POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT
Restoration Education Project Leader

Organization Description Founded in 1999, Institute for Applied Ecology is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization with a mission to conserve native ecosystems through restoration, research and education. With 21 full time employees and 10-12 seasonal positions, we are a growing and dynamic organization. For more information, visit our website at: www.appliedeco.org.

Program Description The Ecological Education Program at the Institute for Applied Ecology offers opportunities for K-12 students, teachers, and adult community members to engage in meaningful, place-based education through school programs, summer teacher workshops, Community Learning Courses, and volunteer work. Our education programs are experiential, skill building, and service-learning oriented. The RARE (Restoration and Reintroduction Education) Partnership promotes school and community involvement in the reintroduction of rare and endangered plants and the restoration of the habitats that support them. The RESTORE Institute will restore native ecosystems on school grounds to provide outdoor classrooms to inspire the stewards of tomorrow. Finally, IAE is creating a Native Plants curriculum for Oregon's K-12 teachers and informal learning communities.

Position Description The Restoration Education Project Leader will be the main coordinator for one of IAE?s stewardship-based education programs as described above. It will begin as a part-time position with the opportunity to expand to full time if funds become available. Position will offer a fulfilling career in place-based education in a productive and fun work environment. Duties will include, but are not limited to the following:

Community Education
- Design and implement innovative educational programming for hands-on, stewardship- based service learning programs in Corvallis, OR and surrounding areas - Design lessons and background information for curriculum about native plants and restoration - Collaborate with partner organizations, other IAE staff, and local land managers and educators to maximize success of educational programming and sustainability in the Corvallis area

Project Management and Coordination
   - Seek and submit grant proposals to secure additional program funding
   - Provide leadership and support for AmeriCorps member
- Manage grants and contracts and ensure accountability to funders via reports
   - Recruit, train and support volunteers
   - Coordinate with other IAE staff to maximize cooperation
   - Coordinate with Education Director to manage tasks

Plant Propagation and Field Work
- Manage greenhouse propagation of native, rare and endangered plants at IAE greenhouse as well as school greenhouses - Work with local land managers and teachers to evaluate potential restoration sites
   - Monitor plantings and restoration sites
   - Work with local volunteers and students to plant native plants
   - Collect seeds of native species for grow out with schools as needed

Required Qualifications
- Bachelor?s degree in botany, ecology, natural resources, or education PLUS a minimum of 2 years experience in either botany, restoration ecology or environmental education
   - Hands on teaching experience, preferably with K-12
   - Knowledge/experience or strong interest in botany or restoration ecology
   - Ability to work alone or in a group
   - Positive and outgoing personality
   - Patience for working with kids and adults in an outdoor setting
   - Experience propagating plants, preferably native plants
   - Highly organized
- Able to adapt to changing work environment, juggling multiple projects, and uncertain funding situations
   - Willingness to write grants
   - Strong leadership skills and an ability to take initiative
   - Excellent public speaking and writing skills

Additional Desired Qualifications
   - Experience writing and submitting grants and associated reporting
   - Experience writing and evaluating educational curriculum
   - Experience designing and using educational evaluation techniques

Compensation:  Commensurate with experience and availability of funds

To apply: Send resume and cover letter with three professional or academic references to Jen Cramer, Education Director, [EMAIL PROTECTED] or PO Box 2855, Corvallis, OR 97333. Electronic applications encouraged. Applications will be reviewed beginning July 1, 2008 and continue until a suitable candidate is found.

Institute for Applied Ecology is an equal opportunity employer and encourages and honors diversity in the workplace.

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