Education Specialist

Description

The Education Specialist is primarily responsible for assisting in developing, coordinating and facilitating youth education programs related to school education, GBRA educational outreach and/or other related areas across GBRA’s basin and at the Canyon Lake Gorge. These programs include, but are not limited to GBRA’s outdoor classroom, offsite interactions, and educational opportunities that promote the organizations strategic plan.

Requirements

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Lead and facilitate education presentations at schools for teachers and students, GBRA facilities and partner sites throughout the watershed.
• Support requests from schools with supplies and training to support GBRA programming.
• Assists in the development and updates to education curriculum to align with TEKS requirements and GBRA mission.
• Helps greet, direct, and supervise groups visiting the Canyon Lake Gorge. 
• Leads formal and informal educational programs including tours, presentations, and hand-on activities for      classroom and family audiences. 
• Assist with preparing materials for informational booths, activities, and events. 
• Provides recommendations on improvements to GBRA’s educational materials and outreach efforts.
• Assist with maintaining educational supplies, storage areas, and the Canyon Lake Gorge facility ensuring its organization and operational capabilities.  
• Provide additional support when requested by upper management.
• Other duties as assigned. 

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Ability to present and instruct school-age students and large groups.
• Interest in environmental education and conservation. 
• Possess a general knowledge of water resources in Central Texas.
• Proficient PC skills in Microsoft 365, spreadsheet, database, and presentation software.
• Ability to exercise initiative, judgment, tact and diplomacy in a variety of public contact situations.
• Knowledge of instructional methods and training techniques including curriculum design principles, learning      theory, group and individual teaching techniques.
• Must be able to work a minimum of two Saturdays a month. May work additional weekend days for events or as needed.
• Develops, maintains, and promotes positive and professional relationships with internal staff, vendors, contractors, media, partners, and the public. 

EDUCATION 

Bachelor’s degree in education, environmental science, or related field required. 

CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSES

Valid Class "C" Texas Driver's License. Acceptable MVR. Ability to remain insurable under GBRA’s vehicle liability policy.

EXPERIENCE

Two years of experience conducting education, outreach, or community engagement programs.

Proficient PC skills in word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation software.

MANAGERIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

No

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Ability to lift 20 pounds to chest level, retrieve and store materials at least five feet from the floor. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

A combination of office environment with frequent trips to other GBRA offices, and preforms frequent field visits to other locations, facilities and education institutions throughout the river basin. Operates a company or personal vehicle on a regular basis. Exposure to weather conditions while working in an outdoor environment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Approximately 60/40 percent of work outdoors and indoors. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

TRAVEL

Overnight travel as required for training and conferences.