Education Specialist

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The essential duties and responsibilities of an Education Specialist at RRNCA include:

1. Curriculum and Program Development and Implementation

• Design and develop educational programs for K-12 in collaboration with the BLM’s Education Specialist that promotes the natural, cultural, and historical significance of Red Rock Canyon for a variety of audiences.
• Create curriculum and educational materials that align with Nevada State Science Standards and Next Generation Science Standards, including lesson plans, field trip guides, activity sheets, and interactive learning tools.
• Plan and coordinate field trips for school groups, including arranging logistics, leading field trips, and facilitating hands-on activities that enhance students' understanding of the Mojave desert ecosystem.
• Facilitate educational workshops and outreach programs for homeschools, community groups, and visitors, focusing on conservation, geology, flora, fauna, and the cultural history of the area.

·        Develop and maintain educational resources, including activity kits, exhibits, and digital content, to support education programs and enhance the visitor experience.

·        Work with the BLM and SNC interpretive staff to ensure that educational content aligns with the goals and outcomes of the Strategic Interpretive Plan and Annual Work Plan and provides accurate, up-to-date information.

2. Collaboration and Partnerships

• Collaborate with BLM’s Education Specialist and other staff, volunteers, and external partners to develop and enhance educational programs and initiatives.

·        Work closely with local schools, organizations, and community groups to create and implement educational initiatives that engage the public in environmental conservation and awareness.

• Participate in community events and educational fairs to promote RRCNCA and its outdoor education goals.

3. Evaluation and Assessment

• Develop and implement relevant evaluation and assessment tools in partnership with the BLM’s Education Specialist to evaluate the effectiveness of educational programs and activities through feedback surveys, assessments, and visitor participation tracking.
• Use evaluation data to continuously adapt and improve programs, ensuring that educational objectives are met, and visitor needs are addressed.
• Monitor and assess program outcomes to ensure alignment with the BLM’s long-term educational and interpretive goals.

4. Administrative and Logistical Support

• Maintain accurate records and reports related to program attendance, visitor feedback, and other relevant data.
• Assist with the budgeting and resource allocation for educational programs and activities.
• Coordinate the logistical aspects of program delivery, including transportation, scheduling, and materials preparation.

6. Training and Professional Development

• Stay up to date on current trends in outdoor education and interpretation to ensure programs are engaging, effective, and relevant.
• Train and mentor SNC team, BLM team and volunteers on educational techniques, interpretation methods, and site-specific content to enhance the quality of educational programs.
• Participate in professional development opportunities, workshops, and conferences to expand knowledge and skills.

7. Visitor and Public Engagement

• Support other interpretive programs, such as guided walks and hikes, talks, and special events, to engage the public and enhance their understanding of the area’s natural and cultural resources.
• Support providing visitors at the Visitor Center with general information as well as supporting the interpretive team with answering inquiries on the information phone line.
• Assist in organizing and delivering outreach events within the local community.

8. Digital Media Content Creation

·        Support outreach and interpretation efforts by managing social media content and engagement.

·        Create and scheduled posts on Instagram and Facebook using Meta Business Suite, respond to comments and messages, and maintain an active online presence.

·        Update educational content on website, ensuring accurate and engaging information for visitors.

·        Collaborate with staff and partners to highlight programs, events, and conservation efforts through digital platforms.

This role requires someone passionate about education, conservation, and connecting people with nature. This is not an exhaustive list of duties and responsibilities, and team members need to be flexible to respond to changing visitation numbers, changes to operations at the conservation area, and other priorities that may present themselves that would serve our partnership with the BLM and meet our interpretive and educational goals. The Interpretive Naturalist Team at Red Rock Canyon often serves as the bridge between visitors and the park's natural and cultural resources, providing memorable experiences that foster appreciation and stewardship of the area.

Qualifications and Experience

1. Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Education, Natural Resource Management, Biology, Geology, Environmental Science, Education, or a related field.

·        Equivalent experience may also be considered, particularly in fields related to interpretation, education, natural resource management, or environmental sciences.

2. Experience:

• Minimum of 2-3 years of experience in outdoor education, interpretation, or a similar field, particularly in outdoor or public lands settings.
• Proven experience in designing, implementing, and evaluating educational programs for diverse audiences, including K-12 students, families, and the general public.
• Experience working with local schools, community organizations, or government agencies to develop and promote educational outreach programs.
• Hands-on experience in curriculum development and alignment with state or national educational standards (e.g., Nevada State Science Standards, Next Generation Science Standards).
• Previous experience in program management, including planning, execution, and assessment of educational activities.
• Experience in partnership development, including working with stakeholders such as local schools, nonprofits, and other community partners to expand educational outreach.

3. Knowledge:

• Strong knowledge of outdoor and environmental education, with a particular focus on the natural history, geology, flora, fauna, and conservation issues relevant to Red Rock Canyon and desert ecosystems.
• Familiarity with state and national education standards (e.g., Nevada State Science Standards, Next Generation Science Standards) and how to align educational programs with these standards.
• Understanding of interpretive techniques for engaging diverse audiences, especially in outdoor settings.

4. Skills:

·        Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to interact professionally with visitors, BLM staff, and community partners.

• Exceptional communication and public speaking skills, with the ability to present complex topics in an engaging and understandable way for various audiences.
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple programs and initiatives simultaneously, including coordinating field trips, outreach programs, and educational workshops.
• Project management skills, including budgeting, scheduling, and resource management, ensuring educational programs are delivered on time and within budget.
• Creative skills for developing educational materials (e.g., lesson plans, activities, exhibits, and digital content) that are interactive and engaging for visitors of all ages.
• Interpersonal skills to effectively engage with a wide range of people, including school groups, community partners, visitors, and colleagues.

5. Certifications:

·        Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) certification from the National Association for Interpretation (NAI) (or willingness to obtain).

·        Environmental Educator certification with the North American Association for Environmental Education (or willingness to obtain).

·        First Aid/CPR certification (or willingness to obtain).

6. Other Qualities:

• Team-oriented, with a collaborative approach to working with park staff, volunteers, and external partners.
• Ability to work independently, demonstrating initiative, creativity, and problem-solving skills when managing educational programs.
• Passion for interpretation and outdoor education with the ability to foster a deep connection to the land among visitors.
• Ability to work in a physically demanding outdoor environment, including hiking, standing for long periods, and carrying equipment.
• A team player with the ability to collaborate with the BLM staff, volunteers, and external partners to develop and deliver interpretive programs.
• Ability to pass a federal background check
• A valid driver’s license to get to trailheads and areas of interest at the conservation area, as well as off-site programs and outreach programs.

·        Proficiency in using Microsoft office suite, digital tools, educational software, and multimedia to enhance educational experiences.

·        Reasonable accommodation will be available to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.