The Natural Areas Education Specialist for the CIty of Fort Collins, Colorado engages the community, primarily youth, by leading and supporting natural areas activities such as field trips, nature clubs, volunteer projects and outdoor educational programming. The Specialist will assist the Public Engagement Team with education and outreach activities, or events as needed.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The following duties and responsibilities are illustrative of the primary functions of this position and are not intended to be all inclusive.

• Works to increase recognition and deepen awareness and support for the City of Fort Collins natural areas, natural area values, and the natural areas vision and mission.
• Engages community members by leading and supporting programs, activities, and clubs.
• Plans, implements, supports, and evaluates natural areas programming that meets the following outcomes:

             - Place Connection
             - Inclusivity 
             - Self - Efficacy
             - Environmental Stewardship 

• Creates new activities and uses or adapts Natural Areas Department (or other creators) lesson plans, and activities. 
• Closely collaborates with staff, volunteers, and members at Boys & Girls Clubs to support their mission and key elements for positive youth development.
• Assists with managing educational materials and props including purchasing, gathering, loading/unloading into vehicles, cleaning, sorting, and organizing. 
• Implements and manages evaluation tools, guided by a logic model, to measure outcomes of programming.
• Supports budget development and tracking, program participation data, and evaluation information.  
• Assists the Public Engagement Team with education and outreach activities or events as needed.
• Participates as a positive and contributing member of the Public Engagement Team, and gives constructive input on equity and inclusion initiatives, work planning, hiring, and budget preparation. 

QUALIFICATIONS
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the necessary functions of this position. 

• Experience working with youth and community members.
• Experience working with historically underrepresented groups. 
• Excellent interpersonal skills to develop and maintain professional relationships with diverse co-workers, volunteers, and partner organizations. 
• Familiarity with diversity, equity, and inclusion principles.
• Ability to work independently, and exercise good judgment, discretion, and initiative.
• Knowledge about and passion for environmental education topics including learning styles, teaching techniques, student engagement and management, evaluations, and materials selection criteria. 
• Ability to train and mentor volunteers to support programming, and to accept and give feedback.
• Ability to learn the natural and cultural history of northern Colorado and detailed knowledge of the Natural Areas Department’s educational materials, services, management philosophy, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to use a computer for communications, internet, word processing, basic spreadsheet programs, and volunteer management software. 
• Outstanding written and oral communication and record-keeping skills. 
• Ability to drive youth, volunteers, and staff in fifteen passenger vans.

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE 

High School Diploma or GED and at least two years related experience;
or an equivalent combination of education and experience.