CLBL Jobs

San Joaquin Valley Regional Coordinator

Application Deadline: April 30th
Start Date: July 1st (approximate)
Position Type: Full Time
Compensation: $40,000 - $50,000 plus full dental, vision, and medical

The Center for Land-Based Learning inspires and motivates people of all ages, especially youth, to promote a healthy interplay between agriculture, nature and society through their actions and as leaders in their communities. We achieve this mission primarily through our year-long experiential education programs for high school students, the FARMS Leadership Program and SLEWS. The FARMS Leadership Program is focused on issues related to sustainable agriculture and natural resource management, while the Student and Landowner Education and Watershed Stewardship (SLEWS) Program engages students in habitat restoration projects that enhance classroom learning, develop leadership skills, and make a difference on the land.

Job Description:

CLBL is hiring a Regional Coordinator, based in the Stockton/Lodi area with responsibility to continue to implement two highly successful CLBL Programs, the FARMS Leadership and SLEWS Programs. These programs reflect the needs and ambitions of the local communities and the coordinator must work closely with local farmers, teachers, natural resource professionals and community leaders to implement these programs. The position is located with CLBL’s lead partner, the USDA/NRCS Plant Materials Center in Lockeford. This is a full time (40 hr/week) position; occasional evenings and weekends will be necessary.

The FARMS Leadership Program provides an opportunity for 30 high school students and their teachers to learn about the relationship between science, agriculture and natural resource conservation though hands-on, real life experiences by attending monthly field days. Students are able to see and participate in innovative farming practices that are environmentally sensitive, conserve natural resources, and increase wildlife habitat. Through hands-on workshops, students learn by doing and are taught by University and natural resource agency mentors, farmers, Cooperative Extension Advisors and habitat restoration specialists. Each group of students at each high school commits to do a Community Action Project in addition to attending monthly field days.

The SLEWS Program represents a unique opportunity to implement high quality restoration projects in a way that engages the local community, supports public education and enhances the lives of young people. These projects enhance classroom learning, develop leadership skills and result in real habitat restoration. Students participate in 3-5 field days learning and working on a habitat restoration project. Throughout the year the Program Coordinator works closely with participating SLEWS teachers to help them take advantage of their project site as a place to introduce or emphasize classroom concepts and better engage students in their learning. The overall SLEWS experience introduces and prepares students for possible careers in agriculture, education and natural resource conservation, while developing their skills as leaders and their connection to the natural world.

Responsibilities:

Specific job responsibilities will include:

• Continued development of partnerships with local education, agriculture and natural resource-related organizations.
• Reaching out to local communities to build awareness and support for the FARMS and SLEWS programs
• Recruiting high school teachers and students for both programs.
• Developing partnerships with local farmers and ranchers to establish field day locations for both FARMS and SLEWS Programs.
• Developing partnerships with local post-secondary institutions for field day sites, mentor recruitment, workshop presenters, and overall collaboration in the area of educational opportunities for student participants.
• Holding regular meetings with teachers and partners to design SLEWS and FARMS field days.
• Working with partners to select, develop, design and plan restoration projects for SLEWS Program field days.
• Working with students, teachers, and mentors to select and implement research, service-learning, education, and community action projects for both the FARMS and SLEWS Programs.
• Coordinating and leading approximately 30 student field days per year.
• Handling all logistics, including food, mentors, equipment and supplies for all field days.
• Supporting teachers in developing and implementing classroom curricula to complement field day activities.
• Communicating regularly with participating students, teachers and partners about ongoing program activities.
• Recruiting and training partners, interns and volunteers to serve as mentors for student field days.
• Communicating regularly with the CLBL home office in Winters.
• Tracking and reporting all program activities regularly.
• Developing educational materials to support program curricula.
• Soliciting financial support from local, regional, and statewide organizations (grants, private donors, companies and businesses, organizations) that support educational activities in habitat restoration and sustainable agriculture.
• Building relationships with agriculture and restoration professionals and seeking funding partnerships with them through grants.
• Writing grants and grant reports.
• Maintaining the San Joaquin portion of the CLBL website.
• Working with local media to publicize local program activities.

Qualifications:

The San Joaquin Regional Coordinator should be a leader with a strong commitment to education, agriculture, ecology and land stewardship. The Coordinator should be self-motivated, flexible and capable of working effectively both alone and with a larger team.

Mandatory requirements:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree (or equivalent experience) in Education, Ecology or Agriculture.
• A minimum of two years professional experience managing and/or coordinating programs
• Experience working independently (e.g. at a satellite office)
• Experience working with diverse partners and stakeholders
• Experience working with youth, with a special emphasis on high school-aged youth

Qualified applicants should also have:

• A background in either formal or informal educational programs, including developing and implementing training programs
• A background in ecological restoration and/or sustainable agriculture.
• An ability to write and receive grants and raise funds
• Excellent communication, social and writing skills
• An ability and willingness to be flexible

Salary:

This is a full time position with a starting salary range of $40,000 - $50,000, commensurate with experience. Full benefits (health, dental, vision, flex plan, and 401K) are included after three months of employment.

How to Apply:

Direct inquiries, cover letter and resume to:

Shana Welles, San Joaquin Valley Regional Coordinator
Center for Land-Based Learning
PO Box 68
21001 N. Elliot Road
Lockeford, CA 95237
(209) 727-5319 x 15
shana@landbasedlearning.org

We highly encourage you to visit our website at www.landbasedlearning.org

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