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Education and Engagement Program Coordinator

Employer
Ecology Center
Location
Berkeley, California
Salary
Starting pay range is $19.65 to $22.68 per hour
Closing date
Jun 3, 2021

View more

Focus Areas
Environment
Job Function
Administrative / Clerical, Program / Project Management
Position Type
Full Time
Degree Level
High School
Willingness to Travel
Not willing to travel
Experience Level
Entry-level

THE ECOLOGY CENTER

The Ecology Center is a 50-year-old nonprofit located in West Berkeley. Our mission is to inspire and build a sustainable, healthy, and just future for the East Bay, California, and beyond. The Ecology Center transforms the ideas of sustainability into everyday practice. We offer information you can act on, infrastructure you can count on, and leadership for lasting change. We are working toward a world of resilient communities, zero waste and toxics, equal access to healthy food, sustainable resource use, and a safe and stable climate.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Ecology Center’s Education and Engagement Program centers on our public resource center. This is the heart of the organization engaging the public on a wide range of issues through a number of modalities and platforms. The resource center offers hotline information and referral services, a multimedia and seed interchange library, a wide spectrum of materials and educational resources and online services. The resource center shares a cooperative space and works very closely with the EcoStore and is often used for classes, events, and workshops led by program staff, our events coordinator, and occasionally outside groups.

The Ecology Center’s Education and Engagement program has deeper topical areas focusing on Climate Action through our Berkeley Climate Action Coalition, and Zero Waste Education that supports our curbside recycling program. Education and Engagement programming also includes a small residential EcoHouse that is used for demonstration, training, and education. Finally, the education and engagement programming includes a strong focus on external engagement and visibility through partnerships, coalitions, and education and engagement activities focusing particularly on historically underserved communities. These programs work in regular collaboration with our fundraising, communications, and youth development teams to fulfill organization strategic priorities.

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Table at events, farmers markets, and other community gatherings; present information to community groups or teach workshops; attend community meetings and events on local issues as needed; includes support of some weekend and occasional evening events Field inquiries from the public via phone, email, mail, walk-ins, and events; provide resources and referrals reflecting an intimate knowledge of local environmental, food, and sustainability issues; and remain current on environmental and social justice issues. Perform in-depth and accurate research to support help desk, information, and other offerings and resources, as well as to support specific projects determined by supervisor(s). Maintain informational databases to ensure that hotline and help desk information is of the highest quality and relevancy; collaborate with other EE Program staff to keep printed materials and displays in the Resource Center curated, stocked, and well presented. Provide prompt, effective support for Ecology Center Store on a daily basis, including serving as backup staff support during Store hours. Track volume and content of public use of EE program services and report this information in a timely manner. Assist in the development of improvements to the quality and scope of the Education and Engagement program services and materials. Collaborate with the Communications team to highlight and promote Education and Engagement Program work including climate, zero waste, and BASIL content and programming through monthly newsletters and social media platforms. Reach out to offer services, assistance, and/or resources to communities not yet connected to Ecology Center, specifically communities of color, Spanish speaking communities, speakers of other primary languages, lower income communities, youth, and more. Facilitate relationship building with community members and groups. Work with EE team to help execute and occasionally facilitate events related to key topics including climate. Assist in coordinating and providing oversight and guidance to volunteers and youth interns working in the EE Program. Including waste audits, Resourceful database training.  Maintain the library, including determining acquisitions, aiding customers in accessing books, checkout, and maintenance of inventory. Maintain Seed library, and request volunteers when needed to make sure Seed Library stays organized  Coordinate, plan, and lead some Recycling Center tours, in collaboration with Recycling Center staff  Participate in the coordination and planning of EcoHouse tours and events. Assist with grant-related and/or advocacy work as needed including grant reports and proposals, supporting letter-writing campaigns, city council meetings, and more.  Work closely with the EE Program Manager and Administrative Coordinator to maintain a strong, cordial, and productive team that fulfills program goals. Collaborate with Development team to assist with fundraising and membership efforts. Ensure that all money received through Store are handled safely following established cash-handling procedures. Observe safe operating practices and comply with organizational safety policies. Comply with all Ecology Center policies and procedures in the performance of daily duties. Perform other duties as assigned.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of the job, the employee is required to:

    • Regularly talk or listen up to 8 hours a day Regularly sit, type, and use the mouse up to 8 hours a day Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus Occasionally move around, use hands to finger, handle or feel, and reach with hands and arms Ability to travel to and from tabling/community outreach locations (via personal vehicle or public transportation) Occasionally lift and/or move up to twenty five (25) pounds  Regularly wear a mask that covers the nose and mouth for the entire length of shift. Regularly use sanitizer to sanitize hands, wipe down surfaces, and ensure a safe environment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

    • Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and one year working in an office; or High School Diploma/GED and two years of work experience in a relevant field Experience and interest in working with the public; possession of a warm, friendly approach and a clear, engaging communication style. Desire and willingness to talk to the public in tabling situations and engage passersby. Excellent knowledge of current environmental issues and local Bay Area community. Excellent research and writing skills, and the ability to craft clear writing for different audiences. Including experience vetting sources of information. Must demonstrate exceptional accuracy and attention to detail and the quality of one’s work, particularly with regard to data and logistics, including event and project follow up. An understanding of environmental values as well as how environmental issues intersect with racism, economic inequality, sexism, homophobia and other injustices; experience building and maintaining relationships within the landscape of racial, social, and environmental justice and local environmental and other community groups. Excellent organizational, time management, and communicative skills. Interest in continuously learning and staying curious about environmental topics and subject matter covered at Ecology Center, in service of program and service of the public. Ability to work in a lively group atmosphere and contribute to the creation of a positive community space. Ability to continually refocus and multitask while working in a public space, and balance multiple job roles simultaneously.  Punctual, dependable and consistently on time for work shifts. Able to creatively and flexible work on numerous projects simultaneously. Ability to provide effective guidance and oversight to interns, work-study students, and volunteers as well as work cooperatively with other Ecology Center staff. High proficiency with computers (Mac), office programs, web-based applications, and database knowledge essential. Experience with content design and development, social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.)  Interest in the Ecology Center’s work and relevant topic areas, including food & farming, waste & recycling, climate change, and equity issues.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of the job, the employee is required to:

  • Regularly talk or listen up to 8 hours a day Regularly sit, type, and use the mouse up to 8 hours a day Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus Occasionally move around, use hands to finger, handle or feel, and reach with hands and arms Ability to travel to and from tabling/community outreach locations (via personal vehicle or public transportation) Occasionally lift and/or move up to twenty five (25) pounds  Regularly wear a mask that covers the nose and mouth for the entire length of shift. Regularly use sanitizer to sanitize hands, wipe down surfaces, and ensure a safe environment

HOURS

This is a full-time position.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Must possess a valid CA driver’s license Alternately, be able to readily access and use public transportation or other means in order to travel from site to site

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Full-time, non-exempt position; starting pay range is $19.65 to $22.68 depending on qualifications. Please note that only internal candidates are eligible for the highest starting pay rate. This position is eligible for benefits which include fully paid employee medical, dental, optional vision plan, fully vested 401K plan, vacation/sick/holiday pay, Employee Assistance Program

HOW TO APPLY

  1. Complete application found at www.ecologycenter.org/jobs/ Send completed application, resume, and cover letter to hiring@ecologycenter.org. Please add “Education and Engagement Program Coordinator” in the email subject line.

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Open until filled. Please note that this position posting may close at any time.

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE

We value diversity. People of color, people LGBTQIA-identified, women, veterans, and formerly incarcerated individuals are strongly encouraged to apply. EOE/AA.

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