Community Specialist

Kentucky Association for Environmental Education; Frankfort (KY); On-site; USD 36,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Kentucky Association for Environmental Education is seeking a Community and Water Engagement Specialist to lead local environmental education initiatives focused on water resources. The role requires building partnerships with schools, community groups, and agencies in Kentucky, coordinating workshops, and delivering engaging programs on-site in Elizabethtown.

You will respond to inquiries, support participants, and help collect feedback to improve KAEE services.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in environmental studies, education, communications, or related field.
• Minimum strong interpersonal and community engagement experience.
• Effective verbal and written communication for education, outreach and public presentations.
• Customer service and event coordination experience.
• On-site work in Elizabethtown, KY with occasional travel within Kentucky.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills; ability to manage multiple projects.
• Proficiency with standard office software and digital communication tools.

Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver community-focused environmental education programs with emphasis on water resources and watershed health.
• Build and maintain relationships with community members, schools, partner organizations, and local agencies to coordinate events and outreach.
• Engage residents and educators, respond to inquiries, support program participants, and collect feedback to improve services.
• Develop educational materials and assist with grant reporting.
• Represent KAEE at community meetings and public events to raise awareness and participation.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Community engagement

Verbal and written communication

Customer service

Organization & time management

Office software

Public speaking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in environmental studies, education, communications, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Digital outreach platforms

Job description

Company Description

The Kentucky Association for Environmental Education (KAEE) is a nonprofit organization that serves as the umbrella for environmental education across Kentucky, connecting and supporting educators statewide. KAEE’s mission is to increase environmental knowledge and community engagement through high-quality environmental education. The organization focuses on helping people of all ages understand environmental issues and the impact of their choices on the natural world. By building skills, influencing attitudes, and inspiring action, KAEE promotes informed, responsible decisions that foster lifelong environmental stewardship. KAEE’s work supports a more sustainable society through education, collaboration, and community-driven initiatives.

Role Description

The Community and Water Engagement Specialist is a full-time, on-site role based in Elizabethtown, KY. This position is responsible for planning and delivering community-focused environmental education programs with a strong emphasis on water resources, watershed health, and local conservation issues. The Specialist will build and maintain relationships with community members, schools, partner organizations, and local agencies to coordinate events, workshops, and outreach activities. Daily responsibilities include engaging with residents and educators, responding to inquiries, supporting program participants, and collecting feedback to improve services. The role also includes developing educational materials, assisting with grant-related reporting, and representing KAEE at community meetings and public events to strengthen awareness and participation in environmental and water-related initiatives.

Qualifications

• Strong interpersonal skills and community engagement experience to build trust and foster partnerships with diverse stakeholders.
• Effective communication skills, including clear verbal and written communication for education, outreach, and public presentations.
• Customer service and community management abilities to respond to community needs, support program participants, and coordinate events.
• Knowledge of environmental education principles, water resources, or related fields; experience with community-based environmental or conservation programs is preferred.
• Ability to work on-site in Elizabethtown, KY, with occasional travel within Kentucky for meetings, events, and trainings.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency with standard office software and digital communication tools; comfort using online platforms for outreach and program coordination.
• Bachelor’s degree in environmental studies, education, communications, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.