Environmental Educator and Outreach Specialist

Job Title: Environmental Educator and Outreach Specialist - Greater Victoria and Saanich Peninsula

Organization: Peninsula Streams Society

Location: Greater Victoria and Saanich Peninsula, (Hybrid)

Job Type: Full-Time

Anticipated Salary: $25-35 / hour (37.5 hours/week) dependent on experience

About Peninsula Streams Society : Peninsula Streams Society is a small, but mighty, grassroots environmental non-governmental organisation (NGO) dedicated to promoting environmental conservation through education, stewardship, and participatory research in the Greater Victoria and Saanich Peninsula regions in the Traditional Territories of the WSANEC and Lekwungen Peoples. For over 20 years we have pursued our mission to protect and restore aquatic and riparian habitats and to educate communities, engage stakeholders, and advocate for positive change. Join our dynamic team and make a meaningful impact in leading the building and delivering environmental education and outreach programs that contribute and synergize with our ongoing stewardship and conservation initiatives. We offer competitive compensation packages and flexible work conditions with opportunities for professional development and growth.

Position Overview : We are currently seeking a passionate and dedicated Environmental Educator and Outreach Specialist to join our team. In this role, you will lead the synthesis, design, and implementation of our educational programs and initiatives that raise awareness about local environmental issues, and promote sustainable practices specific to the Streams and Shoreline ecosystems of Greater Victoria and Saanich Peninsula. You will build collaborative partnerships with schools, communities, and other stakeholders and partners in the area, to develop engaging strategies and materials. This position offers an exciting opportunity to inspire and empower youth in our communities to take positive actions towards healthier and sustainable ecosystems in our region.

Responsibilities :

• Develop and deliver comprehensive environmental education programs, workshops, and presentations for diverse audiences in Greater Victoria and the Saanich Peninsula, including students, teachers, Indigenous and settler communities, and the general public.
• Update existing and/or create engaging educational materials, such as lesson plans, brochures, and interactive activities, that align with environmental curriculum standards and address local environmental challenges and conservation efforts.
• Collaborate with schools in the Greater Victoria and Saanich Peninsula area to integrate localized environmental education into their curriculum and extracurricular activities.
• Organize and lead field trips, nature walks, and environmental awareness campaigns specific to the natural features and habitats of our region to foster a deeper connection with the local ecosystem.
• Supervise junior staff delivering EE programs.
• Conduct research on local environmental topics, staying up to date with the latest trends and developments, and incorporate relevant information into educational materials and presentations.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with local community partners, Indigenous groups, NGOs, and government agencies in Greater Victoria and the Saanich Peninsula to facilitate collaborative environmental initiatives.
• Plan and coordinate community events, workshops, and conferences specific to our region to promote environmental awareness and engage the public in sustainable practices within our local context.
• Utilize social media platforms and digital communication tools to expand the reach of educational programs and increase public engagement in Greater Victoria and the Saanich Peninsula.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of educational programs through data collection, surveys, and feedback, and make improvements accordingly to better serve our local community and report on efforts to funders, members, and partners.
• Stay informed about funding opportunities specific to the Greater Victoria and Saanich Peninsula areas and utilize grant writing skills and experience to secure funding.

Desired Qualifications :

• Bachelor's or Master's degree (completed or enrolled) in Environmental Science, Ecology, Education, or a related field.
• Proven experience in environmental education, outreach, or related areas, preferably within the Greater Victoria and Saanich Peninsula regions.
• Strong knowledge of local environmental issues, cultural and conservation practices, and sustainability principles specific to our region.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively convey complex concepts to diverse audiences and ages, including Indigenous communities.
• Experience in curriculum development and designing educational materials tailored to specific geographical areas.
• Proficiency in using technology and digital tools for educational purposes
• Ability