Senior Interpretation and Stewardship Coordinator

The Senior Interpretation and Stewardship Coordinator is a senior level coordinator position in the Environmental Resources Department's Environmental Education & Community Outreach Division which is responsible for promoting land stewardship through interpretation, outreach, passive education, and environmental programming. Fulfilling grant award obligations, agreements, and conditions, such as guided nature programs, designing exhibits and displays, volunteer programs, interpretive trails, and other related programming. The individual must be independent, self-motivated, creative, and resourceful.  The Senior Interpretation & Stewardship Coordinator reports directly to Environmental Education & Community Outreach Division Manager.

Essential Job Functions

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS NEEDED TO PERFORM THE ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:  

Knowledge:

• Florida ecology, ecosystem management, flora and fauna of the region and/or state, ecological concepts, and environmental issues; with the ability to focus broadly on environmental issues/ecology of the region
• Environmental and sustainability issues with the ability to focus broadly on global environmental challenges and on ecology and stewardship of natural resources; local, state and federal legislation and programs pertaining to ecosystem protection and restoration projects and improvements on natural areas
• Principles of interpretation, universal design, and experience with exhibit design and fabrication
• Planning, program development, project management, monitoring and reporting
• Wildlife biology, botany, biology, habitat requirements, land management and restoration techniques, field monitoring, data collection and evaluation techniques, site preparation techniques, tools, and soils; volunteer and public engagement
• Experience in developing and implementing passive recreation and eco-tourism programs; Florida historical and archeological resources and related permitting requirements and resource-based protection measures, management and interpreting for public environmental education
• Current trends, resources and information related to environmental education, volunteerism and eco-tourism; environmental stewardship and sustainable eco heritage tourism principles.

 
Abilities: 

• Foster teamwork and work cooperatively and effectively with others to set goals, support organizational goals, resolve issues, and make decisions that enhance organizational effectiveness
• Implement and evaluate programs, events, and performance measures
• Manage, plan, organize, and meet deadlines 
• Lead and manage staff, volunteers, and contractors
• Work independently and work as part of a team with initiative to overcome challenges
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships and interact in a positive, professional manner with employees, colleagues, agencies, organizations, and the general public 
• Build partnerships and networks
• Prepare periodic and annual progress reports
• Analyze and interpret complex data
• Effectively represent the organization to local, state, and federal officials and the general public on land management procedures 
• Communicate technical information, ideas and recommendations clearly and succinctly in written and verbal form
• Develop long-term and short-term plans
• Demonstrate sensitivity to political, social and fiscal constraints regarding planning issues, projects and programs 
• Understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures relating to environmental programs
• Interact in a positive, professional manner with various populations such as: project partner(s), colleagues, community volunteers, students, businesses, agencies and the general public
• Develop and implement educational and training programs 
• Assist in organizing events
• Work a flexible schedule as needed, including some weekends and evenings 

Skills:

• Strong time-management abilities
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including strong public speaking skills
• Excellent organizational skills
• Excellent graphic design skills 
• Excellent interpretation skills
• Proficient with MS Office and other software including Word, Excel, Publisher, InDesign, Photoshop, and Outlook
• Strong internet literacy; social media skills a plus
• Read and comprehend maps, surveys, and land management plans

 
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTION:

• Design and develop educational/interpretive materials, exhibits, and displays for the Oxbow Eco-Center, Becker Eco-Heritage House, and on all Preserves (ex: kiosks, brochures, signage, assure accurate maps & information, etc.) 
• Oversee Guided Nature Programming (including volunteers and contractors)
• Assist with developing universal design programs and passive learning amenities
• Develop and maintain a Master Interpretive Plan for the Oxbow Eco-Center and St. Lucie County Preserves
• Facilitate interpretive and training-based programs, such as Florida Master Naturalist, NAI, LNT, and ANCA classes
• Coordinate, assist, and/or lead education programs as needed, including in-person, virtual, and digitally based projects
• Assist with Greenways and Paddling Trail initiatives 
• Assist with grants for education, community outreach, habitat management, listed species, conservation plans, and passive recreation projects 
• Assist with volunteer training, project management, and site supervision as needed
• Assist with prescribed burns and other ecosystem/habitat management activities as needed 
• Assist with the Preserve Pals Program on County Preserves as needed 
• Foster, maintain, and grow partnerships   
• Assist with providing ERD-wide educational materials for specific ecosystem/habitat management activities occurring on County Preserves and general educational and marketing materials as needed 
• Assist with promotion and marketing of programs and events that occur on County Preserves in coordination with others including Media, Tourism, Ecotourism, etc.
• Assist with general facility operations such as visitor services, animal care, and maintenance as needed
• Perform related work as requested or assigned

 
ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL SKILLS: Use of hands and fingers with dexterity; use of both arms and legs; good vision and hearing with or without correction. Frequent work inside the office in a sedentary posture. Frequent walking, standing, occasionally lifting and carrying up to 30 pounds, reaching above shoulders, kneeling, bending and squatting and the ability to tolerate outside working conditions for long amounts of time throughout the year. Ability to operate County automobile and other light equipment with potential need to operate boat and light equipment.  
 
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITION REQUIREMENTS: Frequent work outside. Frequent work inside in sedentary posture. Frequent public contact.  
 
WORK HAZARDS: Possible vision or hand/arm dysfunction due to heavy computer work.  
 
SAFETY EQUIPMENT USED OR NEEDED: Two-way radio 
 QualificationsEDUCATION: Graduation from an accredited college or university in the natural sciences, environmental studies, biological sciences, environmental education, or closely related field.
 
EXPERIENCE:  A minimum of six (6) years of increasingly responsible experience in land/natural resource management and designing and implementing environmental exhibits and education programs. Experience supervising volunteers or staff, preferably in a nature center or park services context; and experience building community partnerships and networks is preferred. A comparable amount of experience and training may be substituted for a portion of the minimum qualifications.  
 
LICENSE, CERTIFICATION OR REGISTRATION Valid Florida’s Driver’s License and must maintain a good driving record.  Preferred certifications for Florida Master Naturalist instructor certification (any level), National Association for Interpretation (NAI) Certified Interpretive Guide and NAI Certified Interpretive Host, Archeological Resources Management (ARM) training/certification. Some certifications may be obtained within the first year of employment.
 Additional Information

Pay Grade 22

Driving Position – Operating County vehicles and/or equipment is a primary function of this position.
 
PRE-EMPLOYMENT SCREENING: This position requires a physical, drug testing, driver's license verification and level 1 background screening.

How to apply:

Go to http://www.stlucieco.org/employment/