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Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

TITLE: YCAC Leader

DEPARTMENT: Communications

REPORTS TO: Youth Climate Advocacy Coordinator

GENERAL SUMMARY: Under the direction of the Youth Climate Advocacy Coordinator, help shape and guide Phipps' Youth Climate Advocacy Committee by leading activities and discussions, guiding project working groups, and mentoring youth in the committee.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Lead and assist with leading meetings, activities and workshops on climate action, environmental topics, leadership, advocacy, environmental justice, and science communication.
2. Guide collaboration and teamwork within the committee by designing and facilitating team building opportunities and activities that motivate and inspire committee members.
3. Organize group discussions around environmental topics such as climate justice, sustainability, water quality, food systems, policy, natural resources, ecology, and green technology.
4. Provide kind and appropriate peer-mentoring for other youth committee members both individually and in groups
5. Take a leadership role in guiding YCAC project working groups, as well as YCAC advocacy work within schools, local organizations and communities.
6. Network and engage with young people in other organizations through our Climate Toolkit Youth Network; model resource-sharing and collaboration between other likeminded youth.
7. Work closely with Phipps staff and partners to plan and improve YCAC offerings.
8. Model responsibility and dedication, compassion, communication, and critical thinking in your work, and lead with a solutions-focused approach to the climate crisis.
9. Proactively guide Phipps Conservatory in empowering young people and advocating for environmental and climate justice.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

1. Strong sense of teamwork, collaboration and leadership; ability to provide kind and appropriate peer-mentoring and guidance to other youth
2. Strong communication and public speaking skills; ability to communicate and respond both in person and over email and Slack to committee members, staff, and other organizations in a timely, pleasant and courteous manner.
3. Enthusiasm and passion for climate action, environmental justice and science communication
4. Skills and interests in other areas such as the arts, science and technology, policy, speech and debate, education or community engagement and outreach.
5. Knowledge and skills in writing, proof-reading, and social media content creation
6. Accurate and detail-oriented with the ability to prioritize and work independently.
7. Ability to handle confidential material, exercise initiative and display sound judgment.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND SENSORY DIMENSIONS

1. Physical mobility: sitting, standing, walking, lifting/carrying objects up to 30 pounds; manual dexterity to operate keyboard.
2. Mental effort: reading, writing, analyzing, scheduling, organizing, planning, mentoring, public speaking and teaching.
3. Ability to work under deadlines and stress and work within a team environment

WORKING CONDITIONS

1. Ability to provide own transportation to perform principal responsibilities.
2. Requires evening and weekend work.
3. Will have occasion to work in or pass through any area of the Conservatory or growing houses.

MINIMUM POSITION GUIDELINES (Education, Experience and Certification)

1. Previous experience in the Phipps Youth Climate Advocacy Committee, or similar youth environmental leadership experiences such as but not limited to: Phipps' EcoLeader Academy, Communitopia's PYCA (Pittsburgh Youth for Climate Action), GASP (Group Against Smog and Pollution)'s Fresh Voices for Clean Air program, Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy's Young Naturalists program, YOUNGO, or LCOY USA.
2. Must be between 16 and 23 years of age.
3. Candidates will be considered in two categories to ensure leadership representation from both age groups:
   1. High school students and first years in college (or within one year out of high school*) will be considered for the "YCAC High School Age Leader"
   2. Sophomores, juniors, and seniors in college (or one to three years out of high school*). These candidates will be considered for the "YCAC College Age Leader."

* Candidates do not need to currently be in school. For example, candidates may be taking a gap year, doing a trade school apprenticeship, or entering the workforce instead of going to college.

Revisions, additions or deletions to this job description may be made at any point.