We're Hiring!
Open Position: Education Specialist
Position Description: Full Time Education Specialist, Grand Junction, CO
Organization Background:
Colorado Canyons Association (CCA) fosters community stewardship of our National Conservation Lands with a focus on Dominguez-Escalante, Gunnison Gorge and McInnis Canyons National Conservation Areas (NCAs) in western Colorado. We are a non-partisan, non-profit organization encouraging cooperation among all NCA users and interests.
CCA has a robust set of programs that engage the community in education, citizen science and stewardship activities on both the landscapes and waterways of our regional NCAs. Our organization boasts diverse and long standing community support representing a wide cross-section of NCA interests.
Further, our group also counts itself as one of the leaders of the ‘Friends Grassroots Network’ made up of similar groups, located mostly in the west, that work to protect and preserve unique BLM landscapes. CCA recently received national recognition as the 2016-2017 recipient of the Department of the Interior’s Public Lands Partnership Excellence Award.
Position Summary:
This is a full-time 40 hour a week exempt position based in Grand Junction, Colorado. The Specialist is responsible for curriculum development, land-based education program implementation and general program support for CCA. The Specialist will act as a crucial community face for CCA and work to build awareness about our group by engaging with our Education Committee and implementing projects throughout the regional NCAs. This position is responsible for implementing the various CCA programs that are designed to help the BLM accomplish its mission in the NCAs related to interpretation and environmental education as outlined below.
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required by the employee.
Responsibilities:
45% Education Program Development & Implementation - CCA brings nearly 2,500 students and 500 community members out into the NCAs annually for educational and experiential outdoor field trips. This position is a lead on these efforts. The Specialist works with CCA senior staff, our volunteer Education Committee and BLM NCA Managers and staff to develop and implement programs designed to accomplish aggressive education goals within the three NCAs. The Specialist leads the implementation of on-the-ground actions while identifying and cultivating supporters and volunteers to provide additional capacity to these efforts.
35% Curriculum Development - CCA is committed to offering diverse and meaningful outdoor education programming to students in Mesa, Delta, and Montrose Counties. We accomplish this by developing standards-based curriculum for each program and providing educators with the tools and resources needed to extend the classroom out into these learning landscapes. The Specialist works with our volunteer Education Committee to continuously update and refine our existing curriculum while simultaneously developing new curriculum to expand our portfolio and our reach.
20% Membership, Volunteer and Administration - The Specialist works directly with the CCA Assistant Director and other staff to help build overall membership giving and support for CCA in the community. The Specialist takes a leadership role in scheduled communication with volunteers and partners involved in our education program and assists in organizing the community to support these efforts. This position will expand our existing education-based volunteer program; undertaking such tasks as volunteer recruitment, orientation, training, tracking and coordination. The Specialist may also train to assist in light front desk duties for BLM as needed and to run the CCA bookstore at the BLM office.
Qualifications:
B.A. or B.S. in a related field and at least 3-5 years of environmental education, curriculum development and/or volunteer outreach experience or related equivalent
Motivated, team player with a passion for conservation and education
Strong direct experience with developing and implementing outdoor education programs
Understanding of Colorado state-based education standards and science curriculum
A strong writer with experience in email list communications, database software, newsletter writing and all other forms of written communication
Firm grasp of land conservation and stewardship strategies
Excellent organizational, presentation, and verbal communication skills
Strong leadership skills with an ability to connect and communicate with a wide range of communities and individuals including an ability to work with diverse individuals and organizations
Proven ability to manage multiple projects and assignments simultaneously and meet deadlines
Ability and willingness to work independently with minimal day to day supervision
Ability to pass a federal background check
Knowledge of all three regional NCAs a plus
Ability to speak Spanish a plus
Additional Information:
Special Job Requirements: Periodic travel around Colorado, flexible work hours, including some weekend and evening hours on short notice. A valid Driver's license is required.
Physical Demands: The Education Specialist regularly walks long distances, uses a computer/phone, walks, bends, and climbs stairs. Must be able to maneuver, lift and carry event materials, packages and supplies up to 35 pounds. Offices and buildings are totally smoke-free.
Compensation and Benefits: Salary ranges from $35,000 - $38,000 per year plus a generous vacation package as well as retirement match and cell phone reimbursement.
To Apply:
Email a cover letter, resume and three references to info@canyonsassociation.org with “Education Specialist” in the subject line.
Please, no phone calls, this position will remain open until 5pm on Friday, March 3rd.