The Dangermond Preserve Outreach and Environmental Education Associate supports the design, delivery, and expansion of the outreach programs and partnership engagement activities at the Jack and Laura Dangermond Preserve, with a primary focus on environmental education.
The Outreach and Environmental Education Associate helps connect diverse audiences to the Dangermond Preserve’s mission through educational programming, community engagement, and public-facing communication. The Associate provides essential skills to lead environmental education programs such as collaborating with school district and teacher partners, managing effective curriculum development, and designing impactful education pathways for local youth. The Associate will also support broader outreach priorities, including Chumash engagement, managed public access, and volunteer programs, while amplifying the science, restoration, and stewardship work happening across the Dangermond Preserve. This position currently has a two year term, with possibility for extension.
RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE
- Leads the delivery of established environmental education programs, while applying creativity and effective collaboration to develop and test new approaches.
- Works with local communities to identify key partners for program delivery and implementation.
- Partners with leaders in science and education to continue developing lesson plans and curriculum specific to the Preserve.
- Assists with seasonal outreach cycles by coordinating logistics, materials, and on-site support while balancing ecological integrity with public access.
- Help maintain a welcoming, safe, and inclusive visitor experience.
- Financial responsibility may include working within/managing a budget to complete projects, negotiating and contracting with vendors, assisting with budget development, and meeting fundraising targets.
- Ensures program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
- Under minimal supervision, makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience and context.
- May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
- Expected to be on site once per week and occasionally 2-4 times per week.
- Will occasionally attend community events in the Santa Barbara County area.