Public Programs Coordinator

The Cumming Nature Center is looking for an energetic, outgoing Public Programs Coordinator to join our team.

This is a full-time, 40 hour per week position and the Work schedule includes flexible hours, weekends, weekdays, evenings, holidays, and extended hours in order to meet the needs of the organization. Management retains the right to alter work schedules accordingly.

The deadline to apply to this position is 3/29/2024. Please send all resumes and cover letters to Sarah Jacoby Murphy at sjacobymurphy@rmsc.org

JOB SUMMARY

The RMSC Cumming Nature Center’s Public Programs Coordinator is responsible for the coordination and implementation of public school programs, public programming, and group reservations for weekends and events, and leading climate literacy efforts through the FLX Connected Learning Ecosystem (CLE) for the CNC. The ideal person will be the spark that ignites a lifelong passion and love for the natural world in any age group. The CNC Public Programs Coordinator will be integral in developing compelling environmental education programs for a variety of audiences and building strong relationships with local schools & teachers, informal educational institutions, and other community partners to increase CNC’s reach and achieve our mission.

The Public Programs Coordinator must be a great communicator & experienced environmental educator; easily able to interact with individuals and groups; adept at organizing and facilitating long-range projects; a creative thinker and collaborative teammate. This person has a positive attitude, and an unassailable work ethic, and cheerfully embraces teaching in all weather conditions. This person is also responsible for the growth of our Public Programs and managing their budgets appropriately.

The Public Programs Coordinator works closely with the director and other members of the education team to achieve the desired outcomes. This position will also support the daily functions of the nature center including reception, logistics, and program-related maintenance.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop, coordinate, implement, teach, evaluate, and promote public school programs.
• Develop, coordinate, evaluate, and teach environmental education programs for all ages, with an emphasis on families with children ages 6-15. This role is responsible for coordinating educational programming and activities for CNC events, break weeks, and various weekend activities. This role will organize group reservations, including Birthday Parties and guided group hikes/programs, Responsibilities also include developing seasonal exhibits and self-guided educational activities for the general public in the Visitors Center and on the trails.
• Facilitate the FLX Connected Learning Ecosystem by developing and maintaining partnerships with local informal educational organizations, facilitating and supporting a community of peer educators, and empowering local knowledge-sharing around climate and data science.
• Collaborate with other CNC departments (Facilities, Education, Marketing & Events) as needed to implement programs and achieve desired goals.
• Manage the reception desk if needed during school programs.
• Field instruction as required.

COMPETENCIES

Informational/Technical

Appropriate use of radios, internet, intranet, email (GSuite), registration software, payroll and phone systems.

Communication

Ability to communicate effectively, politely, professionally, and comfortably with children, teachers, visitors, and staff. Ability to write curriculum, do necessary paperwork, and communicate professionally via email. Ability to convey scientific information enthusiastically and accurately.

Decision Making and Reasoning Ability

Must be dependable, organized, and able to adapt to changing demands and environments; the ability to apply common sense and understanding to carry out instructions delivered in written or verbal form. Ability to maintain confidentiality. Ability to respond to, assess, and take appropriate action during emergency situations.

Time Management

Ability to set priorities and meet established deadlines without direct supervision. Ability to effectively transition between multiple duties. Ability to take initiative and identify projects in need of completion.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Responsible for training and coordination of other educational staff for school and Public Programs.
• Responsible for managing expectations of schools and groups participating in programs.
• Responsible for seeing that students and teachers are adequately prepared for the experience.
• May be consulted in performance considerations for other educational staff.

QUALIFICATIONS

A Bachelor’s degree and proven experience with museums or environmental education is preferred. A minimum or two years of demonstrated success in an Environmental Education teaching position is required. NOLS, Outward Bound or equivalent a plus. CPR and first aid certification preferred or a willingness to become certified.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

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 will be made to support individuals with disabilities.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk; stand; bend; climb; handle objects and tools; reach with hands and arms; stoop; kneel; and crouch. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Cross-country skiing experience is a plus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

While performing the duties of the job, the noise level in the work environment is variable and can be elevated at times. A significant portion of the work is performed outdoors in any/all weather conditions.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $18.00 - $20.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off

Ability to Relocate:

• Naples, NY 14512: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person