Youth Fellowship Specialist (contract)

Friends of the Los Angeles River (FoLAR) was established in 1986 to restore community connection and the natural ecology of the Los Angeles River. The LA River was encased in concrete in 1938, severing its historical and ecological importance to the region. FoLAR envisions a more natural river and solutions that prioritize nature-based solutions and community wellbeing in the face of climate change. FoLAR educates, engages, and mobilizes over 50,000 Angelenos by repairing habitat and advocating for a healthy, equitable Los Angeles River. Our mission is to empower communities, students, and future leaders to advocate for nature, climate, and equity on the Los Angeles River. We envision a transformed ecosystem that supports vulnerable communities in climate adaptation and fosters collective well-being.

As part of our strategic commitment, we aspire to "continuously cultivate and inspire a diverse, multi-generational community of River stewards and advocates," expanding our influence beyond traditional educational settings.

Position Summary

Friends of the Los Angeles River’s Youth Fellowship Specialist plays a pivotal role in executing FoLAR’s youth engagement and workforce development initiatives, namely the River Fellowship program.

In 2023, FoLAR launched the River Fellowship workforce development program, a year-long extracurricular initiative designed to equip and inspire 30 local high school students to become dedicated environmental leaders.

The Youth Fellowship Specialist will lead and manage the day-to-day operations of the River Fellows Program, ensuring alignment with FoLAR’s mission and educational objectives. This role is critical in executing a range of programmed activities, maintaining engagement with fellows, and facilitating impactful environmental education experiences.

Key Responsibilities:

• Program Execution and Leadership: Lead all aspects of the River Fellowship program, ensuring engaging and impactful experiences across virtual and in-person formats.
• Student Engagement and Oversight: Keep in constant communication with Fellows, providing program updates, scheduling information, and reminders through various channels.
• Program Administration: Manage administrative tasks including attendance tracking, paperwork collection, and liaising with FoLAR's financial team.
• Instruction: Educate students on environmental science, climate change, and data presentation skills.
• Supplies and Logistics Management: Ensure all meetings and activities are well-equipped with necessary supplies and food.
• College and Career Guidance: Offer guidance on educational pathways and career opportunities, including personalized support for applications.
• Scholarship Research: Actively search for and share scholarship and development opportunities with Fellows and alumni.
• Alumni Relations: Maintain engagement with program alumni, providing ongoing access to resources.
• Youth Mentorship: Mentor participants, respecting and valuing their diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• Safety Oversight: Oversee and enforce safety protocols for all program activities.
• JEDI Integration: Work with the JEDI Committee to weave justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion principles into the program’s fabric.

Qualifications:

• Proven experience in environmental and/or outdoor education, with a focus on high school students from diverse backgrounds.
• Demonstrated ability to lead both in-person and virtual meetings, showing adeptness with relevant computer applications and software.
• Strong collaboration skills for working effectively with staff and partners.
• Excellent communication abilities for engaging with a variety of audiences.
• Flexibility in response to program needs and ability to modify plans accordingly.
• Deep commitment to environmental education, aiming to motivate future stewards.
• Understanding of climate change issues, along with equity, advocacy, and environmental justice principles.
• Preference for candidates fluent in Spanish.
• Must possess a valid California Driver’s License and have a clean driving record.
• Dependable vehicle for transporting supplies and reliable internet access.
• Availability for weekend and evening work, with a capacity for heavy lifting (up to 50 lbs).

Timeline:

The Specialist will adhere to the specified timeline of activities while ensuring the successful planning and execution of each event:

April - June 2024:

• Schedule bi-weekly professional guest speakers (mostly online & historically from 5:00-6:00 PM)
• Support coordination and provide leadership at one-night camping trip on April 6-7

June - August 2024:

• Coordinate the facilitation of eight, weekly online Climate Change Communication Training sessions, including liaising with the course facilitators
• Coordinate three half-day River Kayaking trips, including liaising with Kayak outfitter and ensuring safety measures.

September - December 2024:

• Oversee bi-weekly, in-person Project-Based Learning Groups, coordinating with professionals and ensuring resources are available for various projects.
• Facilitate Final Public Presentations and Celebration, including event coordination and inviting a network of peers and professionals.
• Support the design and launch of the application for the incoming 2025 cohort.
• End of Project: Compile and submit an end-of-project report detailing accomplishments, challenges, and recommendations for future iterations.

January - March 2025:

• Market the Fellows opportunity to target communities, collect, review and select applications for the 2025 cohort of Fellows
• Ensure all Fellows have submitted their signed Program Agreement forms.
• Distribute and collect pre-program surveys from accepted Fellows to measure baseline metrics for program outcomes.
• Organize Family River Day, including coordination of lunch, nature walk, and team-building activities.
• Collect signed Participation Terms, Release Of Liability, Indemnification, & Image Release Waiver and W-9 forms from students and guardians.
• Host first Zoom meeting to review program plans, answer questions, and conduct icebreaker activities.
• Conduct nature immersion trip to a local park with outdoor activities and a nature walk.
• Facilitate guest speaker sessions with professionals from environmental and/or STEM fields.

Contractual Terms:

• This is a 12-month contract position with the possibility of renewal based on program needs and performance.
• The Specialist is expected to maintain open lines of communication with FoLAR staff and external partners and report to the Youth Engagement Manager for strategic guidance and operational support.

To apply, please email resume and cover letter to 'mireya@folar.org' with the subject line ‘Youth Fellowship Specialist’. We plan to begin interviews on March 25 with a tentative start date of April 1, 2024.

FoLAR’s Equity Statement

The LA River traverses through diverse communities of people, plants, and geographies. It provides an opportunity to reshape our environment in a way that is more inclusive, equitable, and just. We are committed to building a team, leadership, and a River Movement that is as diverse as the communities the River touches. We believe in working with nature and alongside communities to achieve climate resilience, park equity, and environmental health for all.

Friends of the Los Angeles River is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, sex, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or national origin. Women and people of color are strongly encouraged to apply.

Job Types: Full-time, Contract

Pay: $52,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person