Overview
The Community Engagement Coordinator (CEC) is responsible for planning and implementing community engagement opportunities at the Environmental Nature Center and ENC Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary. The CEC will focus on increased community engagement, program development and growth, and access, equity, and inclusion in all of the ENC’s education and volunteer programs. The CEC will play a central role in expanding the ENC’s relationships with the diverse communities that make up our community, deepen existing partnerships, and develop new collaborations with the goal of increasing program participation and participant diversity. The CEC will also teach outdoor science and social science education programs, encourage students’ awareness and appreciation of the environment, broaden students’ knowledge of science concepts, and foster students’ commitment to the protection of the natural world. The CEC will also staff ENC facilities on weekends as needed. Must be willing and able to commute to both Newport Beach and Silverado, CA. This is a Full-Time position. Pay Range: $18-20/hour.
Supervision: The Community Engagement Coordinator works under the supervision of the Education Director.
Essential Functions/Duties Include but Are Not Limited To:
1. Teach education programs, including field trips, scout programs, Nature Camps and bEARTHday parties.
a. Develop, prepare, and teach curricula for Nature Camp and enrichment programs that emphasize hands-on science activities related to the theme for the given program.
2. Develop and lead highly engaging community programs, aligned with the ENC’s mission and approved by the Education Director.
a. Refine and expand current offerings, including our highly popular Early Childhood Education programs. Program frequency determined by interest, staff availability and facility calendars.
b. Act as main point of contact for public programs, including Tiny Naturalists, Mini Naturalists, Little Naturalists, and others as determined by the Education Director.
c. Field emails/calls related to these programs, manage registrations, and send confirmation emails.
d. Send surveys to public program participants and utilize feedback as needed.
e. Pilot new programs that will engage a more diverse audience.
f. Lead and or recruit appropriate staff/consultants to lead community programs at each location on a regular, ongoing basis.
3. Work with the staff Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) committee to develop tactics to increase outreach to disadvantaged communities to increase participation in ENC programs from those communities.
a. Help increase target audience followers through targeted social media posts.
b. Foster collaborative relationships with the community, local nonprofit organizations, and businesses. Attend and/or present at community events to cultivate relationships with existing and potential partners.
Qualifications:
1. Commitment to the mission, vision, and core values of the ENC.
2. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and demonstrate flexibility.
3. Knowledge of California’s plant and animal life highly desirable.
4. Knowledge of California Native Americans and local indigenous people highly desirable.
5. Ability or willingness to handle a variety of animals including birds, amphibians, mammals, arthropods, and reptiles.
6. Ability to memorize and recall facts, figures, and information.
Required Skills:
1. Effectively communicate environmental education concepts to students of all ages in indoor and outdoor settings.
2. Interact successfully with supervisors, teachers, parents, volunteers, and students.
3. Demonstrate an understanding, patient, and receptive attitude toward students of all age groups, including adults, in small as well as large groups.
4. Communicate effectively in the English language, in both oral and written forms.
5. Understand and carry out oral and written instructions in an indepe
About Environmental Nature Center
Founded in 1972, the Environmental Nature Center (ENC) is a world class facility that provides transformative experiences resulting in a deeper connection to nature. The ENC’s mission is to provide quality education through hands-on experience with nature. Our vision is to provide equitable access and inspire all to protect the natural world by serving as our community’s leader in ecological responsibility, sustainable practices and environmental education. The ENC connects over 50,000 community members to nature annually through school field trips, Traveling Naturalist programs, community programs, nature camps, service learning programs, and professional development programs.
The ENC’s 5-acre Newport Beach campus features 15 California native plant communities, wildlife habitat, walking trails, and sustainably designed construction. The ENC’s LEED Platinum certified facilities are nationally recognized and provide an essential connection between nature and the built environment.
