Youth Development Program Coordinator

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

Ecology Center’s Youth Development program inspires, engages and prepares youth ages 15–24 to become the next generation of environmental justice advocates. The program builds on youths’ strengths to provide environmental education and work experience. We aim to prepare youth for careers across many sectors that improve environmental conditions and well-being of East Bay communities and beyond. Through our Youth Environmental Academy (YEA), we provide structured, paid internships to youth. YEA operates a weekly Farm Box Curbside Pickup program at the Saturday Downtown Berkeley Farmers’ Market, providing access to market produce and supporting our local food system.

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES

The Youth Development Program Coordinator I organizes activities and engages youth with Ecology Center’s work. They co-facilitate Youth Environmental Academy programming and coordinate youth staffing for the Farm Box Ecology Center’s Berkeley Farmers’ Markets, events, and pop-up community produce stands.

This is currently mostly a telework position requiring work from home or other remote site, with a weekly on site work day at the Saturday Farmers’ Market. Once it is safe to do so, this position will work a combination of on site and telework based on the needs of the program.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Facilitate activities for annual Youth Environmental Academies; regularly provide on-the-job environmental literacy training for youth scholars.  Organize and execute youth-run Farm Box project – a pre-order and curbside pickup service at the Berkeley Farmers’ Market.  Maintain and execute marketing and promotion for the Farm Box.  Provide on-site supervision of youth staff at markets, events, and other youth-run activities. Create communication materials on behalf of the youth development program such as newsletter entries, blog articles, instagram and facebook posts. Collaborate with Youth Development Program Manager and youth staff to contribute to program planning and setting yearly goals for the Ecology Center’s youth development efforts and activities.  Support Youth Development Program Manager in the recruitment, hiring, training, supervision, and evaluation of Youth Scholars, Interns, and Program Assistants.  Collect data forms and information for program and grant reporting. Track and report information as required including logs, receipt books, phone calls, and other activities as required. Perform administrative duties including answering phones, responding to emails, attending meetings and events. Ensure that youth participants observe safe operating practices and comply with organizational safety policies Maintain familiarity with, follow, and ensure youth compliance with all Ecology Center policies and procedures in the performance of daily duties. Perform other duties as assigned.

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.

• High school diploma or GED and two years of experience working in a relevant field, or Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and one year of office experience  Significant experience working with youth and at least one year experience coordinating a youth program, youth team or teaching Work experience with on-site and office administrative tasks for a small business enterprise Demonstrated ability to elicit respect and positive rapport with youth Demonstrated knowledge of and willingness to learn youth development and workforce development principles and practices  Must possess strong team, networking, and group collaboration abilities Demonstrated ability to work respectfully and effectively with others from diverse racial, cultural, and economic backgrounds Proven ability to work independently and exercise good judgment in a variety of environments and situations Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google docs, Canva, Zoom, and other applications Demonstrable ability to effectively resolve conflicts Flexibility and creativity, ability to “think on your feet” and find appropriate solutions to unique challenges Strong verbal and written communications skills Strong organizational and time-management skills Availability to work on Saturdays and occasional evenings

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 hourly 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 employee paid vision plan, fully vested 401K plan, vacation/sick/holiday pay, Employee Assistance Program, and Ecology Center Store discount.

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 “Youth Development 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.