POSITION DESCRIPTION

Title:                            Community Programs Coordinator, Heronwood Field Station

Classification:             Full-time, Regular

Supervisor:                 Jenny Doezema, Heronwood Director/Lead Educator

Date Prepared:           June 18, 2018

Kalamazoo Nature Center (KNC) is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to inspire people to care for the environment by providing experiences that lead them to understand their connection to the natural world.

Because we value the strength diversity brings to the workplace, the Kalamazoo Nature Center is committed to the recruitment, retention, and development of a workforce that reflects the society in which we live. We encourage applications from candidates representing diverse backgrounds.

Summary:

The Heronwood Field Station is a program and facility of the Kalamazoo Nature Center. The field station offers year-round Science, Research, and Conservation programs, as well as, graduate level research opportunities.

Heronwood’s primary program is a high school Education for Employment class in Conservation Biology.  The individual in this position is responsible for assisting in all aspects of the institute with a focus on part time instruction and upkeep of lab and field equipment. The educator in this position is responsible for assisting the Director in the planning, preparation, and teaching of the Conservation Biology Education for Employment High School class.  The Heronwood Community Programs Coordinator will support current programs as well as development and implementation of new programs with attention toward suitability with the EFE class schedule. The person in this position would share responsibility in the planning and implementation of community programming. 

Duties:

Responsible for assisting the Heronwood Director in development and delivery of career- technical conservation education curriculum using contemporary based techniques and strategies
Support with coordination and set of up labs, field experiences, and guest educators
Work with Conservation Stewardship team to incorporate their research and work into learning experiences for youth and adults
Attend selected Kalamazoo Youth Development Trainings
Stay current on conservation issues and employment trends
Support with planning, coordination and implementation of community programs
Maintain a safe learning environment for youth and adults; uphold all safety procedures and guidelines as outlined by the Kalamazoo Nature Center and KRESA
Work with Kalamazoo Regional Education Service Agency (KRESA) to support students with special needs attending the Conservation EFE
Will complete, by deadline, all forms necessary; attend meetings and in-services pertaining to the special populations’ project
Work to promote the mental, physical, social and emotional wellbeing of students.
Maintain records on individual’s special populations’ students, which indicate support needed and being provided
Perform other functions as required by the special populations’ project and specified through EFE’s Student Services Coordinator
Help manage a select few of our current community programs with time priority placed on the conservation biology EFE a 10 month ¾ time commitment

Responsible for the inventory, care, and maintenance of equipment and lab facilities
Participate in regular KNC staff activities including but not limited to trainings, public events, special programs, planning sessions and staff meetings.Other duties as assigned by supervisor

Requirements:

Background in Biology, Environmental Science, Education or related fields or a minimum of 5 years of experience in teaching or youth development with high school age youth
Youth development or teaching experience with middle school, high school

Demonstrated experience with strength-based youth facilitation
Demonstrated experience with maintaining and mental, emotionally, and physically safe learning environments
Experience with and prioritization of working with diverse populations
Some experience accommodating special needs populations is preferred
Experience in conducting field studies, lab research, or conservation stewardship work
Knowledge of current environmental issues and careers
Active in, Comfort and passion for working and teaching outdoors in all conditions
Evidence of maintaining effective community relationships and partnerships
Confidence with public speaking and group facilitation
Competent oral and written communications
Commitment to the environment and goals of the Kalamazoo Nature Center
Willingness to work a varied schedule including some weekends and evenings
Competencies in computer current software and technology for classroom work Training will be provided for some applications
Ability to work as part of an equally valued team

Key Skills

High integrity
Independent thinker with strong initiative, but comfortable working within a defined framework
Self-motivated (takes initiative) with high standards 
Hands-on and variety seeking 
Dynamic and fun, yet responsible and professional 
Flexible with a "whatever it takes" attitude 

The Kalamazoo Nature Center is an equal opportunity organization that will not discriminate in its programs or hiring practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, ethnic origin, physical or mental disability, veteran status, height, weight, sexual orientation or gender identity, marital status, or political affiliation