Loading...

Education and Community Engagement Specialist

San Diego Natural History Museum

San Diego, California

Job Type Temporary
Salary Details $25/hr

Love nature? Then you’re going to love The Nat.      

The San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat) was founded by amateur naturalists in 1874 and has played a major role in the conversation of our region. The Museum recently celebrated its 150th anniversary and completed a strategic plan focused on encouraging a love for nature, levering science and collections for conservation, and using our own voice to be here for nature. 

The Nat is embarking on an ambitious initiative to develop a region-wide approach for community healing through nature. This initiative aims to leverage the power of San Diego’s native plants, wildlife, and habitats to promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being for individuals and communities- particularly those historically underserved or disproportionately affected by environmental and health disparities. 

We are seeking an Education and Community Engagement Specialist that will play a crucial role in managing the development and implementation of this groundbreaking initiative. This position will involve project management, conducting research, gathering and analyzing data, and development of equity-informed strategies. This individual will help identify and address barriers to participation, ensuring this new initiative is culturally responsive and community-centered.  

This position reports to the Senior Director of Learning and Engagement, and will work closely with the Community Engagement Manager, Nature Education Manager, and Program Evaluator.   

RESPONSIBILITIES 

 Project Management:

  • Document, track, and evaluate project activities.
  • Develop strategic plans, action plans, and resources.
  • Coordinate and facilitate meetings.
  • Design and implementation of pilot programs.
  • Organize people and resources to ensure projects run smoothly and efficiently.
  • Schedule and facilitate meetings.
  • Prepare detailed reports and presentations.

Research & Evaluation: 

  • Conduct review of relevant academic literature, summarize key findings, and identify gaps and opportunities for further investigation.
  • Research and compile database/map of existing community-based organizations, programs, and resources for healing in nature in the region. 
  • Collaborate with evaluator to gather data on community needs, health disparities, and access to nature within the region.
  • Conduct surveys, interviews, and focus groups to gather community input and feedback.
  • Analyze research findings and make suggestions to guide the initiative.

Community Engagement:

  • Recruit community members to participate in needs assessment activities and pilot programs.
  • Work with Community Engagement Manager to develop new strategic partnerships to expand the Museum’s reach, particularly among the communities most impacted by disparities in health and access to nature.
  • Represent the Museum in the community at meetings, events and online, in collaboration with Community Engagement Manager and Marketing and Communications team.
  • Participate in larger Education and Nat centered programs, which may include facilitation or behind-the-scenes support. 
  • Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Comprehensive knowledge of and skill in project planning
  • Demonstrated ability to connect and work with external partners and individuals from diverse backgrounds.
  • Strong commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice.
  • BA or BS in environmental science, education, community engagement, or related field OR 4+ years of equivalent work experience. 
  • Prior experience in a museum or informal education setting. 
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 
  • Strong research and analytical skills.
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. 
  • Spanish speaking/bi-lingual (highly desired) 

This is a full-time, temporary position (4 months) that is grant-funded with potential to extend. Work schedule is 5 days/week and may include some evenings and weekends.  

Pay: $25/hr 

Employees enjoy free admission into all of Balboa Park’s museums as well as free admission to the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park. Learn more about the Museum’s benefits here.  

HOW TO APPLY

Click here to apply.

When you apply, please indicate that you are responding to the posting on Conservation Job Board.

Category Admin & Leadership, Environmental Education
Tags Outreach