidate has proven experience with program management, naturalist and interpretive program facilitation, and is comfortable working with large and diverse audiences. The role requires a highly responsible, organized, detail-oriented, and self-motivated individual who can learn quickly and work both independently and as part of a team. The Community Interpretive Program Manager must understand their role in supporting and incorporating the CNC mission through programming and staff training. The Community Interpretive Program Manager
supervises part-time staff and reports directly to the Director of Programs.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Program Management:
  • Manage and coordinate the planning and implementation of assigned program(s);
  • Manage assigned program budget and work with colleagues to meet contract and grant requirements;
  • Schedule events with community partners, government agencies, and/or vendors;
  • Coordinate, train, supervise, and manage part-time staff on assigned event(s);
  • Mentor and coach new interpretive naturalists on program delivery skills and job-related training;
  • Work closely with community partners, government agencies, and/or vendors to coordinate small to large scale events;
  • Maintain ongoing relationships with community partners, government agencies, vendors, volunteers, and the public at large.
• Interpretive Naturalist:
  • Research, develop and deliver interpretive programs, which demonstrate the best practices of interpretation and visitor service, for community based organizations, youth, and the general public;
  • Coordinate, facilitate, and supervise occasional overnight camping trips;
  • Respond to inquiries from the public pertaining to CNC programs;
  • Provide support as needed on interpretive programs and special events.
• General Position Responsibilities:
  • Represent CNC in a professional manner and in accordance with CNC’s mission;
  • Maintain open and positive communication with coworkers and supervisors;
  • Execute administrative duties in a timely fashion and according to CNC protocol including timesheets, reports, updates, and correspondence; and
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

What To Bring:

• Has good judgement and decision-making when working with the public and children;
• Ability to work independently and cooperatively as part of a team;
• Be adaptable and flexible;
• Demonstrate excellent oral and written communication skills;
• Ability to effectively train, mentor and coach people of all ages, primarily youth;
• Ability to work with children in an engaging and appropriate manner;
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with park partners and cooperating organizations;
• Knowledge of the natural history, local flora, fauna, and geology of the Santa Monica Mountains;
• Ability to plan and provide guided tours, explain specific points of interest in each natural area, and interpret the ecology and natural history values.
• Education:
  • A Bachelor’s Degree or significant coursework from an accredited college or university in related fields including Environmental Studies, Environmental Education, Resource Interpretation, Recreation & Leisure Studies, Child Development or other related fields and at a minimum four years of related experience or more.
    OR
    An equivalent of six full years of experience working with children in an educational or recreational capacity

Desired Qualifications and Skills:

• Ability to speak and write in a language other than English;
• Experience at the management level;
• Certified Interpretive Guide or Certified Interpretive Guide Trainer;
• Knowledge of the principles of Environmental Education;
• Wilderness First Aid (WFA),  Wilderness First Responder (WFR) or advanced medical training;
• Leave No Trace (LNT) Trainer or Master Educator;
• Knowledge of California State Science Framework and Content Standards and the California Environmental Education Initiative proposed standards;
• Knowledge of The California Next Generation Science Standards (CA NGSS)
• Translate California content standards into meaningful educational and experiential lessons.

Position Requirements:

• Ability to read, write, speak, understand and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position;
• Wear provided uniform in a clean and professional manner;
• Ability to work independently and carry out assignments with little or no supervision;
• Ability to work evenings and weekend hours, with occasional overnight travel required;
• Ability to travel to locations in the Los Angeles and Ventura counties;
• Experience and knowledge of the greater Los Angeles area either by working or living in the area;
• Must be able to hike 10 miles, lift and move 50 pounds, and pass a physical examination including a drug test;
• Basic First Aid and CPR certified;
• Provide evidence of free from tuberculosis;
• Reliable transportation for travel to locations in project areas and must have a valid California Driver’s License;
• Possess a Class B License or agree to acquire Class B License within 6 months of hire;
• Submit fingerprints to Department of Justice, have a record clean of violent or serious felonies as defined in California Penal Code Sections 667.5 and subdivision (c) 1192.7 and provide a Voluntary Disclosure Form and criminal history;
• If a private vehicle is utilized for company purposes, validation of a California Class C Driver’s License, validation of driving record and approval of commercial policy insurability is required in conjunction with proof of personal minimum liability insurance coverage per the requirements of the state of California;
• Reference checks will be conducted. Employment is also contingent upon receipt of acceptable references.