Outreach Specialist

The Outreach Specialist will be responsible for supporting our public outreach activities and exploring new opportunities to engage the community in our mission. Responsibilities will include taking the lead in organizing and managing community events, working alongside our Community Programs Manager, supporting our Outdoor Classroom program, and serving as an ambassador on behalf of ESF at community events.

This is a 10hr/week, part-time position, and the right candidate will share our commitment to conserving Elkhorn Slough and be eager to engage the community in our mission in creative ways.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Collaborate with staff to broaden community engagement by organizing and hosting public events, including hikes, kayak trips, and other outings
• Serve as the lead in interpreting the natural landscape and identifying common native species during public events
• Support volunteers and educators during monthly site visits of elementary students at our Carneros Creek Outdoor Classroom
• Work with Development staff to organize and coordinate fundraising and community events for donors and supporters
• Represent ESF at public events by tabling and sharing our mission
• General administrative duties as needed

Candidate Characteristics and Qualifications

• Well-developed interpersonal communication skills that foster collaboration and consensus-building among colleagues and volunteers
• Fluency and literacy in Spanish are highly desirable for this position
• Experience in community engagement or outdoor education is highly desirable
• Familiarity with land stewardship practices and native flora; or, if unfamiliar, eagerness and willingness to learn
• Comfortable working alongside volunteers on stewardship projects that involve collecting seeds, pulling invasive plants, installing native plants, and other aspects of physical labor outdoors
• Enthusiastic about engaging under-served communities and interacting with the public
• Experience with event management and volunteer coordination
• Highly organized and able to flexibly respond to competing priorities

Requirements

• Weekend and evening work will often be required for hosting/attending public events
• This position requires the following pre-employment screening (to be completed after an offer has been extended): successfully fulfilling school district (PVUSD) requirements for work with K-12 students (background check, fingerprinting, TB Test)
• Able to lift 30 lbs. comfortably and safely
• Possess and maintain a valid Class C driver’s license, have a good driving record with a minimum of two years of driving experience
• Reliable transportation to various sites including ESF properties and Moss Landing Harbor
• Employment is contingent upon acceptable documentation verifying identity and authorization for employment in the U.S.; a list of acceptable documents is available on the USCIS Form I-9

Work Environment

In addition to working remotely, this position requires a significant outdoor work component. Outdoor work will entail exposure to variable weather conditions and natural hazards, such as poison oak, ticks, and other wildlife, etc. This position anticipates up to 75% of the time in the field.

Physical Demands

Access hiking trails on protected lands involving moderately strenuous terrain and through dense vegetation. Sea kayaking in Elkhorn Slough with the ability to paddle solo for up to 3 hours.