Environmental Education Specialist
Los Altos CA
Put your passion for open space to work!
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District – JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
Environmental Education Specialist
Pay Range: $79,252 – $98,954 annually, plus CalPERS Pension
Applications Accepted Until 5:00 p.m. May 5, 2019
If you are looking for a rewarding and challenging opportunity to contribute to the legacy of open space protection and engage youth and adults in environmental education and science learning through nature-based experiences, we have an outstanding opportunity for you! Midpen is seeking an Environmental Education Specialist to join the Interpretation & Education Program of the Visitor Services Department.
About the Position:
The Environmental Education Specialist will have a solid understanding and foundation in the principles and practices of environmental education and field-based science learning, as well as experience in program delivery and coordination, and volunteer management. The position serves as the technical lead, trainer/mentor, and day-to-day contact of the District’s Outdoor Education Leader docents (volunteers) and supports their delivery of curriculum-based field trips for students. The Environmental Education Specialist will also support the engagement of adults in natural and cultural history interpretive experiences in a collaborative role with other program staff, and assist program manager in identification of environmental education partnership opportunities for program growth.
The ideal candidate will have a working knowledge and subject matter expertise in the application of STEM principles, Next Generation Science and Common Core Standards to support educators in meeting mandated instructional requirements – as applied to environmental education and nature-based learning. A background in California ecology and conservation principles, competency in inquiry-based instruction for students and training of docents, and experience in docent supervision/volunteer management. An independent organized work-style and strong collaborative communication skills are needed in this people-focused, and subject matter rich position.
For additional information about the Environmental Education Specialist, see the Job Description page of the District website.
About the District:
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District is comprised of over 63,000 acres of land and 26 open space preserves protected for public enjoyment. In 2014, with broad public support, the District secured $300 million dollars of bond capacity with the passing of Measure AA, which serves as a mandate for the District to continue to pursue our mission to “acquire and preserve” open space land and “protect and restore the natural environment” in the lush regional green-belt system near Silicon Valley in the San Francisco Bay Area. To learn more about the District, visit our website, OpenSpace.org, and view our employee video “Working for Midpen” on the Jobs page.
Working Conditions:
This classification is partially sedentary in a standard office setting and partially active in the field – hiking/walking is required while conducting programs and trainings, employee may also be required to drive vehicles over unimproved roads. Persons in this classification occasionally lift, carry, push and pull equipment and supplies weighing up to 50 pounds. May be required to work evenings, weekends, and holidays. Must wear District issued uniform when interacting with the public or as deemed necessary.
Required Education & Experience:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
Equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with major coursework in environmental education, physical or natural sciences, environmental or conservation studies, or a related field; and two (2) years of relevant experience working in programs that provide curriculum-focused educational services to students (K-12, and/or college) preferably in an outdoor education setting, park, recreation area, or open space environment. Bilingual skills, teaching credential (multi- or single-subject) or environmental education certificate highly desirable.
Licenses & Certifications Required:
• Possession of a valid California Driver’s License.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, Basic First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification within six (6) months of employment.
Benefits: Midpen provides a comprehensive Benefits package including paid leave, insurance and CalPERS pension.
HOW TO APPLY: Applications accepted until 5:00 p.m. May 5, 2019 – Apply online via CalOpps.org.
The following four application items are REQUIRED in order to be considered for the position:
(1) Employment application (2) Resume (3) Letter of interest in the position and (4) Supplemental question responses. Incomplete applications will not be considered for the position. Applicants with the most ideal experience and qualifications will be contacted for interviews.
Recruitment Timeline:
Interviews: May 15, 2019; Final Interviews & written exercise: May 21, 2019; Estimated Start Date: End of June/Early July
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Applicants with disabilities may request reasonable accommodation by contacting the Human Resources Department 04-2019