Purpose/ Summary:  The Mercer Slough Manager oversees the programs, staffing, and operations of the Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center. This center provides high quality outdoor and nature-based programming for guests of all ages, providing access to the natural world to families, school field trips, high school students, and preschool students. This role is responsible for overseeing the on-site operation and staffing of the Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center and its associated programs to significantly enhance the participants’ experience, expand PacSci’s role as a driving force for science education, and operate a thriving enterprise capable of fiscal and environmental sustainability in order to achieve PacSci’s mission. This position works closely with the City of Bellevue and multiple departments and teams within PacSci.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

  • Define department goals and priorities and set strategies for the success of existing and new programming that align with best practices in informal and environmental education and the mission of the institution.
  • Oversee daily site management, ensuring programs and activities meet the partnership expectations with the city of Bellevue
  • Oversee the hiring and ongoing support of program staff through training, observation, mentoring, and staff development, in accordance with HR guidelines and systems.
  • Be an ambassador of PacSci and Mercer Slough. Work and work effectively with school staff, community leaders, and community organizations to maintain and develop mutually beneficial partnerships, especially with the City of Bellevue.
  • Collaborate with Development to pursue funding opportunities, and help to attain funding from donors and foundations, through sponsorships and grants, especially with Environmental Education funding opportunities.
  • Create and maintain an accurate budget for all programs, and maintain accurate records including correct tracking of revenue, expenses and grant budgets.
  • Collaborate with PacSci teams including marketing and registration to create and implement high quality customer communication materials and systems, ensuring a positive guest experience.
  • In coordination with the Contracts and Risk Manager, set safety procedures and protocol related to program materials, vehicle fleet use and staff safety training.
  • Ensure existing and new programs and activities meet the best practices and standards of informal and environmental education; oversee program development and occasionally teach as needed.
  • Serve on the leadership team for the Science Engagement and Outreach Division.

Position Requirements: Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

Knowledge of: 

  • Effective management strategies
  • Writing and tracking department level budgets
  • Grant administration, including grant writing, budget tracking and reporting
  • Satellite site operation
  • Outdoor education risk management
  • Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) principles with respect to informal and environmental education, including fresh water ecosystems and Puget Sound natural history

Skills:

  • Supervise and support staff, responding appropriately to the varying professional needs of individual staff; serve as member of a highly diverse team
  • Exercise good judgment, following safety procedures, and alerting others of problems when necessary
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and file sharing programs
  • Excellent customer service skills including the ability to serve PacSci staff and external contacts in a courteous and professional manner
  • Proven verbal and written communication skills with diverse stakeholders

Ability to:

  • Prioritize and delegate tasks while working independently and with a team; be able to shift priorities as needed by management and customer needs
  • Be adaptive, innovative and solution oriented; quickly learn and apply new science content, policies and procedures
  • Take initiative and use creative problem solving
  • Maintain high level of productivity in a dynamic office environment
  • Be a team player, service oriented, knowledgeable of Pacific Science Center programs and have a positive attitude
  • Work flexible shifts as programs are scheduled, including evenings and weekends
  • Travel locally

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in environmental education, biology, ecology, or related field
  • At least 4 years program, business/non-profit, or science education management experience including grant writing and management, staff supervision and development, budgeting, and administration;
  • Outdoor or environmental science teaching or program experience
  • Valid Washington driver’s license, or the ability to obtain one upon hire, and a good driving record

Physical Demands/ Working Conditions: This position can be physical in nature, and may require the ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds, load and unload materials, operate a vehicle including a 15 passenger van, and walk distances over uneven and hilly terrain. The program and office site includes stairs. Program delivery is outside in all weather conditions, and may include exposure to wetlab chemicals, dust and the natural environment including the slough water environment. Some programs takes place on evenings and weekends.

This position description generally describes the principle functions of the position and the level of knowledge and skills typically required.  It does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee, and it is subject to change as the needs of the employer and the requirements of the job change.

Apply here: https://chj.tbe.taleo.net/chj04/ats/careers/v2/viewRequisition?org=PACSCI&cws=39&rid=1033