JOB TITLE: Education Field Specialist
CLASSIFICATION: Full-time, Non-Exempt
HOURS: 40 hours per week, Occasional Weekend and Evening Hours Required
SALARY: $22 per hour; Competitive Benefits Package
REPORTS TO: Youth Initiative Manager
POSITION SUMMARY
LandPaths seeks an individual with a passion for building a diverse, healthy and whole community connected with the land. The ideal candidate is driven, energetic and creative; excels in an active work environment, is committed to equity in access to nature, and loves working with youth in the outdoors. The Field Specialist will provide day-to-day field implementation of LandPaths’ youth programs including: “In Our Own BackYard” (IOOBY), Inspired Forward, and Camps (held during school breaks throughout year and summer) for students of all ages. IOOBY is an award-winning, innovative field-based environmental education and nature-immersion program for elementary youth. Inspired Forwardcombines place-based education and youth leadership with nature-immersion for teens and young adults. The Field Specialist will represent LandPaths in the classroom and in the field in a manner that builds a sense of belonging and collaboration with teachers, parents, volunteers, and fellow staff members. In addition to the implementation of specifically designed environmental education curriculum, the ideal candidate also loves engaging youth in unstructured play and exploration in nature, enjoys leading nature games and crafts, singing songs, storytelling…all things camp!
The Field Specialist is expected to strive for excellence in the implementation of LandPaths’ nature-immersion youth programs, including consistent modeling of LandPaths’ core values and best practices. The Field Specialist is responsible for day-of program logistics and safety, and for providing daily reflections of the effectiveness of the program.
POSITION DUTIES
▪ Become trained on specific youth program field-based education goals, approach and curriculum
▪ Lead groups of youth in hands-on activities in a fun and engaging manner
▪ Utilize positive behavioral management techniques
▪ Become knowledgeable and conversant in all aspects of LandPaths’ mission, values, strategic plan, preserves, and community programs
▪ Develop and deepen through active listening and mutual understanding, relationships to engage and expand student, parent, teacher and volunteer participation, advancing LandPaths’ youth program goals
▪ Maintain all field day necessities (logistics, safety, gear, etc.) needed for program, including tracking gear inventory andstorage
▪ Under the guidance of the Youth Program Manager and Education Lead, work as part of a team to facilitate field day program, including pre-program task of assessing site conditions and preparation, leading large and small groups of youth, parents and teachers, and post-program tracking and evaluation
▪ Assist in the communication and coordination of volunteers in all day-of activities
EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS
A successful candidate will likely have significant experience leading youth programs, including the following qualifications:
▪ A genuine passion for rooting youth in nature and for equity in access to nature
▪ Experience working with youth and leading groups from diverse backgrounds
▪ Comfort and confidence in the outdoors
▪ Experience implementing specifically designed curriculum and able to engage youth in fun camp games, crafts, songs, storytelling, and unstructured play and exploration in nature
▪ Experience and/or background in STEM/ STEAM education is desirable
▪ Detail oriented, well organized
▪ Strong communication skills: articulate with proven ability to write effectively and speak persuasively, willing to have difficult conversations to build community
▪ Significant cross-cultural experience and/or understanding
▪ HS diploma or equivalent, some college and or relevant work experience
ATTRIBUTES
A successful candidate will embrace LandPaths’ values and culture, including the following:
▪ Share LandPaths’ commitment to equity and inclusivity, and “no child left inside”;
▪ Genuinely loves working with youth and being in the outdoors;
▪ Is creative, energetic, and fun;
▪ Empathic and caring;
▪ Positive problem solver;
▪ Punctual and professional;
▪ Enjoys learning and supporting the work of others;
▪ Works best in busy work environment, managing multiple variables with divergent goals;
▪ Flexible;
▪ Enjoys contributing to a positive work environment.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform this job. The Education Field Specialist primarily works outdoors, which can include hiking 2-4 miles a day while carrying a backpack with field supplies and other program materials. The job includes walking on uneven ground and steep hillsides, exposed to the outdoor elements including sun, wind, rain, and heat. They may be expected to lift and move objects weighing up to 40 lbs. and hike up to six miles.
COMPENSATION
This is a full-time position. The salary for this position is $22 per hour. LandPaths’ compensation includes health and dental coverage, retirement savings, and generous paid leave package.
TO APPLY
Interested applicants should send a BRIEF AND SPECIFIC cover letter and resume to LandPaths ~ attn: HR, 618 4thStreet, Suite 217, Santa Rosa, CA 95404 or hr@landpaths.org. Recommended deadline to apply is Friday, August 19, 2022; open until filled.