Friends of Sausal Creek
Company Name
Friends of Sausal Creek
Address
PO Box 2737, Oakland, CA, 94602, United States
Contact Name
Kimra McAfee
Phone Number
(510) 501-3672
Email Address
coordinator@sausalcreek.org
Company Website
www.sausalcreek.org
Job Title
Summer Education and Outreach Coordinator
Sector
Environmental Education
Part Time/Full Time/Other
Part-Time
Is it a student job?
No
Wage/Salary
$18-$20/hour
Education Level
Bachelor’s Degree
Job Description
The mission of the Friends of Sausal Creek (FOSC) is to restore, maintain, and protect the Sausal Creek Watershed of Oakland. We educate future generations, involve the community in local environmental stewardship, and collaborate with agencies and other nonprofits to have a positive impact on the local ecosystem.
Definition
The summer education and outreach coordinator will be responsible for the coordination and implementation of FOSC’s summer outdoor environmental education programming, as well as leading the community engagement process in the Fruitvale neighborhood of Oakland to begin implementation of urban greening and creek education projects outlined in FOSC’s Sausal Creek Walkable Watershed Concept Plan.
Education
FOSC’s environmental education programming encourages local youth to be environmental stewards while teaching them about the physical and ecological connection of the creek and surrounding neighborhoods to the Oakland Estuary. FOSC’s summer programming with youth consists of four parts: (1) developing and adapting curriculum; (2) leading three Team Oakland high school job training crews (15-18 year olds) in habitat restoration stewardship projects for six weeks in July-August (likely on Thursdays and Fridays); (3) co-leading environmental lessons for 100 Team Oakland crew members on two Wednesdays (exact dates TBD); and (4) leading Oakland Parks, Recreation and Youth Development summer campers (6-15 year olds) in education and restoration activities (likely on Tuesdays, one hour in the morning and one hour in the afternoon) for nine weeks starting on June 12. Activities with both groups include environmental lessons, habitat restoration, and environmental education projects in the redwoods and along the creek, and native species propagation at FOSC’s native plant nursery in Joaquin Miller Park. All preparation, training, and planning will take place in June. The candidate may also assist with curriculum development for field trip programs planned for school year 2017-2018.
Outreach
The purpose of the Walkable Watershed program is to engage the Fruitvale and adjacent neighborhoods with Sausal Creek in order to transform the creek from a state of obscurity and neglect to an environmental, social, recreational, educational, economic, and healthful asset to the community. The goal of FOSC and its partners is to catalyze projects and activities to enhance water quality and habitat values in the creek corridor, to expand community awareness of the role of the watershed in creek health, and to enhance public access and enjoyment of the creek for the natural and cultural benefits it can provide. The selected candidate will be responsible for: (1) leading the community engagement process for this program by forming new partnerships; (2) working with the community to get approval and funding for urban greening projects such as rain gardens, tree planting, and stormwater awareness art; and (3) helping to lead local community members and student volunteers in implementing the projects.
Terms and Schedule
This is a temporary position, without benefits. The term of the position is early June to mid-August, with a possibility of extension through the 2017-18 school year. The rate of pay is $18 to $20/hour depending on experience. The number of hours required in July is 24 per week; there will be fewer hours per week in June and August (10-15 hours per week). The schedule will be three set days/week, likely Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, plus regular checking of email on other days. The selected candidate will be responsible for his/her own transportation, as well as transporting tools and other materials to worksites. Workers’ Compensation Insurance is provided. Successful completion of a background check, proof of negative TB results, and proof of personal auto insurance are required. Travel to and from work sites and work-related meetings is reimbursable.
General Characteristics and Required Skills
• Undergraduate degree
• Experience leading outdoor environmental education activities
• Experience in community outreach/recruitment and facilitating groups
• Excellent public speaking and presentation skills
• Knowledge of creek and watershed-related environmental issues
• Knowledge of the theory and practice of habitat restoration and ecology
• Knowledge of environmental and social justice issues in underserved communities
• Experience working with youth from diverse backgrounds
• Experience working with people of all ages and backgrounds
• Highly motivated and possess strong work ethic
• Demonstrated responsible behavior and judgment
• Enjoy working outdoors and in the Oakland community
• Fluency in Spanish preferred
The chosen candidate should have the ability to:
• Be a self-starter; see potential of FOSC’s programs and create meaningful partnerships in order to implement them
• Develop and lead environmental, cultural, and natural history curriculum for school-age children (6-18 years old)
• Lead habitat restoration and nursery stewardship projects, including educating participants on the worksite and tool safety
• Be a positive role model, connect with others and forge strong relationships
• Perform several tasks concurrently, meet deadlines and work with changing priorities
• Coordinate the design, approval, and implementation of urban greening projects with local organizations, community members, and students
• Correspond professionally and in a timely manner
• Understand mission of programs and anticipate future needs; possibly assist with grant writing
• Lift 40 pounds
• Use word processing, database, and spreadsheet software; organize and maintain field trip and volunteer data in Salesforce
Direction Received
The education and outreach coordinator will receive guidance and direction from the restoration and education manager, executive director, and FOSC board of directors. Because there is no centralized office, it is essential that the selected candidate have the experience and motivation to work independently with minimal day-to-day supervision while keeping interested parties informed.
Applications will be accepted until May 29, 2017, with priority given to earlier applications. To apply, please email a resume and thoughtful cover letter to Executive Director Kimra McAfee at coordinator@sausalcreek.org.
How to Apply
Email a resume and thoughtful cover letter to Executive Director Kimra McAfee at coordinator@sausalcreek.org
Expiration Date
May 29, 2017