Environmental Education Coordinator

At the State of Connecticut, Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP), we are dedicated to conserving, improving and protecting our natural resources and the environment and increasing the availability of cheaper, cleaner and more reliable energy. 

Within the Bureau of Outdoor Recreation, State Parks and Public Outreach Division, our mission is to provide natural resource-based outdoor recreational and educational opportunities through a system of state parks and forest recreation areas, educational centers and nature centers.

Dinosaur State Park in Rocky Hill is a special and unique place.  Designated as a National Natural Landmark, the 60 acre park is the home of the Connecticut State Fossil Eubrontes.  The result of an accidental discovery in 1966, the site has 2,000 early Jurassic theropod footprints preserved in gray sandstone.  About 600 of the tracks are on view to the public inside a geodesic dome which serves as a museum.  In addition to the tracks and related exhibits, the museum includes a Discovery Room, Auditorium and Gift Shop. 

Outdoors there are 2.5 miles of hiking trails, track-casting and mining activities (seasonal), a picnic area, an Arboretum of Evolution and a picnic area.  The Park provides guided field trip opportunities for schools during the school year and less formal, family oriented education programs on weekends, school vacations and during the summer.  The Park has an active Friends group that runs the gift shop, provides volunteers and helps sponsor special events and other activities.  Annual visitation averages approximately 45,000 visitors.  It is a year round facility.  

Dinosaur State Park is currently recruiting for an Environmental Education Coordinator.

This position is full-time, forty (40) hours per week, with frequent weekend and occasional evening work.

Applicants must submit a resume within the "Resume" tab of their applications.

Questions about this position should be directed to the hiring agency's human resources office:  DEEP.HumanResources@ct.gov, (860)424-3006. 

This position is competitive. Open to the public.

Applicants invited to interview will be requested to supply the following:

Current State Employees- Last two (2) performance appraisals and attendance records for the last two (2) years;

Non-State Employees- three (3) professional references, with contact information.

In the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, this class is accountable for supervising staff engaged in the development, operations and programs of an Environmental Education and Interpretive Service Center.

Schedules, assigns, oversees and reviews work of staff; provides staff training and assistance; conducts performance evaluations; develops or makes recommendations on the development of policies and standards; develops and administers overall programs, objectives and guidelines; supervises the planning, development and implementation of in service workshops, continuing educational programs and interpretive programs for the general public; reviews, evaluates and makes recommendations on management plans and prospectus proposals related to environmental education and interpretation; directs the daily activities of the center; establishes and maintains close liaison with local, state and federal conservation agencies, environmental organizations, schools, civic organizations, businesses and the public concerned with natural resources, conservation and environmental education; prepares and makes recommendations on budgetary requirements for the center; develops exhibits and informative material for use through the center's programs and services; conducts lectures and demonstrations; prepares reports and correspondence; performs related duties as required.

Knowledge of principles and practices in operations, management and implementation of an environmental education and interpretive program; knowledge of principles and practices applied in planning and conducting a public relations program for an environmental education center; knowledge of environmental problems, their issues and solutions to these problems; interpersonal skills; considerable oral and written communication skills; ability to plan and organize an environmental education and interpretive services program; ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with field personnel, educational personnel, civic groups, environmental organizations, businesses, industries and the public; ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, both oral and written; ability to utilize computer software; supervisory ability.

Eight (8) years of experience in the field of environmental science, natural resources or environmental education.

Two (2) years of the General Experience must have been in planning and implementing environmental or natural resource center programs.

A Bachelor's degree in environmental education, environmental science or natural resources may be substituted for four (4) years of the General Experience.

 A Bachelor's degree  in environmental education, environmental sciences or natural resources.

Degree or relevant experience in geology, paleontology, botany or biology.

Experience in developing and presenting educational programs for diverse age groups.

Demonstration of successfully recruiting, engaging and directing individual volunteers and volunteer support groups.

Leading and supervising staff.

Developing and implementing communications, interpretive and outreach tools to advance the message or mission of your organization.

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.