Environmental Educator

J  o  b    D  e  s  c  r  i  p  t  i  o  n

Job Information

Title:

Environmental Educator

Market Range:

MR16

Approved Date:

1/25/2021 2:23:13 PM

FLSA:

Non-Exempt

EEO Code:

PROFESSIONALS

Career Level:

P1

Career Level Description:

Professional Level 1

Job Code:

100320

Job Family:

Environmental Services

Sub Family:

Conservation

Primary Purpose

Directs the Education and Outreach programs of the Wake Soil and Water Conservation Department in order to advance environmental literacy and stewardship of Wake County's natural resources. Plans, develops and conducts effective environmental education (EE) and outreach to communicate the important fact that clean water and healthy soil are vital for healthy watersheds and a high quality of life for Wake County residents.

•

Plans and develops lessons and materials on a variety of EE topics and correlate with the NC Standard Course of Study and the national Guidelines for EE Excellence. Engages K-12 learners at schools and in a variety of settings indoors and out.  Teaches interactive lessons on earth and environmental science, the impact of human actions on the environment and the importance of making informed choices regarding the wise use, management and conservation of finite natural resources.  Coordinates academic competitions such as Conservation Poster Contest for grades 4-5 and Envirothon for grades 5-12.  Supports Wake County Envirothon teams in preparing for competition. Promotes Resource Conservation Workshop scholarships to grades 10-12 and assists conservationists in teaching the soil and water conservation field day.

1

25%

•

Plans, develops and co-facilitates professional development workshops for adults to provide training in national and local EE curricula such as Project Food, Land & People, NC Mobile Soils Classroom, Conservation Employees Training (CET), Project WET, etc. Provides continuing education credit and NC EE Certification credit. Conducts train-the-trainer workshops. Works closely with schools enrolled in the Watershed Stewardship Schools award program in accomplishing 10 actions to learn about and improve their local watershed. Promotes and assists educators in applying for EE grants such as Auxiliary and Outdoor Environmental Learning Center (OELC) Grants, as well as CCAP/BETC cost-share programs to install stormwater management practices on schoolyards to address resource problems and serve as learning labs.

2

20%

•

Plans, develops and conducts interactive activities to engage participants of all ages at School Events and Public Festivals in learning about earth and environmental science (aligned with event theme), the consequences of poor choices and mismanagement of natural resources, and how everyone can make a personal and collective difference by taking stewardship actions at home, school and work. Provides take-home tip sheets and give-aways that reinforce positive stewardship behavior.

Example of School Events: Career Expo, Earth Day, Science Fair, Science Night, STEM Expo, etc.

Example of Public Festivals: Earth Day, Mud Day, NC State Fair, Super Soils Day, Water Fest, etc.

Assists in planning and implementing the Annual Conservation Awards Celebration. Nominates deserving Wake County students, teachers, volunteers and community partners for several different award categories. Plans, develops and conducts other special events such as Wake District’s 50th Anniversary and Wake County Big Sweep 30th Anniversary Celebration.

3

15%

•

Writes, edits and proofreads a wide variety of written communications and educational materials such as promotional flyers, email blasts, brochures, tip sheets, web content, newsletter articles, press releases for mass, print & social media, progress reports, Annual Report, Neuse Rules Report, etc. Writes award scripts to recognize award, contest and scholarship winners and their accomplishments. Writes and submits letters of recommendation, reference letters and award nominations for deserving students, volunteers, colleagues, community partners, and Wake County residents.  Communicates effectively and in a timely fashion with a vast number and diversity of customers, partners, stakeholders and the public via email, phone, video conference, and office visits. Continually maintain education and volunteer email list-serves. 

4

15%

•

Develops and nurtures effective working partnerships and networks – both internally and externally – to achieve workplan goals and benefit the EE of Wake County residents. Collaborates with local schools, Wake Green Schools Partnership with Wake County Public School System (WCPSS), universities, government agencies at all levels, non-governmental organizations, civic clubs, youth groups, and businesses. Works closely on educational initiatives with Wake SWCD Board of Supervisors, Friends of Wake SWCD, Area 4 and NC Districts, NCDA&CS Division of Soil & Water Conservation, NC Association of Soil & Water Conservation Districts, Foundation for Soil & Water Conservation, Ocean Conservancy, as well as other Wake County Departments and Divisions, and 12 Wake County municipalities.

