THIS POSITION HAS BEEN FILLED
Job Opportunity: Education Coordinator
ORGANIZATION INFORMATION
Encompassing 1.2 million acres over 1,700 square miles, Schuylkill River Greenways NHA links 3.2 million people across five Pennsylvania counties – Schuylkill, Berks, Chester, Montgomery and Philadelphia – to the unparalleled opportunities afforded by the Schuylkill River, the Schuylkill River Trail and the surrounding watershed.
The mission of SRG is to connect residents, visitors and communities to the Schuylkill River and the Schuylkill River Trail by serving as a catalyst for civic engagement and economic development in order to foster stewardship of the watershed and its heritage.
The mission is realized by leveraging the River and the award-winning Schuylkill River Trail – both the land and the water trails – as platforms for revitalization of surrounding communities, for stewardship of natural resources, for improved public health through recreation, and for greater appreciation of the region’s cultural heritage. The Schuylkill River Trail is SRG’s signature project – today, there are about 65 completed miles of the planned 135-mile land trail working to connect Frackville to Philadelphia. The Trail also provides connection for the five National Park sites within the Heritage Area.
SRG works with over 140 different formal and informal partners to achieve its vision of the Schuylkill River watershed as a thriving and economically revitalized region, whose residents and visitors understand, value and are fully committed to the stewardship of the river and its heritage. SRG has recently completed a ten year strategic plan, which provides an aspirational and achievable roadmap with a detailed action plan for the next three years and overarching goals for the next decade.
Founded in 1974 as the Schuylkill River Greenway Association, the organization focused on the preservation of the riverfront in Berks and Schuylkill Counties. SRG has grown in its mission and geographic scope over the years and today is a non-profit organization guided by a Board of Directors and supported by a staff of nine. SRG is supported in executing its work through federal (NPS) and state (DCNR) budget appropriations and also through grants and donations from foundations, corporations and individuals committed to advancing SRG’s mission.
The economic benefits derived by the region from SRG’s work are real and significant. The findings of a recent comprehensive economic impact study conducted by Tripp Umbach were impressive: the natural and historical features of SRG generate $589.9 million in economic impact, support over 6,000 jobs, and generate $37.7 million in tax revenue.
Learn more about SRG, its programs, leadership and history by visiting www.schuylkillriver.org.
DOWNLOADABLE JOB DESCRIPTION
Education Coordinator – Job Posting 2020
EDUCATION PROGRAM GOALS
Schuylkill River Greenways is looking to grow its education programs. These programs include our K-12 watershed education program, Schuylkill Explorers, and our career development program for high school students, Schuylkill Environmental Career Opportunities (Schuylkill ECO). SRG envisions expanding our educational programs in area school districts and community groups throughout the year. Additionally, educational programming will continue to be developed and implemented during the annual Pedal & Paddle programs as well as other community outreach events.
JOB SUMMARY
Directly reporting to the Education Director, the Education Coordinator is responsible for developing curriculum to enhance educational programs, hosting environmental education programs at the SRG office’s Pottstown Riverfront Park site and at clients’ sites, and managing logistics of the annual Schuylkill ECO programming for high school students. This position will oversee making Schuylkill ECO an annual program in new high schools. This person may also have some responsibilities in coordinating local events within the Pottstown community and Schuylkill River Heritage Area. This is a 20 hour per week position with occasional evening and weekends for events and programming, the hours are flexible and will vary week to week.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Develop and deliver STEAM curriculum for Schuylkill Explorers with emphasis on watershed education and sustainable behavior changes that benefit the watershed and natural environment
- Assist SRG Education Director with Schuylkill Explorers educational programs including in-classroom and outdoor programming for school, youth, and other organized groups
- Create new partnerships with community groups to increase number of Schuylkill Explorer participants
- Coordinate school field trips and curriculum topics for year-long Schuylkill ECO program
- Create new partnerships with high schools throughout the five counties in the Heritage Area to increase participants in Schuylkill ECO program
- Assist with summer Pedal & Paddle events and other SRG recreational programs
- Administer Pedal & Paddle water quality educational programming for adult participants
- Collect and maintain records of student engagement and assessment data regarding knowledge gained from programs
- Assist Education Director with other tasks, including but not limited to: Operation Pollination initiative, tree/ native species plantings, trail clean ups, water quality testing, macroinvertebrate sampling
- Assist SRG in other organization programs and events as needed
QUALIFICATIONS
- Minimum of a bachelor’s degree (completed or anticipated) in a relevant field
- Must be comfortable teaching all age groups
- Must obtain PA State Background Clearance, DHS Child Abuse Clearance, and FBI fingerprint clearance
- Experience working with children, some environmental education experience preferred
- Excellent oral and written communication/ public speaking skills; superior interpersonal skills with a demonstrated commitment to cultural diversity
- Must be people oriented, have a team-focused attitude, and the ability to professionally represent Schuylkill River Greenways NHA to the public
- Interest in the outdoors/environment, comfortable working outdoors, able to lead walks/hikes through varied terrain, comfortable in a canoe/ kayak and bike
- Ability to be flexible across many different classroom settings and school cultures
- Ability to work in a dynamic fast-paced environment and juggle multiple, changing priorities; strong time and project management skills needed
- Occasional evening and weekend hours required
- Local travel occasionally required
- Valid state driver’s license required
- Spanish/English bilingual a plus
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The applicant should be comfortable with the outdoors as the position will entail leading outdoor/ in-stream educational programming. Additionally, this position will also require work in an office setting with administrative and program support as a key component.
COMPENSATION
Position pays $15/hour, part-time 20 hours per week
TO APPLY
Please send cover letter and resume via e-mail with the subject line “Education Coordinator Position” to Sarah Crothers, Education Director, scrothers@schuylkillriver.org
References will be requested if an interview is scheduled.
Position open until filled.
Schuylkill River Greenways National & State Heritage Area, operated by the Schuylkill River Greenway Association, is an equal opportunity employer.
