EDUCATION SPECIALIST Dedicated, energetic educator needed for a new=20 full time position at the Chihuahuan Desert=20 Nature Park in Las Cruces, New Mexico. The Nature=20 Park is a nonprofit organization that works to=20 increase scientific literacy by providing science=20 education programs for more than 12,000 K-12=20 students, 600 teachers and 2,000 other adults=20 each year in southern New Mexico and West Texas.=20 The 960-acre Nature Park site is under=20 development and currently features a science=20 demonstration site, 1.5-mile hiking trail,=20 150-seat amphitheater, picnic facilities, and=20 restrooms. The Education Specialist will work=20 with other staff and volunteers on the Nature=20 Park=92s education programs, site development,=20 fundraising, and volunteer management (see=20 details below). Must be flexible and willing to=20 work long hours and weekends during some weeks=20 when large projects or events are underway. The=20 Chihuahuan Desert Nature Park is an equal opportunity employer (EOE), M/F.
Responsibilities: 1) Work with staff and volunteers to=20 schedule, plan and deliver the Nature Park=92s=20 science education programs (field trips,=20 classroom visits, schoolyard ecology project,=20 teacher workshops, public programs, and annual=20 events) to K-12 students, teachers, and other adults. 2) Manage the volunteer program, including=20 recruiting and training new volunteers, managing=20 volunteer work, and providing volunteer=20 recognition to more than 200 volunteers who donate 2,000 hours annually. 3) Work with the Executive Director and Site=20 Development Committee to coordinate and implement=20 development plans at the Nature Park site=20 (additional trails, hands-on displays and=20 interpretive signs, visitor=92s center). 4) Other tasks as needed. Qualifications: =B7 Demonstrated excellent ability to=20 communicate the scientific method and natural=20 science concepts in an age-appropriate manner to=20 K-12 students, teachers and other adults =B7 B.A. or B.S. in natural science or related field =B7 Extremely well organized and capable of=20 juggling multiple projects and tasks =B7 Excellent record of completing assigned tasks in a timely manner =B7 Good writing and public speaking skills =B7 Valid U.S. driver=92s license =B7 Knowledge of desert ecology desirable =B7 Experience working with and managing volunteers desirable =B7 Spanish fluency highly desirable Salary: $27,000/year; 12 paid holidays; no other benefits Duration: 1 year with high probability of=20 extension contingent on performance and funding Start Date: Flexible (March 6 or before preferred) Application Deadline: January 31 or until position is filled To Apply: Please send a cover letter, resume,=20 college transcripts, and contact information for=20 three references (name, position, phone, email and mailing address) to: Dr. Stephanie Bestelmeyer, Executive Director,=20 Chihuahuan Desert Nature Park, P.O. Box 891, Las Cruces, NM 88004 Phone: 505-524-3334 E-mail: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]>[EMAIL PROTECTED] (E-mail submissions welcome =96 attachments must be in Microsoft Word or= pdf) Nature Park web site: <http://www.cdnp.org/>www.cdnp.org Stephanie V. Bestelmeyer, Ph.D. Executive Director Chihuahuan Desert Nature Park P.O. Box 891 Las Cruces, NM 88004 505-524-3334 voice 505-523-2866 fax www.cdnp.org