5

15%

•

Purchases, organizes and maintains teaching equipment, resources and materials. Documents the progress and final results of all programs and projects. Writes grant proposals to fund EE initiatives. Assists District Director in overseeing adult Earth Team volunteers in assigning and monitoring education projects. Recruits and supervises high school and college student volunteers during EE projects and events. Documents each student’s number of community service hours earned. Provides assistance to District Director, technical staff, Wake District Board, and Friends of Wake SWCD as needed. Furthers professional development by participating in workshops, trainings, and conferences.

6

10%

Position(s) may perform other duties in addition to the above as assigned by management.

•

Manage and coordinate the entire Wake County Big Sweep Program which includes coordinating all clean-ups, volunteer recruitment, collection supplies, and amount of litter collected in Wake County.

*IMPORTANT* In the event of an emergency, as determined by the County Manager or designee, participation in preparedness and response operations should be expected. Employee may be required to fill a temporary assignment in a role different from standard duties, work hours and/or work location in preparation for, during and after the emergency. Employee may also be required to participate in relevant exercises and regular preparedness training.

Career Level Dimensions

Career Level:

P1

Career Level Description:

Professional Level 1

•

Works on small, routine projects or task-related activities that have some impact on the overall the Work Group.

•

Work is closely supervised.

•

Responsible for making minor changes in systems and processes to solve problems.

•

Identifies, defines and addresses problems that are not complex. Problems are typically within the immediate Work Group.

•

Communicates within or outside of the Work Group to provide information about policies, procedures, or analyses.

•

N/A – Jobs at this level are focused on self-development.

•

Requires basic, theoretical understanding of professional principles and skills, typically obtained through advanced education.

Qualifications

•

Bachelor's degree in Environmental Education, Environmental Science or related field

•

One year of experience in environmental education or studies

•

Equivalent education and experience are accepted

•

Bachelor's Degree

Bachelor of Sciences or Bachelor of Education in environmental education, environmental science, ecology, earth science, social studies, naturalist interpretation, or another related field.

And

•

2 Years

Experience in developing and delivering effective EE lessons, materials and workshops to a variety of audiences of all ages.

Or

•

2 Years

experience working with children and experience in formal and/or nonformal setting with students in Kindergarten through 12th grade and experience working with the public in an outdoor setting.

Or

•

2 Years

 equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties described in the Environmental Educator

•

Possession of NC Environmental Education Certification or willingness to earn NC EE Certification within three (3) years.

Within 3 Years

or

•

Possession of certifications to facilitate lessons and/or trainings in the following national/local EE curricula:

o Project Food, Land & People

o Project WET

o WOW: The Wonders of Wetlands

o NC Mobile Soils Classroom

o Project Learning Tree

o Project WILD / Aquatic WILD

o Population Connection

o It’s Our Water / It’s Our Air, etc.

Within 3 Years

or

•

Possession of a NC Teaching Certificate

Within 3 Years

or

•

Possession of Central Carolinas Master Naturalist Certification

•

High energy, self-motivation and ability to work independently with limited supervision and assistance; but also work effectively as a team member.

•

Excellent attention to detail, thoroughness, and organizational skills to prioritize and meet deadlines and achieve goals.

•

Ability to juggle multiple programs and projects simultaneously within a strict timeframe.

•

Ability to work efficiently, with adaptability, creativity, initiative, positive energy, and good judgement.

•

Demonstrated ability to develop and deliver a wide variety of education lessons and materials as quality deliverables.

•

Knowledge and application of best practices in Environmental Education.

•

Familiarity with the NC Essential Standards for Grades K-12 and the NAAEE Guidelines for Excellence in Environmental Education and experience developing curriculum-aligned lessons and programs for schools.

•

Ability to develop and nurture effective working partnerships and networks – both internally and externally -- with staff, volunteers, local schools, universities, government agencies at all levels, non-governmental organizations, civic clubs, youth groups, businesses, Wake SWCD Board of Supervisors, Friends of Wake SWCD, Area 4 and NC Districts, NC Association of Soil & Water Conservation Districts, Foundation for Soil & Water Conservation, etc.

