NE Coastal Education and Outreach Specialist

TITLE:         Coastal Education and Outreach Specialist     

STATUS:     Full-time, exempt

LEVEL:       Salary Range: $33,000 to $55,000 (Non-supervisor) 
REGION:     Northeast (Manteo)

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITY:  The Coastal Education and Outreach Specialist (CEOS) works as part of the regional office team to manage all aspects of coastal education and outreach activities for students, educators and the public within the assigned region of coastal North Carolina.  The CEOS designs and implements educational and outreach programs focused on the coastal environment and habitat stewardship. Programs implemented by the CEOS will increase opportunities for active participation in all work focus areas of the Federation. 

The CEOS designs and carries out programs that reach targeted audiences in a highly professional and effective manner, and works with the regional team to coordinate the overall management of Federation volunteers within assigned geographic regions.  Educational programming managed by the CEOS will be designed to engage and educate students, teachers, and community decision-makers within their assigned geographic region. Outreach and education efforts will be integrated into the advocacy (not including students), restoration, and preservation priorities of the region’s team.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Serve as integrated member of regional team to achieve overall organizational priorities for education, outreach, advocacy, CoastKeeping, restoration and preservation programs.
2. Plan, develop, organize, and direct regional Education and Outreach Programs.
3. Develop and implement education curriculum and materials appropriate for NCCF educational programs in cooperation with regional teams.
4.  Recruit schools, educators and students from the region to participate in NCCF’s educational and habitat stewardship programs, and effectively market and advertise education programs and outreach events.
5. Work with regional team to coordinate and cultivate region’s volunteers to support regional priorities and focus areas.
6.  Coordinate and implement school and adult participation in field work and project monitoring in cooperation with regional team.
7.  Through regional team coordination, manage and track region’s volunteers in keeping with established tracking procedures.
8. Schedule routine assistance from grant-writing staff to research, develop and maintain adequate funding for education programs, and be responsible for project budgets.
9. Effectively convey the Federation’s message at local, state, and federal levels through outreach and education events, workshops and conferences.
10. Manage coordination and participation in, in conjunction with regional team, targeted outreach activities, including significant events, conferences, fairs and festivals.
11. Keep abreast of new knowledge, research and trends that affect NCCF’s education and outreach mission, and ensure that instructional programs address and keep pace with State and National education standards.
12. Develop, implement and maintain accurate records and evaluations of programs.
13. Participate in regional team and organization-wide planning and goal-setting; maintain contact with board members, project partners, and volunteers.
14. Update and upgrade the region’s education and outreach portion of Federation’s website under procedures outlined by webmaster.
15. Coordinate opportunities for membership recruitment with regional team and development staff.

KNOWLEDGE AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Minimum education level of master’s degree in related environmental education field, or bachelor’s degree and three year’s experience in coastal environmental education or related work.  East coast estuarine and coastal systems knowledge preferred.
2. NC environmental educator certification preferred.
3. Knowledge of NC Standard Course of Study, teaching methods and principles of learning for all age groups, including adults.
4.  Excellent teaching and group learning skills.  Understands and practices principals and dynamics of learning for varied age groups, learning styles, and audiences.
5. Superior public speaking, presentation, interpersonal, team-work, and public relation skills. 
6. Ability to anticipate problems and develop solutions for issues and events that may impact team objectives and function.
7. Ability to research new developments in education, conservation and science and incorporate leading edge techniques, and knowledge into the education program.
8. Seeks out, implements and/or assists with regional educational and outreach programs that result in better protection and restoration of coastal water quality and habitat.
9. Understands issues affecting coastal North Carolina and incorporates these into education programs.
10. Knowledge of, or ability to learn, technology required for water quality and habitat restoration and monitoring.
11. Demonstrates excellent operational planning, project development and management, leadership, organizational, and budgeting skills.
12. Excellent communication and relationship skills, able to work effectively as part of a team and independently and manage multiple priorities.
13. Ability to research and develop sources of funding and program support.  Grant writing experience preferred.
14. Skilled in the use of applicable computer applications such as Microsoft (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), on-line research, website management, etc.
15. Expected to maintain all assigned equipment (vehicles, tools, trailers, etc.) and education/outreach supplies in a professional manner and in excellent condition.
16. Trained and certified in life saving, safety, and First Aid/CPR.
17. Ability to lift 40 pounds; work in adverse weather conditions; undertake physically demanding, hot work, travel extensively.
18. Strong personal environmental ethic.