Senior Environmental Outreach Coordinator

St. Lucie County Florida; Florida; On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

St. Lucie County is seeking a Senior Environmental Outreach Coordinator to lead volunteer programs, public engagement, and environmental education across the ERD.

You will oversee multiple volunteer and internship programs, develop partnerships with community groups and schools, and drive eco-heritage tourism efforts. Under the Environmental Education & Community Outreach Manager, you will plan events, evaluate outreach impact, and prepare reports while maintaining a strong customer service

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred.
• Excellent written, verbal, and public speaking communication skills.
• Ability to lead teams and manage multiple projects with minimal supervision.
• Experience with event planning, training development, and community engagement.

Responsibilities

• Volunteer Program Management: manage and expand volunteer programs and oversee recruitment, training, placement, supervision, recognition, and retention.
• Community Outreach & Education: coordinate outreach events and educational programs to foster public engagement and environmental awareness.
• Strategic Partnerships & Program Development: establish and support a Community Support Organization or Friends Group; cultivate partnerships with local entities.
• Administrative & Operational Support: assist with grant writing, policy development, and site management; ensure strong customer service and ADA compliance.

Skills

Written communication

Public speaking

Verbal communication

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Education, Natural Resources, Public Administration, or related field

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Publisher

Microsoft Outlook

Database management

Internet research

Social media

Job description

The Senior Environmental Outreach Coordinator is a professional role responsible for managing and expanding the Environmental Resources Department’s (ERD) volunteer programs, community outreach initiatives, and strategic environmental education efforts. This position plays a key role in promoting environmental stewardship, coordinating meaningful service opportunities, developing partnerships, and supporting eco-heritage tourism efforts within the region. Working under the direction of the Environmental Education & Community Outreach Manager, the Coordinator will oversee multiple volunteer and internship programs, lead public engagement activities, support event planning, and contribute to the strategic growth and evaluation of outreach programs.

Volunteer Program Management

• Manage and expand volunteer programs including Preserve Pals, Service Learning, Youth Leadership, Skills-Based Volunteering, and Citizen Science.
• Oversee recruitment, training, placement, supervision, recognition, and retention strategies for volunteers.
• Develop and maintain volunteer manuals, training materials, and standard operating procedures.
• Evaluate program effectiveness and prepare monthly and annual reports on volunteer impact.

Community Outreach & Education

• Coordinate and implement outreach events and educational programs to foster public engagement and environmental awareness.
• Lead or support the planning and execution of small- and large-scale community events.
• Promote environmental stewardship through presentations, workshops, and public events.
• Assist in the development and delivery of interpretive and educational materials.

Strategic Partnerships & Program Development

• Assist in establishing and supporting a 501(c)(3) Community Support Organization or Friends Group.
• Cultivate relationships with local businesses, schools, community groups, and donors.
• Support development of new internship opportunities and strengthen existing partnerships.
• Collaborate with county staff and external partners to align outreach strategies with ERD’s mission and goals.

Administrative & Operational Support

• Assist with grant writing, implementation, and reporting.
• Contribute to policy development and strategic planning for the Environmental Education and Community Outreach Division.
• Support facility operations including animal care, visitor services, and general site management as needed.
• Uphold a strong customer service ethic, ensuring community needs are prioritized in program delivery.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• This position requires the ability to perform moderate physical activity, including walking on uneven terrain, lifting up to 30 pounds, and participating in outdoor events in varying weather conditions. Occasional animal handling and site maintenance tasks may be required.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS AND WORK HAZARDS:

Work is performed in both office and field settings, including nature preserves, public event spaces, and community venues. Exposure to environmental elements such as heat, insects, and wildlife is common. Adherence to safety protocols is essential during outreach events and facility operations.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:

This job description is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of all the responsibilities, skills or working conditions associated with the position. While it is intended to accurately reflect the position activities and requirements, Management reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties and assign other duties as necessary that are a logical assignment to the position.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE/RECOVERY ACTIVITIES:

County employees are considered essential personnel in providing and continuing services to our community during and following a disaster, such as a hurricane, or in other emergency situations. As a requirement of County employment, County employees are subject to being required to remain at work during an event, respond to a recall immediately following an event and/or immediately reporting to work when an all clear is declared by the County Administrator. During these types of events, County employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location, and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.

ADA STATEMENT:

A qualified employee or applicant with a disability may be afforded a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential job functions of a position in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

EEO STATEMENT:

St. Lucie County BOCC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected status. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state and local laws.

Candidates should possess a solid foundational background that demonstrates their ability to engage with the responsibilities of the role effectively.

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Education, Natural Resources, Public Administration, or a related field required; Master’s preferred.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in environmental outreach, volunteer coordination, or related roles.
• Knowledge of regional flora, fauna, ecological concepts, and environmental issues.
• Strong understanding of volunteer management best practices, eco-heritage tourism, and environmental education.
• Excellent written, verbal, and public speaking communication skills.
• Proven ability to lead teams, resolve conflicts, and foster collaborative partnerships.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Experience with event planning, training development, and community engagement.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Publisher, Outlook), database management, and internet research; social media proficiency is a plus.
• Flexible schedule availability including evenings and weekends as needed.
• Valid FL driver’s license and ability to travel locally.
• Ability to drive a county vehicle pulling a small trailer or willingness to learn.

Pay Grade G204

Driving Position – Operating County vehicles and/or equipment is a primary function of this position.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT SCREENING: This position requires a physical, drug testing, driver's license verification and level 2 background screening which includes fingerprinting.