Water Education Coordinator

Water Education Coordinator

This full-time position is responsible for implementing Yampatika’s school-based and other environmental education programs throughout the Yampa/White/Green (YWG) Basin (Routt, Moffat and Rio Blanco Counties). The focus of the position will be on developing and delivering Yampatika’s Water Education programs to all grade levels (PreK – 12) in schools. Other responsibilities will include providing broader environmental education in schools, providing Water Education programming to partner programs and at community events, as well as supporting the overall mission of Yampatika.  

The ideal candidate will have teaching experience with multiple grade levels. S/he will have the capacity to represent Yampatika professionally in both a classroom setting and in the community. S/he should be an organized, flexible, and creative educator with extensive experience providing quality educational experiences inside and outside classrooms. 

Responsibilities

Develops and implements in-school, out-of-school, and community Water Education programs across the YWG Basin.

• Develops and updates water education curriculum for grades PreK-12 with School Programs Team.
• Delivers water education programs throughout the YWG Basin.
• Grows and maintains relationships and communications with teachers, administrators, and water professionals across the Basin.
• Maintains and expands on the Expert Speakers Bureau.
• Explores new partnership opportunities and coordinates programs with outside partners and other staff to implement and expand water education programs across the YWG Basin to include Keep It Clean messaging and campaign.
• Provides water education to out-of-school and community programs as needed. 
• Works with partner organizations and businesses to present a consistent message when it comes to water education in the YWG Basin.
• Coordinates River Watch participation and volunteers to conduct ongoing water quality sampling and testing at designated sites and maintain equipment. 
• Conducts program evaluation through data collection and participant follow-up.
• Assists with partner agreements and grant reporting requirements.      
• Carries out program marketing and outreach. 
• Participates in and reports to the YWG Basin Roundtable Public Education, Participation, and Outreach Committee during regularly scheduled meetings as well as formal grant reports.
• Provides support to School Programs Manager in scheduling and coordinating in-school and out-of-school programs. 

Other responsibilities include:

• Implements school-based programs on other environmental education topics.
• Assists in maintaining a clean, safe and user-friendly facility at Yampatika’s Environmental Learning Center at Legacy Ranch.
• Fields telephone calls and on-site inquiries related to all of Yampatika’s programs.
• Supports other Yampatika programs as needed. 
• Maintains accurate and transparent records and open communication.
• Participates in staff training and meetings.
• Miscellaneous duties as needed.

Qualifications:

• Passion for Yampatika’s mission and working with youth.
• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science/education or related field preferred.
• At least two years of experience working in schools preferred.
• Experience in the field of water or environmental education preferred.
• Demonstrated experience developing teaching resources and lesson plans, preferred.
• Knowledge of Colorado water topics, watershed ecology, Rocky Mountain ecology is a plus.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills required.
• Detail-oriented, skills preferred. 
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office, Google-based programs, and current technology.
• Current driver’s license, car insurance, and ability to use a personal vehicle to travel to programs locally and further distances.
• Enthusiasm and sincere interest in environmental education.
• Flexibility and ability to adapt to changes on short notice.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends on occasion for required duties.
• Ability to work in a small, busy office environment. 
• We encourage applications from candidates who bring a wide range of lived experience even if your experience does not exactly match the above qualifications list.

 Compensation:

• Salary is dependent on qualifications – Salary range is $41,000 – $48,000 depending on qualifications. 
• This is a salaried position, year-round, non-exempt position.
• Flexible Time Off leave policy. 
• 10 paid holidays.
• Health insurance and retirement benefits available.
• Flexible working schedule.
• Professional development opportunities as they arise.
• Being part of a small, enthusiastic, and passionate team dedicated to making a positive difference through environmental education!

This full-time position will spend approximately ¾ time on water education, and ¼ time supporting/facilitating other school-based/youth programs.

About Yampatika: 

Yampatika’s mission is to inspire environmental stewardship through education. We believe that impactful and sustainable environmental stewardship is possible with increased environmental literacy, connection to place and community, and meaningful experiences in nature. Our key program areas are: 

• In-School and Out-of-School Programs: Yampatika brings environmental educators into Pre-K through 12th-grade classes to share science-based information on a wide diversity of topics e.g. water conservation, watershed function and river health, wildlife and habitat, geology, local flora and fauna, sustainability and much more through experiential and outdoor place-based learning. Yampatika offers free school programming throughout Routt, Moffat, Rio Blanco and Jackson counties. Additionally, Yampatika partners with childcare providers and other partner programs in the region (e.g. Boys and Girls Club, City of Steamboat Springs, Rocky Mountain Youth Corps, Totally Kids, Partners for Youth) to provide environmental education and interactive learning experiences to program participants. 
• Youth Camps: Yampatika hosts environmental education and outdoor camps for kids ages 5 – 11 years at Legacy Ranch. Yampatika immerses its campers in positive outdoor experiences.  
• Adult and Community Programs: Yampatika offers interpretative tours at biodiverse and high-interest destinations in the Yampa Valley, leads awareness campaigns about key local environmental issues, and connects people to stewardship opportunities. Yampatika also hosts several community-wide events to raise awareness of the programming offered and the groups with which Yampatika partners.

Information about Yampatika is available at www.yampatika.org.