Acterra: Acterra Stewardship Program

Education Coordinator

Program Description: The mission of the Acterra Stewardship Programs is to restore natural lands to ecological health by involving the community in land stewardship. Through engaging volunteers in hands-on habitat restoration activities, and facilitating information-sharing about best restoration practices, we involve, educate, and inspire people to take care of the land for current and future generations.

The primary focus of our habitat restoration is Palo Alto’s 622-acre Pearson-Arastradero Preserve. Our work on the Preserve emphasizes: 1) Restoring the Preserve’s native ecosystems, 2) Coordinating stewardship work performed by community volunteers, 3) Coordinating environmental educational activities on the Preserve, and 4) Coordinating Acterra’s professional information-sharing and outreach activities to other land managers in the region.

Job Description: The Education Coordinator will educate both youth and adults with an emphasis on habitat restoration on the Pearson-Arastradero Preserve, on other land, and in classrooms. The person in this position will also be responsible for volunteer coordination, especially on the Arastradero Preserve. (This position involves approximately 50% time in the field and 50% time in the office.) The Education Coordinator reports to Acterra’s Director of Stewardship Programs and works closely with the Chief Preserve Steward, Native Plant Nursery staff and the City of Palo Alto’s open space staff.

Job Type: YearRound
Hours: Full time
Status: Permanent
Program Type: Non-Residential

Qualifications:
Required Qualifications:

• At least two years experience working with middle to high school grade levels
  
• Experience working in multi-cultural settings and with underserved youth
  
• Teaching environmental education programs that involve all aspects of field ecology
  
• Native and non-native plant and wildlife identification skills in California oak woodland/grassland and riparian habitats
  
• A solid knowledge of local open space habitat restoration and ecology, including hands-on experience in weed eradication and native plant installation
  
• Field research experience including monitoring, gathering, and analyzing data
  
• Computer skills on MAC/PC platform and with MS Office and statistical software
  
• Experience using a variety of biological tools and equipment
  
• Self-directed and well-organized with the ability to multitask and prioritize activities
  
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing
  
• Professional demeanor
  
• A demonstrated commitment to preserving and restoring the natural environment
  
• Must be able to work and hike in a variety of weather conditions in wildlife habitat
  
• Must be able to lift 50lbs
  
• Must have California driver’s license and own a vehicle

Desirable Qualifications:

• Experience developing of indoor and outdoor environmental science curriculum
  
• GPS mapping experience and GIS (ArcView experience)
  
• Volunteer coordination experience with ages 10-adult

Salary: $38,000-40,000/year
Medical: yes
Dental: yes
Vision: yes

Deadline: August 11, 2006
Available: August, 2006
Procedure: To Apply: Send cover letter stating career goals, resume with three professional references, and two letters of recommendation (letters can arrive separately) to: Sheri Lubin, Director of Stewardship Programs: or fax to 650.962.8234.

Contact: Sheri Lubin, Director of Stewardship Programs
Address: 3921 E. Bayshore Road, Palo Alto, CA 94303
Telephone: 650-962-9876
Fax: 650-962-8234
Website: www.Acterra.org and www.Arastradero.org