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Salary Range

5,229.00 – 6,534.00

Job Summary

The purpose of this position is to communicate water and environmentally related content to Water Center visitors and target audiences. Project assignments may vary over time and could include some of the following areas/roles: Plan and coordinate regular/annual/one-time special events. Support Water Center outreach programs in the schools or community, including support for the Student Watershed Monitoring Network (SWMN) program. Coordinate development of curriculum, activities and exhibits to engage Center visitors. Promote, schedule, develop curriculum, and teach content for field trips to the Water Center. Coordinate the selection of and supervise high school and post-secondary students participating as temporary employees in the Water Center’s educational internship program. Plan and lead service learning and volunteer projects. Coordinate other outreach and educational programs offered by the Water Center in partnership with internal and external organizations and manage other site improvements and efforts that enhance our educational mission.

This is a full-time, regular, non-union, non-exempt position. The schedule for this position is M-F, 8am to 5pm with some Saturday (seasonally).

Job Details

Essential Functions:

• Coordinate school on-site educational programs; work with teachers, other school staff and students to determine what programs are needed and to coordinate activities for scheduled site visits. Make presentations, lead formal and informal learning activities and tours of the site, develop and update curriculum offerings (consistent with state educational standards) related to water resources and environmental education focused topics.  Visit and make presentations for K-12 schools and classrooms on occasion.  Coordinate with Marine Park Water Reclamation Plant operator to schedule group tours
• Co-coordinate the Water Center educational internship program and/or supervise AmeriCorps volunteers assigned to project areas.  Select, schedule and supervise student interns/volunteers who assist with school programs and other Water Center outreach efforts as well as operational and site needs.  Work with the students and universities to develop learning objectives and expectations to support interns through a mentoring role for their projects and/or experiences.
• Work with other staff, partners and contractors to plan new interior and exterior interactive exhibits to engage and educate visitors.  Provide support in researching potential exhibit topics, reviewing concepts and writing labels for key messages in coordination with the Public Works communications team.
• Support planning for the management of Water Center grounds and surrounding wetlands/natural areas in support of messaging to Center visitors.  Coordinate with other regional programs on identifying and communicating best practices for managing these sorts of assets.
• Plan, coordinate, manage and participate in a variety of special events organized at the Water Center and/or in coordination with partners to better connect the community to the need for effective stewardship of our environmental resources (ex. Second Saturday, Sturgeon Festival, World Water Day, Columbia River Watershed Festival, Critter Count and occasional lectures).  Maintain effective relationships with partners as an ambassador of our programs.
• Support staff and/or contractors coordinating and planning the regional Student Watershed Monitoring Network (SWMN) program.
• Plan, develop, implement and maintain service learning and other projects for volunteers who schedule visits to the site for wetlands restoration/environmental education experiences and other projects in natural areas, either on-site or at other City locations.  Train, provide equipment and ensure safety of volunteers.  For example: MLK Jr. Day of Service, VolunTour, scout troops and business green team projects.
• Organize and present at teacher workshops and camps or other professional development opportunities to better prepare teachers or interpreters for delivering our content in their classrooms and at other sites.  Maintain and grow connections with other sites and programs offering similar services.
• Coordinate and participate with partners to offer activities at select off-site events such as Stream Team Earthday Festival, Get Outdoors Day, Arbor Day and Columbia River Watershed Festival.  Supervise volunteers and interns.

Qualifications

Experience and Education

• Three (3) years of related experience leading and coordinating environmental education programs for learners of all ages, which may include making presentations about science or natural history, leading tours for school groups, or developing environmental education programs for multi-generational/diverse audiences.
• Some familiarity with managing volunteers and interns is helpful, as is the planning and coordinating of outreach events, workshops, conferences or camps.  Some exposure to either restoration and maintenance of environmentally sensitive sites, managing budgets and grants, or planning and development of interactive exhibits is also relevant.
• Equivalent to a Bachelor’s Degree in natural sciences (ecology, biology, chemistry, geology, water resources), environmental science or education, K-12 environmental education, environmental studies, social sciences, communications, or related field.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Computer Skills

• Intermediate skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Publisher, and PowerPoint. Familiar with Excel.

Required Licenses and/or Certifications

• Possession of an appropriate, valid driver’s license.
• Ability to obtain First Aid and CPR certifications within two (2) months of hire.

Knowledge

• Principles and practices related to water resource topics and Pacific Northwest flora and fauna (for example: ground water, water quality, water supply, water treatment, botany/forestry, biology, wetlands and wildlife ecology, environmental sciences, geology, climatology, history, archeology, etc.)
• Curriculum development, lesson planning, and instruction delivery practices – focus on inquiry and experiential techniques
• Classroom management, behavior management systems and expectations in public and private schools for field trip/site visit settings
• Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation
• Program evaluation tools and techniques for informal educational settings
• Awareness of community regional programs and resources related to water resource topics and environmental education
• Pertinent federal, state and local laws that pertain to water and environmental programs
• Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment
• Use of personal computers and basic software

Abilities

• Prepare and deliver effective presentations and orientation activities in K-12 classrooms and in various settings on our site to all age groups using student centered and inquiry-based instructional model
• Prioritize multiple responsibilities daily and throughout the week
• Be resourceful with limited budget, staffing, tools or facilities
• Maintain flexibility in specific work duties and adjusting priorities on a daily basis
• Operate technology and equipment needed to support informal education and assist Center guests and other learners in using interactive exhibits
• Supervise, organize, train and evaluate the work of volunteers and interns
• Participate in regular and/or occasional evening and weekend events or work schedules
• Operate a personal computer and appropriate software
• Work in a manner consistent with the City of Vancouver’s Operating Principles
• Work and act as a team player in all interactions with other City employees
• Provide a high level of customer service at all times
• Project and maintain a positive image with those contacted in the course of work
• Develop and maintain collaborative and respectful working relationships with team members and others
• Maintain regular and dependable attendance

This position is subject to successful completion of a pre-employment reference check, a basic criminal background check, and a driving abstract.

Job Posting End Date

July 3, 2019