Nearby Nature is seeking a Programs Manager to be part of our creative and energetic team of nature educators and park caretakers. Nearby Nature is a non-profit nature education group that has worked for more than 30 years to foster connections between people and nature in our community. Our staff and volunteers lead field trips, daycamps, an outdoor preschool, youth programs, special events, and park caretaking projects. We also teach classes for the Network Charter School, maintain a Learnscape Garden and Outdoor Classroom, and serve as the City of Eugene’s official Host in Alton Baker Park.
Location: Nearby Nature’s Learnscape in Alton Baker Park (Eugene, Oregon)
At Nearby Nature, individuals with varied backgrounds, life experiences, and abilities are valued and encouraged to thrive. We are excited to train – as well as learn from – all new staff members. Not all of the qualifications listed here are hard and fast requirements. Your experiences can include both paid and unpaid work, all of which helps build competence, knowledge, and skills. Applying gives you the opportunity to be considered.
Qualifications:
Experience managing youth nature programs (registration, hiring, training volunteers, evaluation)
Experience designing and teaching outdoor education curriculum for pre-K-5th grade
Experience using MS Office, Google Suite, and program registration platforms
Knowledge of natural history, Pacific Northwest preferred
Ability to work on your feet for eight hours a day/lift up to 25 pounds/hike on uneven trails
Willingness to work outdoors in all seasons/all weather
Commitment to creating an inclusive and safe work and learning environment for all
Understanding of trauma-informed teaching practices
Strong interpersonal communication and writing skills
Capable of proactive problem solving and working independently with minimal supervision
Ability to be flexible, switch tasks frequently, and work collaboratively
Bilingual, Spanish and English preferred, but not required
First Aid-CPR Certification (or commitment to obtain this) and up-to-date COVID vaccinations
At least two years of experience in a relevant field, BA/BS or MA/MS preferred
Responsibilities:
Plan topics and schedule seasonal youth programs (Summer Daycamps, No School Day Adventures, Natural Neighbors After School, Wonder Keepers Preschool, Weekend Nature Quests)
Manage programs registration platform
Recruit, interview, hire, and manage seasonal staff, interns, and volunteers
Teach/substitute teach for programs as needed
Help coordinate school year nature walk field trips and classroom visits
Help plan and run special events (such as the Haunted Hike)
Communicate regularly with parents/guardians
Collect program attendance and volunteer hours data
Work closely Learnscape caretaking/garden staff to ensure site safety, accessibility, and engagement
Other duties as assigned
Compensation & Benefits:
30-40 hours per week at a wage of $24.50 hour
Some hybrid work possible, depending on the season
Sick time and leave time
Health and wellness support
Employer contribution to a SIMPLE IRA
Program discounts for family members
A great location in Eugene’s Alton Baker Park, off the Willamette Riverbank Bike Path, across the river from the University of Oregon
To Apply:
Reply via email with a cover letter, resume, three references, and a writing sample of your choice as four separate PDF files. Use Programs Manager Job Application in the subject line.
Applicants should ideally be available for training starting part time as soon as possible after hire and full time by the beginning of February. Preference will go to applicants willing to make a commitment of at least 2-3 years. Interviews will happen on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Questions? Send by email or see https://www.nearbynature.org/. No phone calls please.
Nearby Nature is committed to fair and impartial treatment of employees, job applicants, contractors, and agents of Nearby Nature, and to maintaining a discrimination and harassment-free work environment. Nearby Nature’s policy is not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of age (within statutory limits), race, religion, color, gender, national origin or ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, or any other protected status with respect to hiring, promotion, demotion, transfer, recruitment, termination, salary level, or other forms of compensation, or any other term or condition of employment.