Community & Education Coordinator

Nearby Nature Milwaukee; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Nearby Nature Milwaukee seeks a Community & Education Coordinator to lead and co-lead environmental education programs, engaging youth, adults, families, schools, and community organizations to inspire connections with nature.

The role focuses on inquiry-based learning about natural history, ecology, conservation, environmental justice, and outdoor recreation, while building partnerships, mentoring interns and volunteers, and supporting organizational growth.

Qualifications

• Education or experience in environmental science, natural sciences, ecology, education, recreation, or a related field.
• Experience working with children and youth.
• Experience facilitating educational or community groups.
• Experience working with diverse populations.

Responsibilities

• Design and facilitate engaging environmental education programs for community members.
• Develop lesson plans aligned with learning objectives and culturally relevant.
• Lead outdoor learning experiences in parks and natural areas.
• Adapt instruction to diverse learning styles and abilities.

Skills

Communication

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Adapt instruction

Independent & collaborative work

Driver's License

Education

Environmental science or related field

Job description

The Community & Education Coordinator is responsible for leading and co-leading environmental education programs while supporting community outreach, volunteer engagement, and organizational operations. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys working with youth, adults, families, schools, and community organizations while inspiring people to connect with nature.

The successful candidate will implement innovative, inquiry-based environmental education experiences focused on natural history, ecology, conservation, environmental justice, and outdoor recreation. The Coordinator will also help build community partnerships, support organizational events, mentor interns and volunteers, and contribute to the continued growth of Nearby Nature Milwaukee.

Primary Responsibilities

• Design and facilitate engaging environmental education programs for community members.
• Develop lesson plans that are culturally relevant and aligned with learning objectives.
• Lead outdoor learning experiences in parks and other natural areas.
• Adapt instruction to meet diverse learning styles and participant abilities.
• Plan and facilitate environmental stewardship projects, field trips, and outdoor adventures.
• Supervise volunteers assisting with any and all programming.

• Communicate regularly with partners and neighborhood residents regarding programs and events.
• Build and maintain relationships with community partners.
• Identify opportunities for collaborative programming and new partnerships.
• Represent Nearby Nature Milwaukee at community meetings, and outreach events.
• Assist with outreach, recruitment, publicity, and participant engagement.

Program Operations

• Prepare, organize, transport, and maintain educational supplies and equipment.
• Organize and maintain educational spaces and storage areas.
• Set up and break down off-site program locations.
• Ensure educational environments are safe, welcoming, and accessible.
• Start and conclude programs on schedule.

Communications

• Assist in developing promotional materials for programs and events.
• Contribute content for the organization's website, newsletters, and social media platforms.
• Promote Nearby Nature Milwaukee programs within the community.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Attend staff meetings and professional development trainings.
• Maintain attendance records, program documentation, activity logs, and other reports as assigned.
• Assist with volunteer recruitment, training scheduling, and supervision.
• Support fundraising events and community celebrations, including signature events.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Director.

Qualifications Required

• Education or experience in environmental science, natural sciences, ecology, education, recreation, or a related field.
• Experience working with children and youth.
• Experience facilitating educational or community groups.
• Experience working with diverse populations.
• Strong communication, organization, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to adapt instruction to participants with varied learning styles and abilities.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Driver's License

Preferred

• Experience in environmental education or outdoor recreation programming.
• Experience working within community-based organizations.
• Knowledge of Milwaukee neighborhoods and community organizations.
• Current First Aid and CPR certification or willingness to obtain certification.

Ideal Candidate

• Is passionate about environmental justice, community engagement, and outdoor education.
• Enjoys inspiring children and adults to explore and protect the natural world.
• Demonstrates creativity, initiative, flexibility, and optimism.
• Builds strong relationships with community organizations and volunteers.
• Works effectively with minimal supervision.
• Is dependable, organized, and accountable.
• Demonstrates professionalism and cultural humility in all interactions.
• Thrives in collaborative, team-oriented environments.

Applicants with strong community ties to Milwaukee neighborhoods are especially encouraged to apply.

Working Conditions & Locations

Most programming takes place outdoors throughout the year in a variety of weather conditions. Programming occurs in neighborhood parks, schools, community centers, waterways, trails, and green spaces across Milwaukee.