Education Coordinator

Prairie Pines Partners is seeking a part‑time education coordinator for our 501(c) organization.

Salary: $20-30 hourly commensurate with experience with potential merit increase after one year of service, based on job performance.

Schedule:

15-20 hours per week during peak event season (April‑October), with evening and weekend activities likely. 10‑15 hours (or less) November‑March.

Location:

The position will support educational programming at the Nature Preserve, with potential for some work from home.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and lead nature‑based outdoor programming at the Prairie Pines Nature Preserve for all age groups.
• Develop and/or collaborate with others, including other agencies, to provide educational activities, materials, interpretive signage, events and nature‑based programming.
• Maintenance and updates to the Makerspace activities and supplies.
• Lead and assist with natural history and environmental education activities or tours, including supervision of children in outdoor settings.
• Provide visitor information and assistance as needed.
• Lead site tours, school field trips, day camps and occasional evening or weekend programs.
• Update and edit the Prairie Pines website events page.
• Communicate with social media volunteers and other local promotional outlets to provide timely activity and event input and notifications.
• Work with others to provide input on handouts, brochures, and other promotional tools as needed.
• Make timely updates to the shared PPNP calendar.
• Evaluate the success of events, including visitor satisfaction.
• Record and report expenses for events and programming supplies.
• Record attendance of open‑to‑the‑public days and events, as collected by volunteers.
• Enter new contacts from the Visitor Book and provide them to the Email marketing manager.
• Coordinate and communicate effectively with outside partners and vendors to facilitate event programs.
• Lead and assist with the planning, setup, promotion and delivery of events and activities.
• Train, manage and schedule volunteers for open‑to‑the‑public hours and other activities; develop volunteer schedules to ensure coverage of the Visitor Center when open to the public and for special events.

Examples of Work:

• Develop an outdoor educational program for a day care group consisting of 25 children visiting Prairie Pines Nature Preserve on a Thursday for 2‑3 hours.
• Host the Visitor Center during a time when Prairie Pines is open to the public and a volunteer is unavailable.
• Plan Nature Rendezvous, including coordination with other public and private organizations to provide a variety of nature‑based activities, promotion, and on‑site event management.
• Respond to voicemail and email inquiries about PPNP activities and events.

Working Conditions:

• During peak season, the position is onsite at PPNP approximately 50‑75% of the time, including both indoor and outdoor work; preparing, planning and facilitating events and educational programming.
• During off season, a hybrid work model may be required but time spent at PPNP is still required.
• The position may need to be available for on‑call Visitor Center coverage during PPNP open hours.
• A candidate must be able to walk with groups on uneven terrain/trails and tolerate Nebraska weather.
• Some lifting (less than 50 pounds) required.

Requirements:

• Strong passion for nature, education and conservation.
• Knowledge of plants, wildlife, and habitats.
• Excellent communication and people skills.
• Exceptional organizational skills.
• Ability to work flexible hours.
• 18 years or older.
• Experience working with all ages, especially children.

Preferred

Skills:

• Master Naturalist or formal/informal educator with natural resources, environmental studies or science background.
• Experience working with or managing volunteers.

Reports to:

Please complete this form ( (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).) before January 16, 2025. For questions, cover letters and resumes, email sue.

• Seniority level:
  Entry level
• Employment type:
  
  Part‑time
• Job function:
  Education and Training
• Industries:
  Conservation Programs