Environmental Education Program Coordinator with Outdoor Programs

Program Description:

MSCR Outdoor programs offers dynamic and engaging experiential and environmental education opportunities for students, community groups and corporate clients. Our mission is to empower and facilitate individual and group transformation through experiential learning providing a positive outdoor experience. Our Environmental Education programming aims to provide school groups and community groups a positive outdoor experience using inquiry-based learning through nature exploration. Learn more about out programs at https://www.mscr.org/programs/outdoors/

Job Description & Duties:

Assists in planning, programming, and oversight of environmental education youth field trips and community environmental education and nature programs. This position is 70% direct programming, 30% training, planning, and coordinating. This position collaborates with other Outdoor Programs Program Coordinators to provide intentional programming that meets participant goals. This is a dynamic role that allows staff the ability to learn and refine many different skills such as coaching staff, delivering high quality programming, administrative tasks and program development.

Duties Include:

General oversight and property management at the Madison School Forest located in the town of Verona:
– Inventories and maintains equipment and files in nature center and other buildings
– Participates as a member of the School Forest Advisory Board including attending meetings as scheduled
– Communicates any site issues and addresses when appropriate

Under the guidance of the MSCR Program Specialist:
– Provides orientation, training, and coaching to Outdoor Instructors on environmental education
– Annually evaluates Outdoor Programs Instructors with support from Outdoor Programs Specialists and in collaboration with other Program Coordinators
– Communicates program plans, changes, and expectations to seasonal Outdoor Instructors.
– Supports groups to help plan environmental education and overnight programs.
– Delivers Environmental Education programs to youth and adults.

Position Dates:

Estimated start date: As soon as possible/ flexible before September 9th
This is a year round position with high seasons (March-November) and low seasons (December-February).

Work Location:

Varied. Office location is MSCR Central. Programs take place around the Madison Area.

• Locations MSCR Central, Various Locations
• Start Date 08/17/2024
• Hours a Week:

  Varied by season. Typically during “high seasons” (spring, summer, and fall) 30 hours/ week. During the “low season” (winter) no more than 18.5 hours/week

• Work Hours:

  Typically Monday through Friday with some weekend hours. Most of our programs start and end between the hours of 8:00 am and 4:00 pm, however there is some evening work as well.

• Pay Rate:

  $20 per hour.

• Minimum Qualifications:

  – Ideal candidate has a background in environmental education programming, youth programming and/or recreation program coordination
  – Must be detail-oriented and have strong organizational, communication and computer skills with G Suite
  – Previous supervisory experience and proven reliability and dependability.
  – Developed knowledge of risk management planning for outdoor activities.
  – Enthusiasm for facilitating individuals and groups to learn through experiential practices.
  – Willingness to travel to program site locations in various areas in and around the city of Madison, reliable transportation required.
  – Must be comfortable working outdoors all day in a variety of weather conditions.
  – Certified or able to obtain certification in CPR and first aid.
  – Ability to stand and walk over rough, unpaved terrain.
  – At least two years of previous environmental education program experience.
  – Comfortable leading environmental education field studies at various program locations and with various age groups.

• Preferred Qualifications:

  – Background in Environmental Education curriculum planning or other certifications or background knowledge of environmental curriculum.
  – Ability to generate excitement, concern and respect for the outdoors with youth.
  – Knowledge of regional flora and fauna including wooded areas, ponds and prairies.
  BS or BA in recreation, education, environmental education, natural science, or a closely related field.
  – Secondary language skills in Spanish desired, but not required.
  – Ability to work as a team, take on a leadership role, and maintain a positive work. environment, while supporting staff and enforcing program rules consistently.
  – Self motivated to work on projects and assigned tasks.

• Other Information:

  Questions about the position can be directed to Liz Just at ekjust@madison.k12.wi.us.

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