Overview
POSITION SUMMARY
LandPaths seeks an individual with a passion for building a diverse, healthy and whole community connected with the land. The ideal candidate is driven, energetic and creative; excels in an active work environment, is committed to equity in access to nature, and loves working with youth in the outdoors. The Education Field Specialist will provide day-to-day field implementation of LandPaths’ youth programs including: “In Our Own BackYard” (IOOBY), Inspired Forward, and Camps (held during school breaks throughout year and summer) for students of all ages. IOOBY is an award-winning, innovative field-based environmental education and nature-immersion program for elementary youth. Inspired Forward combines place-based education and youth leadership with nature-immersion for teens and young adults. The Education Field Specialist will represent LandPaths in the classroom and in the field in a manner that builds a sense of belonging and collaboration with teachers, parents, volunteers, and fellow staff members. In addition to the implementation of specifically designed environmental education curriculum, the ideal candidate also loves engaging youth in unstructured play and exploration in nature, enjoys leading nature games and crafts, singing songs, storytelling…all things camp!
The Education Field Specialist is expected to strive for excellence in the implementation of LandPaths’ nature-immersion youth programs, including consistent modeling of LandPaths’ core values and best practices. The Education Field Specialist is responsible for day-of program logistics and safety, and for providing daily reflections of the effectiveness of the program.
POSITION DUTIES
Become trained on specific youth program field-based education goals, approach and curriculum
Lead groups of youth in hands-on activities in a fun and engaging manner
Utilize positive behavioral management techniques
Become knowledgeable and conversant in all aspects of LandPaths’ mission, values, strategic plan, preserves, and community programs
Develop and deepen through active listening and mutual understanding, relationships to engage and expand student, parent, teacher and volunteer participation, advancing LandPaths’ youth program goals
Maintain all field day necessities (logistics, safety, gear, etc.) needed for program, including tracking gear inventory and storage
Under the guidance of the Youth Initiative Manager and Education Lead, work as part of a team to facilitate field day program, including pre-program task of assessing site conditions and preparation, leading large and small groups of youth, parents and teachers, and post-program tracking and evaluation
Assist in the communication and coordination of volunteers in all day-of activities
Qualifications:
EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS
A successful candidate will likely have experience leading youth programs, including the following qualifications:
A genuine passion for rooting youth in nature and for equity in access to nature
Experience working with youth and leading groups from diverse backgrounds
Comfort and confidence in the outdoors
Experience implementing specifically designed curriculum and able to engage youth in fun camp games, crafts, songs, storytelling, and unstructured play
About LandPaths
LandPaths is an environmental education and conservation leader with the mission to foster a love of the land in Sonoma County. We believe everyone should have access to the awe and inspiration of nature.
Annually, we engage thousands of participants like you in joyful, caring, and transformative relationship with the land. We do this mainly through creative outings led in both English and Spanish, environmental education, nature camps, and people-powered land stewardship of local open spaces.