POSITION SUMMARY

LandPaths seeks an individual with a passion for building a diverse, healthy and whole community connected with the land. The ideal candidate is driven, energetic and creative; excels in an active work environment, is committed to equity in access to nature, and loves working with youth in the outdoors. The Field Specialist will provide day-to-day field implementation of LandPaths’ youth programs including: “In Our Own BackYard” (IOOBY), Inspired Forward, and Camps (held during school breaks throughout year and summer) for students of all ages. IOOBY is an award-winning, innovative field-based education and nature-immersion program for elementary youth; Inspired Forward combines education and youth leadership with nature-immersion for teens and young adults. The Field Specialist will represent LandPaths in the classroom and in the field in a manner that builds a sense of belonging and collaboration with teachers, parents, volunteers, and fellow staff members. In addition to the implementation of specifically designed environmental education curriculum, the ideal candidate also loves engaging youth in unstructured play and exploration in nature, enjoys leading nature games and crafts, singing songs, storytelling…all things camp!

The Field Specialist is expected to strive for excellence in the implementation of LandPaths’ nature-immersion youth programs, including consistent modeling of LandPaths’ core values and best practices. The Field Specialist is responsible for day-of program logistics and safety, and for providing daily reflections of the effectiveness of the program.

POSITION DUTIES

• Become trained on specific youth program field-based education goals, approach, and curriculum
• Lead groups of youth in hands-on activities in a fun and engaging manner
• Utilize positive behavioral management techniques
• Become knowledgeable and conversant in all aspects of LandPaths’ mission, values, strategic plan, preserves and community programs
• Develop and deepen through active listening and mutual understanding, relationships to engage and expand student, parent, teacher and volunteer participation, advancing LandPaths’ youth program goals
• Maintain all field day necessities (logistics, safety, gear, etc.) needed for program, including tracking gear inventory and storage
• Under the guidance of the Youth Initiative Manager and Education Lead, work as part of a team to facilitate field day program, including pre-program task of assessing site conditions and preparation, leading large and small groups of youth, parents and teachers, and post-program tracking and evaluation
• Assist in the communication and coordination of volunteers in all day-of activities
• Assist in the communication and coordination of camp scholarship program

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

A successful candidate will likely have experience leading youth programs, including the following qualifications:

• A genuine passion for rooting youth in nature and for equity in access to nature
• Experience working with youth and leading groups
• Comfort and confidence in the outdoors
• Experience implementing specifically designed curriculum and able to engage youth in fun camp games, crafts, songs, storytelling, and unstructured play and exploration in nature
• Detail oriented, well organized
• Strong communication skills: articulate with proven ability to write effectively and speak persuasively, willing to have difficult conversations to build community
• Must have a vehicle to use for LandPaths’ business, a valid driver’s license, and personal auto insurance
• Bi-lingual (Spanish/English) and having a significant cross-cultural experience or understanding
• HS diploma or equivalent, some college and or relevant work experience

ATTRIBUTES

A successful candidate will embrace LandPaths’ values and culture, including the following:

• Share LandPaths’ commitment to equity and belonging, and the motto “no child left inside”
• Genuinely loves working with youth and being in the outdoors
• Is creative, energetic, and fun
• Empathic and caring
• Positive problem solver
• Punctual and professional
• Enjoys learning and supporting the work of others
• Works best in busy work environment, managing multiple variables with divergent goals
• Flexible
• Enjoys contributing to a positive work environment

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform this job. The Bilingual Field Specialist frequently works outdoors, walking on uneven ground and steep hillsides, with potential exposure to excessive temperature extremes. They may be expected to lift and move objects weighing up to 30 lbs. and hike up to five miles.

COMPENSATION

This is a part-time position. Salary for this position is $23 per hour. LandPaths’ compensation includes health and dental coverage, retirement savings, and generous paid leave package

TO APPLY

Interested applicants should send a BRIEF AND SPECIFIC cover letter and resume to LandPaths ~ attn: HR, 618 4th Street, Suite 217, Santa Rosa, CA 95404 or hr@landpaths.org with “Bilingual Field Specialist” in the subject. Suggested deadline to apply is Friday, February 23. Position open until filled.