Temporary Education and Outreach Specialist

The Communications & Community Engagement program is seeking a temporary Education and Outreach Specialist. This position delivers, evaluates, and assists with the development of educational programs and materials that communicate Clean Water Services (CWS) initiatives, values, policies, projects, and actions. Engages students, educators, volunteers, and the general public to nurture the community's social readiness and build support for protecting watershed health.

Additional Information:

• Temporary position, 1 year assignment with possibility for extension.
• Full-time, up to 40 hours per week.
• Any offer of employment will be conditional based on the successful completion of references, a driving record review, and criminal background check.

Essential Functions:

(The essential functions listed below are not intended to reflect all duties that may be assigned to this classification.  CWS may augment duties and/or essential functions at its discretion. Additionally, some incumbents may not perform all Essential Functions.)

1. Coordinates, delivers, and evaluates a variety of formal and non-formal education programming for diverse audiences, including students, community groups, and volunteers.
2. Delivers and assists with the development of place-based field education programs specific to Fernhill, Tualatin River Farm, and other CWS locations. 
3. Researches, manages, and assists with the development of a variety of educational content for interpretive displays and programs. Ensures consistent messaging and content to advance CWS education strategy and goals.
4. Fulfills information requests and coordinates monitoring, inventory, and replacement of education and outreach program supplies and equipment.
5. Identifies and supports partnership and collaborative education opportunities with schools, non-profits, community-based organizations, and other interested communities who have not participated in education activities in numbers representative of their local populations.
6. Participates in coordinating and staffing community events, tours, workshops, and other outreach opportunities. Some work during weekend and evening hours is required. 
7. Delivers presentations to community, neighborhood, and business groups on CWS education and outreach program initiatives.
8. Some positions may recruit, train, and mentor Fernhill volunteers. Maintains volunteer database, tracks service, and provides effective communication and support, including recurring volunteer meetings that increase knowledge of wetlands, watershed health, and natural and conventional treatment systems. 
9. Maintains a positive, equitable, and inclusive workplace culture to improve the understanding and recognition of diversity and foster multidisciplinary and integrated team approaches.
10. Drives a CWS or personal vehicle for work-related purposes. 

Qualifications:

KNOWLEDGE OF: 

• General teaching and interpretation methods for formal and non-formal settings
• Specific content knowledge of natural resources and watershed health
• Basic principles and practices of educational program development
• Academic standards, multiple learning styles, and interpretation techniques relevant to formal and non-formal education
• Fundamentals of classroom and group management
• Educational planning and program evaluation
• Principles and practices of project or program development, scheduling, and management
• Pertinent federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations

SKILL IN: 

• Basic research methods, group dynamics, and group problem-solving techniques, such as leading meetings, gaining support while dealing with complex subjects, resolving conflicts, and reaching consensus
• Gathering, evaluating, and interpreting information accurately
• Meeting and event planning practices and procedures
• Responding to requests and inquiries from volunteers, educators, and the general public
• Use of computers and computer software, including word processing, spreadsheets, and databases 

ABILITY TO: 

• Present programming and content to meet established CWS education goals
• Effectively organize work, manage time, and prioritize tasks
• Evaluate, improve, and expand current programs and participate in creating new programs
• Understand, interpret, and explain pertinent policies, procedures, laws, and regulations
• Understand and work in alignment with established strategic communication and education plans
• Present ideas both orally and in writing to increase understanding among audiences who have varying levels of knowledge or exposure to the information being presented
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work including a variety of CWS staff and other government officials, community groups, and the general public
• Operate effectively in a team environment

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, CERTIFICATIONS AND/OR LICENSES
The following are the minimum qualifications for this position. 

2 years of experience in education, outreach, volunteer coordination, or community engagement;

College-level coursework in education, community engagement, public involvement, communications, or a related field.

Bi-lingual (Spanish/English) fluency preferred.  

Candidates must possess and maintain a valid state-issued driver’s license.