Education Field Coordinator

Reports to: Education & Leadership Manager
Classification: Part-time, non-exempt
Compensation: $25.00 per hour
Locations: Treasure Island, Heisler Park, and Crescent Bay Rocky Intertidal Areas, and other locations as necessary, in Laguna Beach, CA

Job Summary:

LOF is currently seeking a Part-time Education Field Coordinator to develop a K-12 marine conservation education program for Orange County schools. The Education Field Coordinator will coordinate and implement the program and lead engaging environmental education programs for diverse participants throughout Orange County. The coordinator promotes and encourages conservation and responsible use of natural resources by providing high quality educational programs and resources to the public. The coordinator and other educators provide education, outreach, and communications on issues key to LOF’s mission including marine conservation, climate change, and sustainable management of marine resources.

Responsibilities:

• Coordinate, schedule, and carry out engaging lessons and activities at schools and at Laguna coast sites to Orange County K-12 schools.
• Work in collaboration with the Education and Leadership Team to develop and update curriculum
• Disseminate information to local school districts, stakeholders, and teachers via email and phone to promote program opportunities
• Assist the Education and leadership Team in community outreach and engagement through informational fairs, markets, and events
• Write and contribute content for internal and external publications, including social media, flyers, and website
• Support youth in developing and implementing community conservation projects
• Foster positive relationships with school district staff and community partners
• Maintain accurate and timely records of all education and outreach programs, including pre-and post-survey responses, attendance, quotes and testimonials, and other metrics
• Assist the Education and Leadership Manager in identifying potential funding sources and writing grant proposals
• Serve as tidepool educator as needed

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum 18 years of age.
• Legal permission to work in the US.
• Minimum Bachelor degree in science, marine biology preferred, or equivalent experience with knowledge of marine biology, oceanography, rocky intertidal habitat, local organisms and interpretive techniques
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in teaching/training others about environmental issues particularly on marine conservation, tidepool education, climate change
• Successful track record of supervising and teaching others in a public setting
• Enjoys interacting with the public, inspiring employees and volunteers, and being a proactive member and mentor of a team.
• Ability to manage and perform administrative tasks such as scheduling and reporting using online computer programs and spreadsheets.
• Confident in leading oral/visual presentations and training sessions.
• Knowledge of marine ecosystems, tide tables, and marine protected areas.
• Experience with non-profit organizations
• Proficiency with shared Google Drive documents
• Ability to manage multiple email and social media accounts including Instagram and Facebook
• An ideal candidate would have skills in: teaching students of different ages through innovative teaching; problem solving; leading a team in delivering an engaging curriculum to schools; leadership and mentoring others; strong verbal and written communication.
• Knowledge of LOF’s mission, education programs, materials, and strategic plan.
• Familiarity with Laguna Beach marine organisms, marine ecology, marine protected areas and ‘leave no trace’ initiatives (responsible exploration). Maintains professional knowledge in one or more of the following: marine biology, oceanography, rocky intertidal habitat, local organisms, and survey/interpretive techniques.
• Competent in statistics, word processors, and spreadsheet systems.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Confident in leading oral/visual presentations and educational sessions.

Work Environment:  

The Education Field Coordinator requires a driver’s license and a dependable vehicle as the position requires frequent travel to schools. For teaching on-site, the work takes place outdoors during low tides in the rocky intertidal areas of Laguna Beach. As such, the Coordinator is exposed to variable weather and water conditions, including sun, rain, wind, and waves. The Coordinator may at times expect to be surrounded by large numbers of people, as is typical of summer beach visitation in Laguna Beach. Weekend and some evening work will be required. Administrative tasks may take place at the Coordinator’s remote office or at LOF’s office using personal equipment, including personal phone, computer, and printer. LOF allots a stipend to cover some expenses. As such, the ELC’s physical demands will be as follows:

• Ability to sit in front of a computer for extended periods of time.
• Ability to be outdoors for shifts or outreach events of two to seven hours long.
• Ability to lift and transport outreach materials such as tables, chairs, canopies, banners, and materials.
• Ability to stand and traverse over rocky, wet, and uneven surfaces.
• Ability to withstand extreme and/or changing seasonal weather conditions (e.g., heat, cold, and wind).

LOF is an equal opportunity employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. LOF considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to age, sex, ethnicity, religion, disability, marital status, sexual orientation or gender identity, military/veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

To Apply:

Please submit CV and cover letter summarizing your experience and desire to work at Laguna Ocean Foundation to apply@lagunaoceanfoundation.org with the e-mail subject line, “Education Field Coordinator Position”.