Coordinator, Experiential Learning (Shaw Nature Reserve)

Summary:  

The Coordinator, Experiential Learning (SNR) leads the Shaw Institute for Field Training (SIFT), a flagship teen program that builds ecological knowledge, field science skills, and pathways into environmental careers. In addition to coordinating all aspects of SIFT—including program development, facilitation, partnerships, and student support—the Coordinator, Experiential Learning contributes to Shaw Nature Reserve’s environmental education efforts through the delivery of school programs, support of youth initiatives, and the development of handson learning experiences for diverse audiences.  This position is Full Time, 40 hours per week.   

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

Shaw Institute for Field Training  

• Coordinate all aspects of the Shaw Institute for Field Training (SIFT), including recruitment, program planning, scheduling, and yearround student engagement. 

• Facilitate fieldbased science, ecology, and stewardship programming; lead orientations, group checkins, and teen leadership development activities. 

• Partner with Washington University’s Tyson Research Center and other collaborators to support program delivery. 

• Maintain accurate program data and support evaluation of student learning and program outcomes. 

• Participate in the MBG Teen Network to coordinate crossprogram teen experiences and share communitybuilding activities across Garden locations.  

School & Youth Programs 

• Support facilitation of learning experiences for school and youth groups, including day and overnight programs. 

• Support school events, such as Missouri Day, and experiential learning initiatives as part of the school, youth, and teen programs team. 

• Create and maintain curriculum, educational materials, and digital resources needed for programming. 

• Attend outreach events to promote programs and build engagement. 
• Collaborate with colleagues across the Garden and external strategic partners on program planning and delivery. 

Other duties and responsibilities 

• Meets expected attendance guidelines.  

• Follows and adheres to established policies and procedures, including but not limited to Employee Handbook, Garden Safety Guidelines and Department Policies. 

• Behaves and communicates in a manner that promotes and fosters a culture of teamwork and cooperation, within our division and throughout the Garden, with co-workers, supervisors/managers, volunteers, visitors, and employees. 

• Ensures that all applicable safety standards are followed; informs students/volunteers of safety guidelines and safe working practices and routinely monitors to enforce them. Adapts or modifies work methods to reduce hazards.  Reports all accidents, injuries and near-miss accidents immediately. 
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

Supervisory Responsibilities: None 

Competencies:  

• Communication – Listens to others and asks questions for clarification; Writes clearly and presents information accurately; Speaks professionally and responds well to questions; Supports positive visitor relations. 

• Collaboration – Demonstrates teamwork and promotes respect in the workplace; Engages in problem solving and group initiatives; Cooperates in implementing procedures and process improvements; Strives for positive visitor experiences.  

• Accountability – Demonstrates commitment to responsibilities and adaptable to changes; Effectively prioritizes, troubleshoots and takes appropriate actions; Follows policies and procedures, meets deadlines, quality, and safety standards; Strives to proactively, address visitor and internal colleagues’ concerns. 

• Problem Solving – Identifies and resolves problems; Includes supervisor before taking action as necessary; Recommends solutions, demonstrates creativity and resourcefulness; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment in decision making process; Includes appropriate people in making decisions. 

• Stewardship – Promotes and adheres to sustainability, safety and security protocols; Fosters a culture of respect, diversity and inclusion; Demonstrates effective and prudent use of Garden resources; Maximizes contributions during work hours. 

Qualifications/Experience: 

• Three to five (3-5) years of experience designing and delivering outdoor science programming.  

• Experience designing and delivering teen programming, building relationships with community partners, and mentoring youth.  

• Must have exceptional project management skills, including the ability to coordinate and prioritize work tasks, set reasonable deadlines, and complete projects in a timely manner. 

• Scheduling flexibility to work weekends, evenings, and overnights is required.   

• The Garden is committed to the safety and wellbeing of our employees, volunteers, and guests.  All staff are strongly encouraged to receive all vaccinations as recommended by your healthcare provider prior to hiring date.  The Garden reserves the right to require future proof of current vaccination status, based on local health department guidelines.  When international travel is necessary for Garden business, staff must be able to obtain required travel clearances, driving permits, and vaccinations for all countries where travel is required.    
• The requirements and duties listed are representative and not exhaustive of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities required. 

Education:  

• Bachelor's degree in natural science, environmental science, science education, environmental education, ecology, career and technical education or substantial experience in experiential learning programs required. 
• An equivalent combination of skills, education, and experience may be considered. 

Language Skills: Ability to communicate effectively in English (oral and written). 

Mathematical Skills: Proficient college math aptitude - Requires ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication and division; calculate percentages and decimals, etc. Ability to understand and assist in developing project budgets. 

Reasoning Ability: This position requires the ability to exercise independent judgment in handling unpredictable customer service situations (that may arise with visitors, vendors or coworkers). 

Computer Skills: Microsoft Office Programs (Word, Excel PowerPoint and Publisher). Experience hosting virtual meetings a plus. 

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:  

• Must be able to obtain and maintain CPR/First Aid certification within six (6) months of hire. 

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license. 
• Must have the ability to pass a background screening and motor vehicle report (MVR) to meet minimum insurance underwriting criteria. 

Physical Demands:  

• Ability to use computer keyboard (typing). 

• May be required to perform tasks at varying heights (i.e., climb ladders, etc.). 

• Able to lift up to (30) pounds (i.e., load, unload and move supplies and equipment). 

• Ability to work indoors and out in various weather conditions. 

• Ability to work outdoors, with unavoidable variations in temperature and some uncomfortable conditions (i.e. wet, mosquitoes, ticks, chiggers, etc.). 

• Ability to walk up to three miles on uneven terrain on and off trails. 
• Ability to stand and move about entire facility for extended periods of time - 80% or more of the workday is standing on feet (e.g., extensive standing, walking, reaching and stooping). 

Work Environment: 

• Climate controlled buildings. 

• Shared office space. 
• Work outdoors in temperatures of (100°F or more), humid conditions, as well as temperatures below 0°F, in rain, snow and other inclement weather conditions and some uncomfortable conditions (i.e. wet, mosquitoes, ticks, chiggers, etc.) as needed. 

Contacts with Individuals/Organizations inside/outside the Garden:   

• Missouri Botanical Garden staff and strategic partners 

• Volunteers 

• Program participants  
• Visitors 

Supervisor (title not person): Senior Manager, Education, Events and Visitor Operations (SNR)