Education Specialist
The San Juan Mountains Association (SJMA) seeks to hire a full-time Education Specialist to develop and implement educational programs for SJMA’s conservation education program. This is a unique opportunity for the right individual to participate in a top-notch conservation education program that engages youth and the community to learn about public lands and our local environment.
Background
SJMA empowers visitors and locals to explore, learn about, and protect the spectacular public lands of southwest Colorado. Founded in 1988, SJMA is a nonprofit cooperating (or interpretive) association for several federal land management agencies, including the San Juan National Forest, as well as the Rio Grande and Uncompahgre National Forests, the BLM Gunnison and Uncompahgre Field Offices and the BLM Canyons of the Ancients National Monument.
Job Description
Job Summary: This position will collaborate with the SJMA education team to foster deep nature connection through the development and execution of standards-based, place-based, and hands-on outdoor education programming to be delivered at SJMA’s Nature Center and on public lands throughout the Southwest Colorado region. The Curriculum Coordinator will have a demonstrated commitment to getting youth outdoors, cultivating a rigorous understanding of natural processes, and encouraging public lands stewardship. The primary age group this position will work with is elementary-aged students, however, our program participants may include all ages. This position will work under the supervision of SJMA’s Education Director and will collaborate with community partners, school districts, land management agencies, and other SJMA staff.
Location: The position is based out of SJMA’s office within the San Juan National Forest Headquarters in Durango, Colorado. This position will also require regular daytime travel throughout La Plata and Montezuma Counties, the San Juan National Forest, and occasional overnight travel to farther areas such as Montrose.
Hours: The position is classified as “Regular Full-Time.” Hours scheduled will be forty (40) hours per week with occasional nights and weekends.
Key Responsibilities
This individual will work under the supervision of SJMA’s Education Director and in coordination with other SJMA staff to achieve the following objectives:
- Collaborate with SJMA partners and school districts to develop curriculum for SJMA’s conservation education program as well as occasional content for other SJMA interpretive programs;
- Act as a lead field educator for programming to deliver science-based classroom lessons and field trips;
- Deliver SJMA’s fee-based programming (summer camp, after school, and spring break camp) in person;
- Work closely with SJMA’s Education Director and other SJMA education staff to deliver high-quality, standards-based lessons and field programs;
- Assist in the oversight of and mentoring of SJMA’s field educators, summer staff, volunteers, and interns in delivering in-person programming;
- Lead volunteer training to prepare volunteers to assist with education programs;
- Develop online curriculum as requested;
- Assist in the management and upkeep of educational materials and locations;
- Work with the Education Director, the Executive Director, and other SJMA staff to build enduring relationships with school districts, teachers, and community partners;
- Participate in SJMA events and fundraisers; and
- Assist with fundraising efforts, invoicing, and grant reporting as needed.
Skills and Qualifications
The successful candidate will possess some combination of the following skills/qualifications:
- Passion for the environment, public lands, and youth education;
- Two years minimum experience as an outdoor educator and/or science educator;
- Experience working with people of all ages, particularly elementary-aged children;
- Demonstrated experience developing and implementing science-based lessons in an outdoor setting;
- Have an understanding of Social Emotional Learning techniques;
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, demonstrated interpersonal skills;
- Ability to work effectively with all kinds of people;
- Attention to detail;
- Computer literacy, especially with Google and Microsoft Suites;
- Reliable;
- Friendly and personable team player;
- Have good organizational skills and the ability to handle multiple tasks and roles, patiently and professionally;
- Spanish language a plus; and
- Familiarity with Colorado ecology and public lands conservation issues as well as a strong commitment to the protection of Southwest Colorado’s natural and cultural resources.
Educational Requirements
- B.S. or B.A. degree required;
- Current wilderness first aid or first responder training preferred; and
- A valid Colorado Driver’s License has required as well as a good driving record. A personal vehicle will be used regularly, with mileage reimbursement consistent with SJMA policy.
Compensation
Salary is expected to be between $38,000 - $45,000 annually, commensurate with qualifications and experience. Benefits include health insurance and a retirement plan. SJMA follows all federal holidays and provides a generous paid time off policy. All offers of employment will be subject to the satisfactory completion of a background check.
To Apply
Those interested in the position are asked to submit one PDF document containing a resume, a letter of interest demonstrating their qualifications for the position, and professional references. The cover letter should succinctly describe the applicant’s interest and suitability for the position, and other pertinent facts that may not appear in the resume. Please send it to jobs@sjma.org. No phone calls, please. SJMA is an equal-opportunity employer.