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Outdoor Education Manager

About This Position

The Outdoor Education Manger has overall responsibility for the design, and implementation of all outdoor education/nature connection programs and activities for adults, families, children, and schools at Emerald Necklace Parks, utilizing a community engagement approach with a focus on increasing diversity, equity and inclusion.

In conjunction with the Director of Education, the Outdoor Education Manager is responsible for maintaining and creating an outdoor education portfolio that meets the goals and objectives of the Emerald Necklace Conservancy while meeting the needs of the communities in the Metro Boston area. The Outdoor Education Manager will oversee the development, marketing and implementation of assigned outdoor education programs and activities in conjunction with the Director of Education. The Outdoor Education Manager is responsible, along with the Director of Education, for helping maintain community partnerships.

Duties & Responsibilities

Summer Green Team Program:

This six-week, intensive program engages participants in environmental career exploration workshops, soft, and hard skill workshops, nature connection and, basic ecology activities, land care management skills, and more. The Green Team Program is facilitated for youth ages 14-18 years old.

Summer Green Team Program Responsibilities (40%)

• Lead logistics, scheduling, facilitation (along with seasonal staff), coordination, and registration efforts
• Hiring of program participants
• Lead, train, and supervise all program staff
• Lead all staff communications
• Schedule and facilitate training of staff
• Ensure program curriculum is followed
• Communicate with program partners
• Ensure risk management protocols are followed
• Keep track of staff and participant hours worked weekly
• Keep track of work completed
• Request permits from the city if needed
• In collaboration with other staff, define education strategies for audiences in the Metro Boston area based on the conservancy's strategic goals and priorities in education and engagement
• Inventory and manage program supplies
• Disseminate evaluation questionnaire
• In collaboration with the Director of Education, define education strategies for audiences in the Metro Boston area based on the conservancy's strategic goals and priorities in education and engagement
• Support the Director of Education as needed. This includes collecting and maintaining all necessary staff paperwork and upholding site standards

Canopy Classroom Program:

The Canopy Classroom Program is executed through fun, interactive nature connection field trips that are facilitated at Emerald Necklace parks. We offer fall and spring field trips designed for 3rd and 4th grade classes, approximately 2 hours in length. Each field trip begins with an introduction to the park and the field trip topic, followed by a guided exploration of the park, and concludes with a fun activity that reinforces the field trip content.

Canopy Classroom Program Responsibilities (40%):

• Lead logistics, scheduling, facilitation (along with seasonal staff), coordination, and registration efforts
• for all field trips
• Lead and supervise all program staff
• Lead all staff communication
• Schedule and facilitate training of staff
• Ensure program curriculum is followed
• Ensure risk management protocols are followed
• Keep track of staff and participant hours worked weekly
• Request permits from the city if needed
• Inventory and manage program supplies
• Disseminate evaluation questionnaire
• Request park access permits
• Create lesson plans as needed
• Support the Director of Education as needed. This includes collecting and maintaining all necessary staff paperwork and upholding site standards

Family Nature Connection:

The free Family Nature Connection events aim to introduce people to the Emerald Necklace parks and to give existing park users new and unique experiences in nature. Events are facilitated in the fall and the spring. Activities are hosted on either Saturday or Sunday (2-4 programs a year. Past events have included guided walks on useful plants, birds of prey, scavenger hunts, wildlife tracking, birding, etc.

Family Program Responsibilities (20%)

• Lead logistics, scheduling, facilitation (contractors will facilitate activities), coordination, and registration efforts
• Facilitate marketing of programs
• Communicate with and, schedule facilitators for programs
• Serve as the on-site point of contact
• Inventory and manage program supplies
• Ensure risk management protocols are followed
• Request permits from the city if needed
• In collaboration with other the Director of Education, define education strategies for audiences in the Metro Boston area based on the conservancy's strategic goals and priorities in education and engagement
• Support the Director of Education as needed. This includes collecting and maintaining all necessary staff paperwork, and upholding site standards
• In collaboration with other staff, define education strategies for audiences in the Metro Boston area based on the conservancy's strategic goals and priorities in education and engagement

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred; candidates with equivalent professional experience demonstrating the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will also be considered.
• 2+ years of experience managing and facilitating outdoor nature connection, environmental education, or outdoor adventure activities for youth
• Experience supervising staff
• Major in recreation, outdoor education, education, environmental education, environmental studies, earth science, and biology or equivalent experience (are welcomed but not required)
• Experience making nature connection and environmental education more accessible and equitable
• Passionate about and experienced leader in environmental education and nature connection activities and programs
• Strong experience in management and supervision of program staff and related individuals
• Committed to nurturing universally designed, inclusive learning environments.
• Experienced in the development, implementation, and evaluation of environmental education programs for a variety of audiences
• Experience as a team leader and/or facilitator
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to develop curriculum and to instruct others.
• Proven ability to develop collaborative relationships with education leaders and outside organizations.
• Advanced Computer Skills.
• Certification in First Aid/CPR.
• Flexibility and ability to respond to changing priorities, meet deadlines, and work as an effective team member.
• Ability to relate to a diverse range of people and exercise cultural competence and inclusion.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel within Massachusetts.

Compensation

This position's base salary range is $55,000-$70,000; the salary will reflect the level of experience and qualifications relative to position requirements.