OXBOW’S MISSION

Our mission is to inspire people to eat healthy, sustainably grown food and to steward our natural resources for future generations.

WHAT WE DO

The Center is located on 240 acres of forest and grassland bordered by Western Washington’s Snoqualmie River. We use this mixed landscape to:

Produce food. We cultivate 15 acres of mixed vegetable crops using agro-ecological principles and engage in research to inform conservation agriculture practices.

Grow native plants. We operate a native plant nursery that produces plants for habitat restoration projects, educational gardens, and urban landscapes, and conducts research on native plant propagation using sustainable growing methods.

Connect children to nature. We offer environmental education programs for children pre-K thru high school to build their comfort in the outdoors and provide them with opportunities to learn about the links between agriculture, conservation, and the environment.

Restore and sustain habitat. We carry out conservation projects and research to learn how humans can use land to our benefit while protecting biodiversity.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Environmental Educator & Volunteer Coordinator is a vital part of the Oxbow Education (OxEd) team. They contribute to planning and implementing OxEd’s existing environmental education programs (field trips, summer camps, in-school programs etc.) as well as creating new initiatives, grants, and partnerships. They also organize volunteer recruitment, training, and support for OxEd throughout the year. Other responsibilities include the upkeep of the Kids’ Farm and Living Playground and participating in Oxbow events.

This position supports OxEd’s school partnership(s) by maintaining school gardens and contributing to teacher professional development in utilizing said garden/outdoor classrooms. The Environmental Educator & Volunteer Coordinator will potentially serve as the liaison between school staff, PTO/A groups, and community partners to ensure long term care for and use of the space(s).

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

In collaboration with the OxEd Manager and colleagues the Environmental Educator & Volunteer Coordinator is responsible for the following key functions:

School programs – 30%

• Lead year-round education programming for all ages, including Fall, Spring & Summer Farm Adventures, in-class lessons and other OxEd school initiatives
• In collaboration with OxEd colleagues, develop educational programs using Next Generation Science Standards and other core curriculum alignments
• Identify, implement and participate in educational initiatives across business branches or with community partnerships

Summer camp programs – 30%

• Develop and lead daily activities for OxEd’s 5 weeks of summer camp
• Provide educational training, mentorship and support for volunteers and staff
• Coordinate camp events and activities
• Lead camp instructors and volunteers
• Communicate with parents/guardians of campers as needed
• Assist in the summer camp enrollment process

OxEd volunteer coordination – 25%

• Oversee volunteer needs for summer camp, the Kids’ Farm and seasonal naturalists
• Lead OxEd volunteer recruitment, training and recognition
• Track and report volunteer hours
• Develop and use volunteer management and tracking tools

Farming and Gardening – 10%

• Participate actively in maintaining the Kids’ Farm and outdoor classroom(s) at our partnering sites

Other roles – 5%

• Support OxEd colleagues, as needed, with online registration and customer service
• Implement and report on existing grants and give support in seeking new ones
• As assigned, capture and report data on OxEd programming
• Ensure OxEd objectives, strategies and messages are aligned with and supportive of Oxbow’s mission and strategic plan
• Participate in Oxbow fundraising campaigns and other public events
• Work with all program teams to ensure efficient and effective communication and operations
• Represent Oxbow in a positive, professional manner
• Perform other duties as needed and assigned by the OxEd manager

QUALIFICATIONS

• B.A./B.S. degree in education, science or related field, or a combination of equivalent education and work experience
• Significant experience in outdoor education and working with kids (3-5 years)
• Strong leadership skills, confident giving direction and managing people and activities
• Experience leading trainings on environmental education or garden-based education topics for staff or volunteers
• Experience with outdoor summer camps in a leadership role
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• An interest in seeking new Farm-to-School projects and food and cooking education programs
• Must possess good problem solving and interpersonal skills
• Ability to learn basic functions of registration software and utilize Microsoft Excel to generate revenue and event reports
• Experience working with CRM programs is a plus
• Ability to take direction, ask for help/clarity when necessary, and accept constructive feedback on work and technique
• Strong organizational skills
• Experience working on issues of equity and inclusion
• Ability to work hard physically, able to lift heavy & awkward objects, up to 50 lbs
• Positive attitude and creativity
• Punctuality
• Ability to work independently and within a team
• Flexible and able to perform well in diverse conditions and under pressure

Additional desired qualities include: environmentally conscious, detail oriented, self-motivated, energetic, and professional.

OxEd is part of a larger non-profit organization. A commitment to Oxbow’s overall mission and working as part of a team is critical.

Oxbow Farm & Conservation Center does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, disability, national or ethnic origin, or sexual orientation. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.

COMPENSATION

This is a regular, full-time position, paying $16.00 – $19.00. Oxbow offers a competitive benefits package, including 401(k), health and paid time-off benefits as well as access to food from the fields.

REPORTS TO: 

The OxEd Program Manager