•

Excellent oral communication and interpersonal skills to work cooperatively, creatively and effectively with people of all ages and all ethnic, socio-economic, and cultural backgrounds.

•

Ability to lift 25+ pounds, to stand for extended periods of time, and to work outdoors in hot, cold, wet, humid, and windy conditions.

An individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily to perform this job successfully. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Competencies

Innovation

Applies original thinking in approach to job responsibilities and to improve processes, methods, systems, or services.

Initiative

Does more than is required or expected in the job; does things that no one has requested that will improve or enhance products and services, avoid problems, or develop entrepreneurial opportunities. Plans ahead for upcoming problems or opportunities and takes appropriate action.

Customer Service

Balances interests of a variety of clients, and readily readjusts priorities to respond effectively to pressing and changing demands for information, advice and assistance.  Anticipates and meets the needs of clients; achieves quality end products; and commits to continuous improvement of services.

Communication

Creates an atmosphere in which timely and high-quality information flows smoothly up and down, inside and outside of the organization; encourages open expression of ideas and opinions.

Attention to Detail

Thoroughness in accomplishing a task through concern for all the areas involved, no matter how small. Monitors and checks work or information and plans and organizes time and resources efficiently.

Adaptability & Flexibility

Changes behavioral style or method of approach when necessary to achieve a goal; adjusts style as appropriate to the needs of the situation. Responds to change with a positive attitude and a willingness to learn new ways to accomplish work activities and objectives.

Integrity

Act with honesty, transparency and respect in our interactions with co-workers and those we serve. Adhere, without exception, to laws, policies, procedures and professional standards.

Accountability

Establish high-quality standards for work. Add value. Measure results and hold self and others accountable for making progress toward desired outcomes. Take a logical and data-driven approach to decision-making.

Diversity

Believe that different backgrounds and experiences strengthen the organization and produce better results. Value inclusion across race, gender, age, religion, identity and experience, and strive to reflect in our workforce the diversity of our community.

Collaboration

Foster a work culture in which different ideas and opinions are encouraged and expected. Listen carefully and speak thoughtfully. Work together toward shared goals with mutual respect and cooperation.

Continuous Improvement

Continuously improve work processes and products. Provide a safe environment to be innovative and creative and try new things. When things don't go as planned, use it as an opportunity to learn, regroup and begin again. Provide time and resources for individuals to grow and develop both personally and professionally.

Wellness

Take proactive steps to be physically fit and healthy, emotionally strong, financially secure and socially fulfilled, while inspiring and empowering others to do the same.

Service Orientation

Commit to making a difference within the community. Actively engage in and enjoy our work. Deliver services that exceed expectations, with courtesy, politeness and sensitivity to the experiences, concerns and feelings of all co-workers and customers.

ADA Checklist

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

Standard ADA Selection:

Office Environment

Standing

X

Walking

X

Sitting

X

Lifting/Carrying 0-10 pounds

X

Lifting/Carrying 10-20 pounds

X

Lifting/Carrying 20-50 pounds

X

Lifting/Carrying 50-100 pounds

X

Pushing

X

Pulling

X

Climbing

X

Balancing

X

Stooping

X

Kneeling

X

Crouching

X

Crawling

X

Reaching

X

Handling

X

Grasping

X

Fingering

X

Feeling

X

Talking

X

Hearing

X

Visual Perception

X

Repetitive Motions

X

Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination

X

Memorization/Concentration

X

Learning/Knowledge Retention

X

Preparing/Analyzing Numerical Figures

X

Use of Interfaced Commmunication Devices (Phone, Computer, Radio etc.)

X

Analyzing/Examining/Testing Data

X

Emotional/Behavioral Self-Regulation

X

Interacting with Others

X

Comprehension

X

Organization

X

Decision Making

X

Comprehension

Understand complex problems and collaborate to explore alternative solutions

Organization

Organize and prioritize individual work schedule to manage multiple tasks and/or projects

Decision Making

Make decisions that have an impact on the immediate work unit's operations and/or services

Communication

Communicate in-depth information for the purpose of interpreting and/or negotiating

Extreme cold

X

Extreme heat

X

Humid

X

Wet

X

Noise

X

Hazards

X

Temperature Change

X

Atmospheric Conditions

X

Vibration

X

Computers/Monitors

X