Education Coordinator

Job Posting Title:

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Hiring Department:

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Position Open To:

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Weekly Scheduled Hours:

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FLSA Status:

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Earliest Start Date:

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Position Duration:

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Location:

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Job Details:

The purpose of the position is that the Education Coordinator (EC) supports the Mission-Aransas National Estuarine Research Reserve (Reserve) and the University of Texas Marine Science Institute (UTMSI) by developing, coordinating, and delivering environmental education programs and curriculum for K-12 students, the public, and community audiences.

This position plays a key role in creating innovative, standards-aligned programming and implementing high-quality, hands-on learning experiences both onsite and in the field. The EC supervises the education specialists, volunteer coordinator, aquarists, and interns associated with the education program. This position is located in Port Aransas, Tx.

• Education Program Strategic Planning, Development, and Budget Management and Reporting: Develop and implement an education strategy aligned with the Reserve management plan and the goals of the National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR) system, including operating policies and procedures for the education program. Maintain and analyze budgets and accounts, including gifts and grants, assigned to UTMSI and Reserve education programs, such as K-12 Ed Services including reservations for the ERC Dorm, Bay Education Center, Teachers on the Estuaries (TOTE), NERR EDU and grant accounts. Report progress to funders and the Reserve's lead agencies and contribute to educational efforts within UTMSI, UT Austin, and NOAA.
• Supervision and Leadership: Provide leadership, professional development opportunities, support and supervision for the Education Team. Lead the hiring process, manage performance and resolve personnel issues. Provide oversite and guidance for Volunteer Services Program. Occasionally serve on committees or boards that guide education efforts in the region, state or NERR System
• PK - 12 and Post-secondary Education: Direct and maintain standards for design, implementation and assessment of all school and public education programs and experiences. Lead the development and implementation of the Teachers on the Estuary education program, a place-based and outdoor education mentoring program that provides professional learning opportunities and collaborative mentoring for formal PK-12 educators. Lead the development and implementation of the K-12 Estuarine Education Program (KEEP), working with NERRS colleagues and local partners to deliver estuarine and watershed-based training to students in grades K through 12. Plan and implement accessible field experiences and project-based learning opportunities that integrate state and national educational standards and research activities in the area of the Reserve. Direct and maintain standards for design, implementation and assessment of all school and public education programs and experiences, such as Exploration Labs, Field Experiences, Teacher Workshops, Tours, Exhibits, R/V Katy Excursions, SOS Programs, Community Engagements, and Summer Science. Facilitate opportunities for UTMSI and UT Austin instructors to use the reserve for field and lab experiences in their classes.
• Cross Program Support: Collaborate with Reserve Sector Coordinators, as well as UTMSI faculty, students and science staff, to integrate research and program efforts into education and outreach experiences, programs and exhibits/displays (including trails, PMSEC, BEC, and Fennessey Ranch). Coordinate and/or contribute to funding proposals that support and expand Reserve and UTMSI education and outreach.
• Partnerships: Cultivate and manage small and large-scale collaborative programs and partnerships to support and extend Reserve mission, within and outside of MSI and UT Austin. Represent UTMSI and Reserve education programs, efforts and advancement within NERRS, and with other regional, state and national organizations, agencies, or associations. Generate and maintain partnerships with local school districts, educational and environmental organizations and agencies to develop responsive programming.

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in one of the biological, physical, or environmental sciences;
• Four years of recent experience presenting formal or informal education or interpretation programs;
• One year of experience providing oversight of and supervision in an environmental, youth or community development, or education-related program;
• Demonstrated strong interpersonal and communication skills that contribute to positive and productive workplace relationships, effective leadership and sustained partnerships;
• Experience developing and implementing environmental education programs;
• Familiarity with common Microsoft Windows software, such as Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint;
• Basic knowledge of environmental ecology; and
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• A Master's degree from an accredited college or university in environmental education or interpretation, water resources, marine sciences, natural resource management, conservation, or a related field;
• Knowledge of ecology, history and resource management issues related to Texas or the Gulf of Mexico coast;
• Experience developing engaging community programming, interpretive exhibits and materials;
• Demonstrated success in developing, delivering, and evaluating educational programs for various audiences utilizing a variety of educational techniques, methods, and modes;
• Demonstrated experience developing effective partnerships or coalitions with community partners and local governments; and
• Prior experience on small vessels and conducting water activities.

$55,000+

This job requires a class "C" operator's driver's license. The applicant selected must provide a current three year driving record from the current state of residence. If not currently a Texas resident, a Texas driver's license must be obtained within 30 days of becoming a Texas resident. Employees who are required to have a CDL are subject to drug and alcohol testing (pre-employment, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, random, return-to-duty, and follow-up drug and alcohol testing)

• Combination of office, classroom, laboratory, and outdoor field environments.
• Year-round exposure to variable weather conditions, including heat, humidity, rain, wind, and occasional coastal storms.
• Fieldwork may involve boat-based operations, wading in shallow waters, and walking over uneven, sandy, or muddy terrain.
• Monday-Friday schedule with occasional evenings, weekends, or overnight travel for programs, outreach events, and national meetings.
• Lifting and carrying of educational materials and field equipment (up to ~25 lbs).
• Potential travel within the Reserve boundaries and to partner sites, as well as to attend trainings or education-focused national conferences.

• Resume/CV
• 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
• Letter of interest

Importantfor applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers:You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, then you will be provided an option to upload a new Resume for subsequent applications. Any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) will be uploaded in the Application Questions section; you will be able to multi-select additional files. Before submitting your online job application, ensure thatALLRequired Materials have been uploaded. Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes.

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Employment Eligibility:

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Retirement Plan Eligibility:

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Background Checks:

A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.

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Equal Opportunity Employer:

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer,complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

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Pay Transparency:

The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information.

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Employment Eligibility Verification:

If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.

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E-Verify:

The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university's company ID number for purposes of E-Verify is 854197. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following:

• E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish) [PDF]
• Right to Work Poster (English) [PDF]
• Right to Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]

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Compliance:

Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). If this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP-3031.

The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.