Backcountry Wilderness Area Environmental Education Coordinator

The Environmental Education Coordinator at Highlands Ranch Community Association is responsible for planning and implementing educational programs for various age groups. Duties include curriculum development, program delivery, staff supervision, volunteer management, and administrative tasks. The role involves working both indoors and outdoors, requiring physical activity and compliance with state regulations. The position operates Tuesday to Saturday, with some evenings and mornings required.
JOB TITLE: Environmental Education Coordinator FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

General Statement of Duties: Responsible for planning, coordinating, and implementing environmental education programs for diverse age groups. Role includes curriculum development, program delivery, and collaboration with staff to ensure high-quality, mission-aligned educational offerings.

Supervision Received: Works under the supervision of the Backcountry Wilderness Area Environmental Education and Program Manager

Supervision Exercised: Assist with the supervision of Camp Backcountry staff, part time staff and volunteers.

Job Description

Examples of Duties: The following examples of duties are intended to be illustrative only and are not intended to be all inclusive.
• Work developing, implementing, supervising, and managing any or all the following programs within the Backcountry Wilderness Area: youth programs, community programs, Scout programs, school programs, and assists with Camp Backcountry.
• Develops curriculum for any or all of the above-mentioned programs.
• Administrative duties include regular communications with staff and customers, program registration and cancellations, hiring contractors, staff scheduling, budgeting, and more.
• Training, supervision, scheduling, and management of a team of year-round part-time staff as well as assisting in supervision of a team of camp counselors and seasonal staff in the summer.
• Spearhead the volunteer program by recruiting, training, scheduling, and maintaining regular communication with volunteers to ensure a positive and productive experience for both the volunteers and the organization.
• Assist with the management and implementation of our state childcare license to ensure compliance with state rules and regulations.
• Assists in budget preparation for programs and manages the budget; responsible for meeting revenue and cost goals.
• Assist in determining plans and strategies to implement long and short-term goals and objectives regarding programs, the budget, and any potential projects.
• Prepares and maintain records and reports.
• Works within a team environment with all other BWA staff to accomplish program goals.
• Assists with other programs and annual events as needed.
• Assists with property maintenance as needed.
• Adequately responds to emergency situations.
• Performs related duties as assigned and required.
• Position is Tuesday – Saturday, with evenings and mornings as needed.

Physical and Environmental Standards: Work is performed indoors and outdoors on a regular basis. Must be able to work in an office environment where noise and interruptions prevail. Must also be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions, including adverse weather such as rain, extreme heat, sun, snow, and wind. Must be able to walk on uneven terrain for at least three miles at a time and stand for long periods, walk, sit for long periods, crouch, bend, kneel, stoop, reach and lift, push or pull and carry or lift heavy objects up to 50 pounds unassisted. Vision requirements include near and far acuity. Manual dexterity is needed to type, write, use a calculator, and answer the phone. The ability to talk and hear via the telephone and through face-to-face communication is needed.

Qualifications

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
• Enthusiasm and a passion for teaching environmental education.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in environmental education or related field.
• Ability to teach and lead large groups.
• Must have a minimum of 1,000 hours of documented youth supervision in a professional setting.
• Efficient and competent computer skills including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and web-site content management, etc.
• Ability to multi-task, be highly organized, follow up and follow through with assigned tasks.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and ever-changing environment.
• Ability to keep and organize records.
• Great communication skills, both oral and written.
• Proficient in wildlife biology with the ability to develop and deliver lesson plans that align with both state educational standards and our internal program objectives.
• A love for the outdoors and knowledge in outdoor pursuits such as hiking, camping, wilderness survival, mountain biking, trail running, hunting, birding, climbing, etc.
• Knowledge of ecological principles and local and regional ecosystems.
• Knowledge of native wildlife and plants and ability to identify.
• Ability to work and accomplish tasks independently and without supervision.
• Position requires ability to work outdoors, often in adverse weather conditions including rain, snow, heat, sun and high winds; walk on uneven terrain for long periods and distances. Perform strenuous hiking, standing, walking, sitting, crouching, digging, hammering, lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling. Must be physically able to lift, push, pull and/or move up to 50 pounds and on occasion more.
• Ability to work with customers in a professional manner.
• Ability to use good judgment in all situations.
• Ability to be trained in Adult & Pediatric CPR, AED, and First-Aid.
• Ability to respond to and perform effectively in emergency situations.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as management plans, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, manufacturer labels, and procedure manuals.

Must possess a valid driver’s license, a clean motor vehicle record, and meet all HRCA driving policy standards, including pre-approval to drive from the HRCA insurance carrier. Strong situational awareness and adherence to safe driving practices are essential to ensure personal and public safety while working within a vehicle.

Must pass a pre-employment background check and drug screening.

Benefits: Benefits for full time employees include Health Insurance, Telehealth, Life Insurance, EAP (Employee Assistance Program), STD/LTD, Flex Plans, 401k plus company match, PTO options, Tuition Reimbursement, Employee Discounts (30%) for Programs and Events, Referral Program and Recreation Center usage.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in the area of natural resources, environmental education, youth education, management, or a related field.

Experience: Minimum of two years’ experience or combination of education and experience.

Application Submittal Deadline: 5/19/2025

EOE