Environmental Education and Outreach Coordinator

The Environmental Education and Outreach Coordinator at Lake County Solid Waste Management District is responsible for developing and promoting educational programs, coordinating field trips, managing outreach initiatives, and organizing community events. The role involves maintaining educational materials, analyzing performance data, and preparing presentations. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree (preferred) and skills in public relations and education techniques. This position is based in Merrillville, IN and is not remote.
PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-and non-position specific duties. • Researches, develops, implements, and promotes curriculum for District education programs. • Maintains performance measurement and reporting systems; analyzes reporting data and evaluates performance; develops and implements procedures and/or process changes to improve performance; and utilize an information system for tracking and accountability. • Coordinates with office staff to schedule, confirm, and host field trips and/or groups at the EEC and Enviromobile programming. • Builds and maintains educational kits, maintains educational storage areas. • Coordinates with staff on public information strategies and programs which includes the development of educational materials. • Educates schools, organizations, groups, and businesses beyond the 5Rs and outside of the recycling bin. • Manages the Worms in the Classroom Program. • Directs the EEC’s Summer Day Camp programs. • Organizes events such as “Capathon,” “Halloween Swap Shop,” professional development for teachers, educators, other solid waste districts, and the community. • Develops new outreach programs as needed to meet the needs of the public’s interest in environmental and sustainability education.• Certifies that education and outreach materials, tools, and strategies reflect sound theories and well-documented facts about environmental topics and issues.• Encourages students to arrive at their own conclusions about what needs to be done based on their research and study, rather than being taught a certain course of action is best.elps learners gain basic skills needed to participate in resolving environmental issues. • Prepares presentations targeted to diverse audiences. • Utilizes social media as an outreach and awareness tool. • Assists schools, their principals, and teachers in meeting state teaching standards. • Attends meetings (when requested) to represent the District and maintains complete records and prepares comprehensive reports, as well as makes formal presentations to the Board of Directors and/or the public. • Acts as District liaison (when requested/needed) to outside agencies including other solid waste districts. • Maintains the Environmental Education Center and ReUZ Room and their components keeping each clean, organized, and running efficiently. • Displays energy and motivation in starting and completing tasks in the workplace and in the face of the public. • Responds to persistent problem areas with constructive approaches and innovative ideas or recommendations. • Performs all other duties as assigned by the Executive Director. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Education and Experience: Bachelor's Degree preferred, but not required. Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: • Knowledge of or willingness to learn modern teaching and educational techniques and methods. • Enthusiasm, creativity, and aptitude for public relations work. • Demonstration of excellent interpersonal skills in interfacing with District staff, citizens, teachers, and students. • Public speaking required before a variety of audiences including community agencies/organizations, school personnel, students, volunteers, and the public; being sensitive to professional ethics gender, cultural diversity, and disabilities. • Ability to develop and implement a budget. • Ability to interpret and explain rules and policies relating to District programs. • Ability to prepare and present oral and written information, reports, and educational brochures. • Ability to maintain program and performance records. • Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. • Ability to work with and teach levels pre-K through adult. • Ability to take the lead in implementing new programs, processes, and changes in practice. • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with contracted agencies and workers, other employees, supervisory personnel, and the public. • Ability to work independently and collaboratively. Ability to work on several tasks at the same time and complete assignments effectively amidst interruptions, often with time requirements. • Ability to operate a personal computer and related software. Demonstrate proficiency to prepare documents, spreadsheets, email, and timesheets. • Ability to use logical and creative thought processes to develop solutions. • Ability to operate a light duty pick-up truck, SUV, or other motorized vehicles utilized in District operations.