If you are looking for a rewarding and challenging opportunity to contribute to the legacy of open space protection and engage children and youth in environmental education and science learning through nature-based experiences, we have an outstanding opportunity for you! Midpen is seeking an Environmental Education Specialist to join the Interpretation & Education Program of the Visitor Services Department.

About Midpen: Midpen helps plants, animals and people thrive throughout the greater Santa Cruz Mountains region by preserving a greenbelt of more than 65,000 acres of public open space with 250 miles of trails in 26 extraordinary preserves, permanently protected for natural resource conservation and ecologically sensitive public enjoyment and education. Midpen is a public agency with a focused mission that guides our work, and where every employee makes an impact.  If you are looking for an outstanding opportunity to contribute to the legacy of open space protection, natural resource restoration and outdoor recreation, working with an incredible team of like-minded colleagues, we invite you to apply for this position!  Check out the Working for Midpen video on our Employment Opportunities page.

About the Position:

The Environmental Education Specialist will have a solid understanding and foundation in the principles and practices of environmental education and field-based science learning, as well as experience in program delivery and coordination, and volunteer management. The position serves as the technical lead, trainer/mentor, and day-to-day contact for Midpen’s Outdoor Education Docents (volunteers) and supports their delivery of curriculum-based field trips for students. The Environmental Education Specialist will also support the engagement of adults in natural and cultural history interpretive experiences in a collaborative role with other program staff, and assist program manager in identification of environmental education partnership opportunities for program growth.

The ideal candidate will have a working knowledge and subject matter expertise in the application of STEM principles, Next Generation Science and Common Core Standards to support educators in meeting mandated instructional requirements – as applied to environmental education and nature-based learning. A background in California ecology and conservation principles, competency in inquiry-based instruction for students and training of adult docents, and experience in docent supervision/volunteer management. An independent organized work-style and strong collaborative communication skills are needed in this people-focused, and subject matter rich position.

For additional information about the Environmental Education Specialist, see the Job Description page of the District website. The start date for this position is November 2022.

A Few Reasons Why You May Love This Job

• Collaborative work that directly supports Midpen’s mission to protect and restore the natural environment
• You’ll be part of a talented and dynamic team whose work contributes to providing nature’s benefits to everyone
• Excellent employee benefits, including medical, dental, vision, tuition reimbursement, and a retirement pension through California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS)

Work Environment/Working Conditions:

Under the supervision of the Interpretation & Education Program Manager in the Visitor Services Department, this position will primarily report out of the Midpen administrative office though will occasionally work from the Daniels Nature Center at Skyline Ridge Preserve. Midpen staff are working hybrid schedules with in-office days and at-home days. The selected individual for this position will work three days a week in the office and two days remote from home. This classification is partially sedentary in a standard office setting and partially active in the field – hiking/walking is required while conducting programs and trainings, employee may also be required to drive vehicles over unimproved roads. Persons in this classification occasionally lift, carry, push and pull equipment and supplies weighing up to 50 pounds. The selected individual will be required to work evenings, weekends, and possibly holidays. Must wear Midpen issued uniform when interacting with the public or as deemed necessary.

Education & Experience:

We realize your time is valuable, so please apply only if you have at least the required minimum qualifications outlined here – any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be: graduation from an accredited college or university with major coursework in environmental education, physical or natural sciences, environmental or conservation studies, or a related field; and two (2) years of relevant experience working in programs that provide curriculum-focused educational services to students (K-12, and/or college) preferably in an outdoor education setting, park, recreation area, or open space environment. Experience coordinating and training volunteers is preferred. Bilingual skills, teaching credential (multi- or single-subject) or environmental education certificate highly desirable.

Licenses & Certifications Required:  

• Possession of a valid California Driver’s License.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, Basic First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification within six (6) months of employment.

Benefits:  Midpen provides a comprehensive Benefits package including paid leave, insurance and CalPERS pension.