Community Engagement Coordinator

Overview

Share your passion for nature with a diverse audience! Expand and enhance the programming and interpretation at Hidden Oaks Nature Center to reflect the cultural diversity of our area within Fairfax County. Liaison with local civic and community groups to ensure that Hidden Oaks’ nature-based and outdoor programming is reaching the diverse audience reflected in our local population.

Duties

• Coordinate with local civic and community groups representing the diversity of the Annandale, VA community.
• Plan, schedule, and implement nature-based interpretive programs tailored to meet the needs of underserved audiences, for example: after-school programs for low-income students; Spanish language programs for English learners; and programs in American Sign Language for the deaf community.
• Must be able to work within a team and function independently.
• Apply for and implement grants for funding to offer programs for free or reduced cost to low-income community members.
• Ensure that the site’s programming is reviewed for cultural authenticity and accuracy, as applicable.
• Lead or assist with leading groups on trail walks, natural history classes, standards of learning-based school programs, or scout programs.
• Demonstrate the agility to present given material and teach groups of varying age, number, cultural, and abilities backgrounds.
• Present programs in Spanish, as needed.
• Ensure that all nature center signage and hand-outs are presented or available in multiple languages, including Spanish and Korean.
• Serve as manager on duty, which involves overseeing site operations and visitor experience; being responsible for volunteers and visitors in the building, and providing visitor services.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be 18 years old or older.
• Undergraduate degree or higher in a related field.
• Multi-lingual.
• Strong oral and written communication skills in English.
• Strong organizational abilities plus ability to work independently.
• Must be willing to register and serve as Scouts of America merit badge counselor.
• First aid and CPR certifications required within one month of being hired.
• Able to traverse nature trails over sometimes rough terrain and up and down hills.
• Flexible availability.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in natural history interpretation and/or education or a related field.
• Experience in developing, leading, and evaluating small group educational programs.
• Experience in working with diverse populations and within a diverse team.
• National Association for Interpretation (NAI) Certified Interpretive Guide (or equivalent) or higher.