Outdoor Educator & Program Coordinator

The Last Green Valley, Inc. (TLGV) is seeking an engaging and dynamic professional to build upon and strengthen TLGV’s educational programming and lead outdoor experiences for youth, families and adults throughout The Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor. Located in eastern Connecticut and south-central Massachusetts, the Heritage Corridor is green by day and dark by night, a place with a rich history in a surprisingly rural landscape. With 84 percent forest and farm, the Heritage Corridor is the last swath of dark night sky in the coastal sprawl between Boston and Washington, D.C.

The successful candidate will be passionate about place-based education and connecting diverse people to the Heritage Corridor’s abundant natural, historic and cultural resources. They will have the knowledge and enthusiasm to share the wonders of the natural world, introduce people to outdoor experiences and foster a strong conservation ethic in participants. They will have demonstrated experience delivering impactful programs that are fun and accessible for people of all ages, abilities and identities, creating future generations of curious and enthusiastic stewards of the Heritage Corridor.

This is a full-time, 35-hour per week position with a variable schedule that will regularly include a mix of early morning, evening and weekend work. As an ambassador for TLGV and the Heritage Corridor, this role requires working throughout the Corridor as well as engaging the public and volunteers from TLGV’s headquarters. Salary is commensurate with experience and a benefits allowance is provided in addition to the salary.  

The successful candidate will have a proven track record and the experience, training and skills to integrate seamlessly as part of the TLGV team. The successful candidate will have a positive, creative, upbeat attitude and believe in TLGV’s mission (www.thelastgreenvalley.org). They will be an adaptable problem-solver who is able to work independently as well as part of a team. The successful candidate will have strong interpersonal skills and excellent communication skills. They will be detail-oriented, accurate and discreet in dealing with confidential information. They will have the demonstrated ability to plan and manage multiple projects at the same time.  

Responsibilities include:

• Plan, develop and coordinate all of TLGV’s youth, family and adult educational programs, leading many of them and coordinating with other staff and volunteers on additional programming. Current programs include monthly acorn adventures for families, summer adventure camp enrichment sessions, after school and classroom offerings, TLGV adventures for adults, member-only heritage circle programs and special seasonal activities. Hikes, paddles, educational talks, night sky viewing, camping and other outdoor adventures are included in the mix of programs offered.
• Coordinate some of TLGV’s volunteer citizen science programs including a mid-winter eagle survey and a summer bat survey.
• Coordinate, recruit, train and inspire volunteer Rangers to assist with educational and citizen science programs, hikes, paddles and maintenance of trails and water trails.
• Coordinate, recruit, train and inspire volunteer Rangers to strengthen TLGV’s presence at regional fairs, festivals, markets and other large community events.
• Manage TLGV’s Ranger van, coordinating its use, upkeep and maintenance.
• Create and deliver talks to community and civic groups throughout the year.
• Track and document engagement, and assist with annual impact reporting.
• Assist in the creation of content for TLGV’s print, digital and social media presence.
• Assist the TLGV team with other tasks as required.

Requirements:

• A bachelor’s degree in natural sciences, conservation, education or a related field, although relevant experience will be considered.
• At least two years’ experience planning, developing and leading creative and engaging educational programs for children, families and adults.
• Demonstrated experience leading walks, hikes, paddles and other outdoor adventures with children, families and adults.
• Familiarity with The Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor’s natural, historic and cultural resources. In lieu of existing knowledge, willingness to develop a basic familiarity with the Corridor’s resources is required.
• Wilderness First Aid (or more advanced) and CPR certification must be obtained within six months of hire if not already certified. Wilderness First Responder is preferred.
• Proficiency in standard office software including Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Knowledge of CRM databases, communication and/or design software is a plus.
• A valid driver’s license, a willingness to drive the TLGV Ranger van (Ford Transit) and access to a personal vehicle for work-related travel when the Ranger van is not available. Mileage is reimbursed at the federal rate for personal vehicle use.
• The ability to meet the physical requirements of this position, including but not limited to the ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds and the ability to safely navigate outdoor terrain and water features in all weather conditions for extended periods of time.
• The ability to work a variable schedule that will regularly include a mix of early morning, evening and weekend work.
• Fluency in Spanish or another language other than English is desirable.