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Job Listings > Education Program Coordinator

Education Program Coordinator

Kennebunkport Conservation Trust

Opening posted: 08/02/2023 | Expires: 10/18/2023

Apply via email

Position Overview

The Kennebunkport Conservation Trust (KCT) seeks a team-oriented educator who is passionate about working with youth in the field and who demonstrates strong planning and group facilitation skills. This role is ideal for an outgoing, dynamic, and organized individual with a passion for connecting people with the natural world.  The current program focuses on teaching place-based environmental science and hands-on history that will foster in each student a lifelong appreciation for nature and our local landscape.

KCT has a well-developed education program (often referred to as Trust in Education) that began in the local primary school, connecting students in grades K-5 with Trust properties. It has expanded to include field trips and other educational experiences for students throughout the RSU 21 district (serving the towns of Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, and Arundel).  As part of a new strategic planning effort, the Trust also envisions growing programming to engage learners of all ages including more adult programming, and to collaborate and partner with area organizations to further KCT’s mission.

Summary of Education Coordinator Responsibilities

Elementary School Program

  • Coordinate and teach place-based field trips for elementary schools on various Trust preserves;
  • Coordinate parent and other volunteers to help manage field trip activities;
  • Plan and lead end of year field days with local school faculty;
  • Meet with educators regularly to plan and execute meaningful programming to fit the standards and needs of the schools and to meet the educational goals of the Trust;

Summer Programming with Parks and Recreation

  • Coordinate with Kennebunkport Parks and Recreation to create enrichment programs for youth on KCT preserves to build awareness and sense of place;

High School and College Programming

  • Support high school programs such as the Gulf of Maine Field Studies course, alternative education program, and the environmental action team (club);
  • Supervise college interns who assist with the KCT education program;

Adult and Family Programming

  • Organize and run enrichment programs for community members to encourage future membership and stewardship of KCT properties;

Curriculum Development

  • Revise current Trust in Education field trips and curriculum to adapt to current Maine State and National teaching standards and changing educator and KCT needs;
  • Create new programming to further KCT’s mission;
  • Assess programming and adjust based on feedback;
  • Partner with other local groups/nonprofits/community figures to enhance Trust education opportunities;
  • Serve as a liaison between RSU21 and KCT to maintain strong relationships and continual needs assessment;
  • Research current trends in environmental education to inform and improve current programming;

Qualifications/Skills

  • Ability to work collaboratively and effectively as part of a team while also working independently in a self-directed manner;
  • Experience and demonstrated ability working with young learners, ideally in outdoor or nature-based settings;
  • An undergraduate degree in environmental studies or environmental education, or comparable professional training and experience;
  • Knowledge of environmental studies, conservation, and local marine and woodland environments;
  • Knowledge of Maine’s flora, fauna, and ecological concepts;
  • Excellent communication skills, including written, graphic, verbal and listening;
  • Engaging personality and ability to work with people from all backgrounds;
  • Excellent time management, creativity, organizational and multitasking skills;
  • Physically able to traverse through uneven terrain in all weather conditions;
  • Ability to work some nights and weekends for specialized programming, or early mornings to accommodate teachers’ schedules and optimal timing for school programs.

Benefits: Health insurance; retirement IRA contribution; paid vacation and sick time; flexible work schedule

Salary: $42-50,00 (based on experience)

Application

Please send a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three to references as one PDF by email to Tom Bradbury, Executive Director, Kennebunkport Conservation Trust (). Application review will begin August 18th and continue until the position is filled.