National Park Trust

Salary: Salary is $50,000

Job Type: Full-time, regular staff member

Reports to: Senior Director of Youth Programs

Location: Rockville, MD

Work Type: This is a Maryland-based position with expectations ranging from full-time in-office work to a blend of remote and in-office work with travel depending on the needs of the Park Trust.

About National Park Trust

We believe our public parks, lands, and waters should be cared for, enjoyed by, and preserved by all for current and future generations. We accomplish this goal through our mission to preserve parks today and to create park stewards for tomorrow.

National Park Trust protects our national parks and expands access to public lands and water, so the next generation grows up connected to America’s parks. By safeguarding places before they are threatened and opening the door to meaningful park experiences, we turn access into lifelong care. 

Position Overview

Candidates must demonstrate enthusiasm and the ability to lead K-12 students of all backgrounds, identities, and abilities in outdoor learning. Strong interpersonal communication skills are a must for maintaining positive partnerships with stakeholders. Individuals must be able to manage multiple projects and programs independently. Candidates must be based in the D.C. metropolitan area.

Candidates would work with other members of the Youth and Family Programs team on several of the Park Trust’s national youth programs, including the Buddy Bison School Program, Kids to Parks Day, and other grant-based park experience programs (supporting 250+ schools). The Education Coordinator works directly with teachers of their assigned schools, parks, and other partner organizations to develop, curate, and execute experiential education programs. 

Position Description:

Youth Education Programs (80%)

• Assist in all aspects of the Park Trust’s expanding national outdoor youth education programs.
• Administer and coordinate in-person and virtual park experiences for assigned Buddy Bison schools nationwide. These include facilitating logistics, acting as the program lead with parks, schools, and various program partners, preparing trip informational sheets, and tracking funding use. 
  • In-state and out-of-state travel will be required for Buddy Bison school events. 
  • Written reports will need to be prepared for Buddy Bison trips, and clear communication maintained regarding all trip details with the Senior Director of Youth Programs.
• Contribute to regularly scheduled youth program meetings and monthly staff meetings.
• Develop educational materials, including lesson plans, videos, toolkits, newsletters, and social media posts.
• As needed, assist in implementing the annual Kids to Parks National School Grants.

Development/Operations/Other Duties (20%) 

• Maintain an organized collection of photos, teacher testimonials, student work, and other collateral for use in development and marketing efforts.
• Assist the development team with grant content and other fundraising materials as needed.
• Assist communications team with social media content, newsletters, and website updates as needed.
• Assist youth programs team with inventory purchase, stocking, shipments, and tracking.
• Administer Buddy Bison mascot costume rental program, including contract management, scheduling, shipping, and cleaning.
• Assist the Senior Director of Youth Programs in preparing materials for board reports.

Skills and Qualifications:

• 4-year college degree from an accredited college or university.
• While this is an entry-level position, prior teaching or informal education experience is strongly desired.
• Passion for parks and the outdoors.
• Strong communication skills (written, phone, and in-person). Written documents will include email communications, newsletters, press releases, website content, social media, etc. 
• Excellent organization skills, with the ability to multitask and pay attention to details. 
• Outstanding interpersonal skills, with the ability to work well in a team or independently, as needed.
• Creative and open to expressing new ideas to improve programming and troubleshoot issues. 
• Proficient in Microsoft and Google suites of applications.
• Basic understanding of social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter).
• Willing to be flexible with hours depending on the organization's needs, including out-of-state travel and occasional weekend travel and work. 

Special Requirements

• Due to working with youth and families, the candidate must satisfactorily complete a criminal background check.
• First aid training will be required (no active certification is necessary to apply, but you must be willing to be certified). 

Physical Requirements

• Some physical exertion is associated with park activities.
• Lifting items to 45 lbs.
• Valid driver’s license and access to a car.
• Local and overnight travel, including occasional weekend work/travel, will be required.

Benefits

• 401(k) plan with company match.
• Health and dental insurance with a vision program.
• Flexible spending account
• Life insurance, short-term, and long-term disability insurance.
• Vacation, sick leave, and observance of all federal holidays.

BE PREPARED TO SUBMIT WITH YOUR APPLICATION:

1. Cover letter explaining why you are interested in working at the National Park Trust and what you hope to contribute to the position and organization.

2. Resume

3. References will be required upon request.

National Park Trust is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not tolerate unlawful discrimination or harassment. We seek diversity in thought, background, and experience among our staff, Board of Trustees, donors, and partners. Diversity within our organization informs our programming, strengthens our partnerships, and enables us to serve diverse stakeholders and communities effectively. National Park Trust follows all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding non-discriminatory hiring and employment practices. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.