Part-time Community & Education Coordinator Nearby Nature Milwaukee

About Nearby Nature Milwaukee (NNM) Nearby Nature Milwaukee is an environmental justice and equity organization dedicated to building healthier communities by reconnecting diverse community members with nature. Through environmental education, outdoor recreation, stewardship, and community partnerships, we inspire youth, families, and neighborhoods to explore, protect, and enjoy the natural spaces in their own communities. Our programs are offered in schools, youth-serving agencies, neighborhood organizations, parks, and green spaces throughout Milwaukee. As our organization continues to grow, we are seeking an enthusiastic, creative, and community-minded Community & Education Coordinator to join our team. Position Summary 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. *Cultural competency and familiarity with these communities is highly valued. Physical Demands & Work Environment This position requires regular participation in both indoor and outdoor educational programming. The Community & Education Coordinator should be comfortable working in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, wind, light rain, and uneven terrain while maintaining a safe, engaging, and positive learning environment. The successful candidate must be able to: Walk, hike, and stand for extended periods on trails, parks, waterways, and natural areas. Lift, carry, and transport educational supplies and outdoor equipment weighing up to 40 pounds. Load and unload program materials from organization vehicles and trailers. Bend, kneel, reach, and perform physical tasks associated with setting up and breaking down program spaces. Participate in outdoor recreational activities alongside participants. Travel throughout Milwaukee to schools, parks, community centers, and partner organizations. Safely supervise youth and community participants during outdoor programs and field experiences. *Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. Schedule Part-time (20–30 hours per week) Flexible schedule including occasional evenings and weekends Opportunity for transition into a full-time position as the organization grows Compensation Starting Pay: $18.00-22.00 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications. Nearby Nature Milwaukee is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering an inclusive workplace. We encourage applicants from historically underrepresented communities, particularly those with lived experience in the neighborhoods we serve, to apply. We believe diverse perspectives strengthen our mission of connecting communities with nature and advancing environmental just #J-18808-Ljbffr Ourlivesmadison