Salary
$60,590.40 - $81,244.80 Annually
Location
Metro Parks and Natural Areas, OR
Job Type
Full Time
Department
Parks and Nature
Job Number
2019-6038-PN
Closing
11/25/2019 5:00 PM Pacific
Position summary
Metro's Nature Education team is seeking a Nature Education Team Lead to support our team in facilitating participant-driven outdoor education programming that inspires long-lasting relationships with nature and the use of Metro's parks and natural areas.
The Nature Education team consists of a Supervisor, Team Lead, Nature Educators and Seasonal Nature Educators. Together we serve over 10,000 participants annually. Recruitment for two Nature Educators will open later this winter.
Metro's Parks and Nature department engages the public with programs designed to be culturally relevant, responsive and respect multiple ways of knowing. We strive to empower participants to further their own relationships with the land and rivers of the Pacific Northwest. Our programs include, but are not limited to, field trips for groups and public programming for individuals and families.
The Nature Education Team Lead ensures all programming has consistent messaging and content which advances current agency-wide education initiatives and goals. You will help train and lead the work of the educators to ensure inclusive, effective and safe programs. You will be expected to be flexible, meet participants where they are and allow the group to drive how you lead programs.
The Nature Education team believes:
We are in service to the needs and aspirations of our communities.
Being outdoors can inspire joy and creativity, and promote health and well-being. We support Metro's commitment to racial equity in the way we design and deliver programming as well as by prioritizing communities of color.
We strive to create safe and welcoming programs for people of color knowing that by doing this we will benefit all people.
Application requirements in order to be considered:
1) Electronic application 2) answers to supplemental questions 4) Cover Letter detailing qualifications as they relate to the position
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
At Metro, we hire a workforce representative of the communities we serve, understanding that a diverse workforce strengthens our organization. We value diversity and support a positive and welcoming environment where all of our employees can thrive.
Essential Job Duties
Researches, designs and delivers education programs that addresses emerging issues for delivery to various public, private, professional, and governmental organizations and community groups.
Ensures all nature education programming has consistent messaging and content which advances current agency-wide education initiatives and goals
Provides lead work over other educators
Analyzes and evaluates data, creates reports and evaluates programs for standards of service
Oversees the production of education and promotional materials
Develops guidelines, protocols, policies and procedures for all program areas
Assists the Nature Education Supervisor with planning, scheduling, and budgeting of the division and maintains oversight of budget for assigned programs
Support other Parks and Nature department plans and teams by serving on work groups and project teams
Convenes regional environmental education leaders around environmental education topics of interests
Looks at regional gaps in environmental education and works with the Nature Education Supervisor to address those gaps
Note: Not all work locations are serviced by public transportation. Employees must be able to provide their own transportation to and from work locations, including parks and natural areas.
This position is represented by AFSCME 3580 and falls under the Metro Education Specialist III classification.
Minimum Requirements
A minimum of three (3) consistent years (minimum 36 cumulative months) of related work experience in nature education conducting public presentations for general audiences and coordinating complex programs and leading staff and managing resources
Bachelor's degree in field related to program area
Or a combination of education and experience which would provide the candidate with the desired skills, knowledge and ability required to perform the job.
Possess a driver's license
Preferred Qualifications:
Demonstrated understanding of racial equity and how systems of oppression continue to impact Indigenous communities and people of color
Demonstrated ability to apply a racial equity lens to nature education
Knowledge, skills and abilities
Experience developing, implementing and managing outdoor education programming that center racial equity, environmental justice and honor we are on indigenous land
Strong racial equity analysis and understands how racism and colonization are deeply rooted in the environmental movement and nature education practices
Ability to facilitate difficult conversations while prioritizing solutions that help the team and department advance racial equity and the Nature Education Strategic Plan
Ability to lead and train other staff on outdoor education programming that is culturally responsive, respectful and with a lens of trauma informed care
Experience in providing leadership to lead a team of full-time and part-time staff in achieving the goals outlined in the Nature Education Strategic Plan
Experience managing complex projects Strong communication and coordination skills
Knowledge of, and the ability to, engage and build relationships with community-based organizations that work specifically with people of color and advance their goals and create partnerships that benefit them
Ability to lead outdoor education program that connects people to our parks and resources Knowledge of local ecosystems, habitat types, flora and fauna of this region
Experience leading outdoor education programs that integrate cultural history in a way that is culturally respectful and responsive
Ability to work with communities of colors to build and coordinate culturally responsive programming
Ability to work collaboratively with Nature Education team members and other Metro staff Coordinates program logistics that include but not limited to, communication with program leaders, operations staff and other Nature Education and Metro staff
Makes sure programs are staffed accordingly and communicates if there are needs to gaps in program coverage
Strong organization and communication skills
Additional Information
Working conditions: This position frequently requires walking on uneven or rough terrain in all weather conditions. This position requires talking (both in person and over the phone), sitting, repetitive motions of the hands/wrists and good general hearing and vision ability. It may requires the ability to lift or carry up to 40 pounds. Incumbents in this position are required to during weekends and evenings.
Online applications: Metro accepts job applications online. If you need assistance or accommodation with your application, or access to a computer, call 503-797-1570.
Accommodation: Reasonable accommodation is available to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in this process. To obtain confidential assistance please contact Human Resources (503) 797-1570.
Public Employees Retirement System (PERS): New employees will pay the employee portion of the PERS contribution.
Representation/classification: This position is represented by AFSCME 3580 and falls under the Metro Education Specialist III classification.
Veterans' Preference: Under Oregon Law, qualified veterans may be eligible for veterans' preference when applying for Metro positions. If you are a veteran and would like to be considered for a veterans' preference for this job, please provide qualifying documents as instructed during the application process.
Criminal background check: In order to protect the well-being of its employees, the public and agency assets, Metro will conduct criminal background checks on all internal and external final applicants selected for Metro positions, including volunteers and interns. Employment at Metro is contingent on the successful completion of a criminal background check. By signing this application for employment, you are consenting to a background check, which includes a criminal history and a driving records check. A background check will only be conducted if you are selected as a finalist for a position. If selected as a finalist, you will be contacted by Human Resources and provided a copy of the Fair Credit Reporting Act prior to initiation of a background check.
Equal employment opportunity: All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, familial status, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability for which a reasonable accommodation can be made or any other status protected by law. Assistance will be gladly provided upon request for any applicant with sensory or non-sensory disabilities.
An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer