EDUCATION & OUTREACH COORDINATOR-40011279

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GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The purpose of this position is to develop and implement education and outreach programs for the Soil and Water Conservation department and the Durham Soil and Water Conservation District Board. This position will enhance environmental literacy and promote stewardship of the County’s natural resources.
This class works under the supervision of the Senior Administrative Officer.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The essential functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this class. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the class as necessary.

• Develop and implement successful environmental education and outreach programs focused on clean water and healthy soil for Durham County residents.
• Supports the department’s green industry program and works to increase Environmental Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (E-STEM) knowledge among students.
• Expands outreach to students and adults throughout Durham County.
• Serves on the Area IV Envirothon Committee. Envirothon is a hands-on academic event that challenges and engages students to think critically about the natural world.
• Designs and prepares a quarterly teacher’s newsletter to keep educators informed about programs and happenings.
• Coordinates environmental education classroom training for students in pre-K to college in Durham, this includes Environmental Field Days, Envirothon Trainings, Conservation contest (e.g. public speaking, essay, slide show presentations, bookmark contest for K-2nd grades).
• Plans and develop lessons and materials on a variety of environmental education topics, correlating them with the NC Standard Course of Study and the National Guidelines for Environmental Education (EE) Excellence.
• Provides environmental education to adult residents, city and county employees in Durham to include the Big Sweep and Creek Cleanup, Pond Clinic, Pasture Field Day; supports   the annual Farmer Appreciation Dinner.                                • Organize and carry out departments public outreach efforts that actively engage the public while building relationships and gathering feedback from the community through open   forums, focus groups, surveys and data tracking, and community meetings.
• Provides administrative assistance for the department and the Soil and Water Conservation Board with taking minutes, answering telephones, filing, preparing reports and tracking  Managing for Results (MFR) numbers.
• Prepares the department’s quarterly newsletter, updates the website, promotes and posts the department’s events on social media and with the county’s Public Information Office.
• Performs related work as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Excellent attention to detail, thoroughness, and organizational skills to prioritize and meet deadlines and achieve goals.
• Ability to handle multiple programs and projects simultaneously within a strict timeframe.
• Ability to work efficiently, with adaptability, creativity, initiative, positive energy, and good judgement.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and deliver a wide variety of education lessons and materials as quality deliverables.
• Knowledge and application of best practices in Environmental Education.
• Familiarity with the NC Essential Standards for Grades K-12 and the NAAEE Guidelines for Excellence in Environmental
• Experience developing curriculum-aligned lessons and programs for schools.
• Ability to develop and nurture internal and external working partnerships and networks with staff, volunteers, local schools, universities, and agencies at all levels.
• Excellent oral communication and interpersonal skills to work cooperatively, creatively and effectively with people of all ages.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in natural resources, environmental science, agriculture, education, geography, or a related field of study or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Two (2) years of experience teaching Environmental Education or as a science teacher.

SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES:

• NC Environmental Education Certification Program preferred or must complete within one year of being hired.
• Must possess and maintain a valid State of North Carolina driver’s license with an acceptable driving history.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Physical demands refer to the requirements for physical exertion and coordination of limb and body movement.
• Performs sedentary work that involves walking or standing some of the time and involves exerting up to 10 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis or sustained keyboard   operations.

UNAVOIDABLE HAZARDS (WORK ENVIRONMENT):

Unavoidable hazards refer to the job conditions that may lead to injury or health hazards even though precautions have been taken.

•  None.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COMPLIANCE:

Durham County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires Durham County to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.

STANDARD CLAUSES:

May be required to work nights, weekends, holidays and emergencies (man-made or natural) to meet the business needs of Durham County.
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of essential functions and responsibilities that are required of an employee for this job. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

ESSENTIAL SAFETY FUNCTIONS:

It is the responsibility of each employee to comply with established policies, procedures and safe work practices. Each employee must follow safety training and instructions provided by their supervisor. Each employee must also properly wear and maintain all personal protective equipment required for their job. Finally, each employee must immediately report any unsafe work practices or unsafe conditions as well as any on-the-job injury or illnesses.
Every manager/supervisor is responsible for enforcing all safety rules and regulations. In addition, they are responsible for ensuring that a safe work environment is maintained, safe work practices are followed and employees are properly trained.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COMPLIANCE:

Durham County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires Durham County to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.