Texas Coastal Education Specialist

American Bird Conservancy

Texas Coastal Education Specialist

Position Summary:

Title:                     Texas Coastal Education Specialist

Supervisor:          Texas Coastal Outreach Coordinator

Location:             Within the Texas Upper Coast Region between Harris and Brazoria Counties

Term:                 Part-time for one year, potential to move into a longer-term full-time

Submission Deadline: August 13, 2021

Please send a cover letter, resume, 3 professional references and a copy of unofficial academic transcripts  to Bamboo HR: https://abcbirds.bamboohr.com/jobs/view.php?id=114

Introduction:

In August 2020, American Bird Conservancy (ABC) and partners, Gulf Coast Bird Observatory and Black Cat GIS, formed a new program called Stopping Plastics and Litter Along Shorelines (SPLASh). SPLASh works to create a cleaner environment in the Houston-Galveston region through community science, education and outreach.

SPLASh organizes monthly cleanups where local community members are invited to volunteer and help staff collect data on the trash removed. So far SPLASh cleanups have removed over 6,000 pounds of trash from the region. SPLASh staff work with local schools and educators to design and implement educational programming for schools, youth groups, and summer camps with kids of all ages. These programs range from classroom lectures to field trips to guest appearances at other organizations’ summer camps. Finally, SPLASh participates in community outreach events like Earth Day festivals and farmer’s markets to educate and engage members of the local community.

The Texas Coastal Education Specialist will work with the Texas Coastal Outreach Coordinator to further develop educational curriculum and programs and connect with local school districts and teachers to further expand the reach of the SPLASh education program. Educational programs typically include content regarding general ecological principles, Texas coastal ecology and wildlife, trash pollution and marine debris, the impact of trash on people, birds, and the environment, and how students can engage in solutions to environmental challenges, including research and data collection.

This position will be based from a home office. Travel will be necessary throughout the Texas upper coast and a reliable personal vehicle will be required to complete work activities (mileage is reimbursed at the federal rate of .56/mile). Travel may also include sporadic trips to ABC headquarters in Virginia and/or locations selected for ABC staff retreats. Program activities may require work outside of regular business hours, including early mornings and weekends.

Primary Duties:

·         Work alongside Texas Coastal Outreach Coordinator and partners to design educational curriculum and programs, including classroom-based and field-based activities, for K-12 student groups throughout the Houston-Galveston region

·         Work alongside Texas Coastal Outreach Coordinator and partners to implement educational programming in the classroom and in the field for K-12 student groups

·         Attend local educator network meetings to build connections with other organizations, teachers, and school districts to find opportunities for collaboration

·         Connect with local teachers and school administrators to establish opportunities for SPLASh to implement programming with their students

·         As time permits, assist Texas Coastal Outreach Coordinator with other SPLASh events and needs, including trash cleanups, outreach events, social media, and more

·         Work closely with ABC’s Gulf Coastal Program Manager and Coastal Outreach Coordinator to track all project deliverables and outcomes

·         Other duties as assigned and agreed upon

Position Requirements:

·         Bachelor’s degree in in Education, Environmental Studies, Natural Resources, Wildlife Sciences, or a related discipline

·         2 years or more experience developing curriculum and educational programs using principles of experiential learning, project-based learning, and the state TEKS.

·         A high level of comfort working with students of all ages, implementing educational curriculum and programs in an engaging manner in both classroom and outdoor settings

·         Existing knowledge of ecological principles (especially in relation to Texas coastal ecosystems), the global trash pollution/marine debris crisis, and solutions to the problem from individual actions to broader policy and regulatory changes preferred

·         Must be comfortable networking and communicating with K-12 teachers, school administrators, partners from other organizations, and other stakeholders in order to develop relationships that will help the SPLASh program expand to more schools

·         Strong verbal and written communication skills are a must – this position will require frequent public speaking in front of K-12 student groups and occasionally adult groups

·         Intermediate to advanced skill in Google Workspace apps (Docs, Sheets, Slides) preferred, and Microsoft Office apps (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

·         Must have valid driver's license and reliable personal vehicle for travel between work sites (mileage reimbursed at the federal rate)

·         Ability to lift 50 pounds and work outside for extended periods of time, sometimes in very hot, sunny weather

·         General knowledge of field/outdoor safety required, and CPR/First Aid, WFA, and/or WFR certification desirable, but not required.

·         Intermediate to fluent Spanish is highly desirable, but not required

·         Able to confidently use social media such as Facebook and Instagram including an ability to develop and design graphics desired, but not required

·         Highly committed to conserving the environment and to ABC’s bird conservation mission

·         Authorized to work in the U.S.

·         Background screening required

To Apply:

Please send a cover letter, resume, 3 professional references and a copy of unofficial academic transcripts  to Bamboo HR: https://abcbirds.bamboohr.com/jobs/view.php?id=114

At American Bird Conservancy, we believe that a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills makes us more effective. We are committed to creating a respectful and inclusive work environment for all of our employees.

As an equal opportunity employer, ABC is committed to ensuring that employees and applicants for employment have equal opportunities regardless of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other factor unrelated to the requirements of the position.