Education and Engagement Program Coordinator

Part-time (30 hours per week); Hourly, non-exempt position

The Ecology Center

The Ecology Center, established in 1969, is a nonprofit located in west Berkeley whose 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 Education and Engagement Program provides the public with environmental resources and referrals through several channels: in-person at our southwest Berkeley storefront; through our online EcoCalendar, EcoDirectory, Fact Sheets, and other website offerings; by phone and email; and through events at our Resource Center, EcoHouse, and other venues.

Summary of Responsibilities:

The Education and Engagement Program Coordinator fosters an informed, motivated, and resilient populace by compiling and publishing the EcoCalendar, and by providing answers and referrals to callers, emailers, and visitors about a wide array of environmental issues. The EE Program Coordinator helps plan and staff Ecology Center events and provides general support for the program’s services and projects, including EcoHouse. The EE Program Coordinator works 30 hours per week, usually Tuesday through Saturday during Ecology Center open hours, with occasional evening and Sunday hours for events.

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Produce the EcoCalendar in accordance with Education and Engagement Program guidelines; track volume and content of public use of program services and report this information in a timely manner.
  • 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; remain current on issues affecting the environment and social equity.
  • Table at events, host classes and evening events, and at times present information to community groups or teach workshops; attend community meetings and events on local issues as needed.
  • Maintain information in databases to ensure that web services are of the highest quality and relevancy; coordinate maintenance and improvements to the quality and scope of the EcoDirectory, and other educational services and materials.
  • With other EE Program staff, keep printed materials and displays in the Resource Center stocked and well presented; assist in maintaining the library, including aiding customers in accessing books, checkout, and maintenance of inventory.
  • Coordinate class, tour, and event registration for the Education and Engagement and EcoHouse programs.
  • Perform publicity and outreach projects such as promotion notices for the EcoCalendar and other assignments and assist with fundraising efforts and building membership.
  • Assist in supervision of volunteers, interns and work/study students working in the EE Program.
  • Work closely with the EE Program Manager and Administrative Assistant to maintain a strong, cordial, and productive team that fulfills program goals.
  • 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.

Preferred 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.

  • Experience and interest in working with the public; possession of a warm, friendly approach and a clear, engaging communication style.
  • Excellent knowledge of current environmental issues and local Bay Area community
  • Must demonstrate exceptional accuracy and attention to detail and the quality of one’s work, particularly with regard to data; must be able to manage time well.
  • Ability to work in a lively group atmosphere and contribute to the creation of a positive community space.
  • Punctual, dependable and consistently on-time for work shifts.
  • Excellent research and writing skills, and the ability to craft clear writing for different audiences
  • Able to creatively and flexibly work on numerous projects simultaneously
  • Ability to effectively supervise interns, work study students, and volunteers as well as work cooperatively with other Ecology Center staff
  • High proficiently with computers (Mac), office programs, web-based applications, and database knowledge essential
  • Interest in the Ecology Center’s work and relevant topic areas, including food & farming, waste & recycling, climate change, and equity issues
  • Ability to work outdoors in any weather and to lift at least 25 pounds
  • BA or BS degree
  • At least 3 years working in an office or nonprofit environment

Desired Qualifications:

  • Fluency in English required; Bilingual preferred — Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin, or Tagalog
  • Valid California driver’s license preferred

Hours

The EE Program Coordinator works 30 hours per week, usually Tuesday through Saturday during Ecology Center open hours, with occasional evening and Sunday hours for events.

Wage

Competitive salary and benefits which include health, dental and optional vision insurance; 401k plan; vacation, sick and holiday leave.

How to Apply:

  1. Complete application found at www.ecologycenter.org/jobs/
  2. Send resume with cover letter and completed application to Carrie Bennett at carrie [at] ecologycenter [dot] org

Application Deadline

June 16, 2014

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE

We value diversity. Women and people of color are strongly encouraged to apply. EOE/AA