Education And Outreach Sustainability Specialist

Are you passionate about youth climate education and outreach programs that have a positive impact on San Mateo County communities? Would you like to join a team of enthusiastic and innovative professionals advancing the County’s environmental sustainability initiatives and partnerships?

The County of San Mateo's Office of Sustainability (OOS) seeks qualified candidates for the position of Education and Outreach Sustainability Specialist I/II - Limited Term. We are looking for candidates with excellent project management, youth engagement, and communication skills to coordinate environmental education and outreach projects. We are committed to building a diverse staff and strongly encourage candidates from varied backgrounds to apply.

Under the general direction of the Communications Officer, the Education and Outreach Sustainability Specialist I/II will coordinate two climate change education programs for high school and middle school youth, the Youth Climate Ambassadors (YCA) Leadership Program, and the Youth Exploring Climate Science (YECS) Program. The position will also coordinate outreach and community engagement activities to promote sustainability initiatives within the County and the community.

The Position

The Education and Outreach Sustainability Specialist I/II will coordinate the youth climate education programs and implement programs in partnership with County and community partners that increase youth understanding of climate science and increase youth engagement in local climate solutions. This position also coordinates outreach and engagement activities to increase and maintain public awareness of the department’s purpose, services/programs, and accomplishments. The ideal candidate will have strong project management skills, excellent communication skills, experience working with youth, and a background in climate change or sustainability or environmental science.

As an Education and Outreach Sustainability Specialist I/II, you will:

• Coordinate the Youth Climate Ambassadors (YCA) Leadership Program, including facilitating workshops, coordinating with YCA staff, planning Program retreats, and providing youth mentorship and guidance for YCA Community Impact Projects.
• Manage, schedule, and lead field trips with high school youth throughout San Mateo County.
• Incorporate the perspectives of multiple communities, including communities of color, in the consideration of impacts and outcomes of a project or initiative.
• Accurately record and track education efforts.
• Coordinate the YCA Alumni Network.
• Incorporate racial equity and social justice into all aspects of your work.
• Coordinate tabling for the Office of Sustainability at community events such as Earth Day events, neighborhood fairs, etc.
• Teach climate change curricula to grades 7-12 in the classroom and field, update curricula as needed and make clear connections to environmental justice.
• Develop and update website content for the YECS and YCA sites.
• Respond to inquiries via phone, email, and website.
• Empower youth to be environmental stewards and take action on climate change in their communities.
• Assist with meeting facilitation, website updates, social media, Earth Day events, and other duties as needed.

The IDEAL CANDIDATE has:

• Strong organizational skills – has experience tracking projects with a high level of organization.
• Independence – can "hit the ground running" and work with minimal supervision.
• Flexibility – able to change course quickly and effectively.
• Time management and prioritization skills – able to effectively manage time between multiple projects.
• Environmental science teaching experience or experience as an environmental educator – demonstrated success in informal or formal education for grades K-12.
• Excellent project management skills.
• Bilingual language skills – Spanish or Mandarin preferred.
• Superb communication skills – able to communicate and distill complex concepts to a variety of audiences with varying ages.
• Strong understanding of climate change and environmental justice.
• Experience working with communities that represent diversity in race, ethnicity, income, language, and disability status.
• Strong interpersonal skills – able to easily connect and engage, with tact and courtesy, with youth, stakeholders, and the public. Demonstrated ability to deal effectively with people in difficult or controversial situations.

Application/Examination

This recruitment is for a limited term position. Anyone may apply.

Application Materials: The following are required to be submitted:

1. Regular online County Employment Application Form, including completion of the Supplemental Questionnaire.
2. Resume.
3. Cover letter expressing your interest in the position and how your education and/or experience qualify you for the position.

~ TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE ~

Application Deadline: July 18, 2023, 11:59 PM PST

Application Screening: July 19-20, 2023, 11:59 PM PST

Panel Interview: July 26, 27 and/or 28, 2023

For questions about this recruitment please contact Chet Overstreet at [email protected]