Education Director for Pinelands Adventures

Pinelands Adventures is the premier paddling outfitter in New Jersey’s Pine Barrens providing paddling trips, hikes and small group bus tours featuring Pine Barrens ecology, culture and history for the public, schools and groups. As part of the nonprofit Pinelands Preservation Alliance (PPA), we’re dedicated to sharing and protecting the Pine Barrens. We’re seeking an Education Director with the experience to rebuild our education program after the pandemic and the vision to expand it to reach a broader audience.  

Pinelands Adventures thrives because our entire team cares. We care about each other, the quality of our customers’ experiences and protecting and sharing the Pine Barrens ecosystem. You can see from our reviews that we’ve taken ecotourism to a whole new level.

Overview

As the Director of Education for Pinelands Adventures, you’ll be responsible for creating, overseeing and leading guided field trips and education programs for the general public, schools and community service organizations.

Pinelands Adventures aims to promote a love of the Pinelands and a culture of health in our region through low-impact nature-based recreation. We seek to increase public awareness and knowledge of the Pinelands and to engage people in Pinelands conservation through providing high-quality wilderness experiences. Pinelands Adventures offers guided trips for schools and community service organizations on a needs-based sliding scale.

Salary and benefits

We’re located in the middle of the largest State Forest in New Jersey. You’ll have the opportunity to paddle the most pristine rivers in the state and hit miles of nearby trails.

The compensation package includes access to a health insurance plan, life and disability insurance, access to a matching retirement savings plan, plus generous vacation and holidays. Compensation will be determined based on experience.

You’ll be working to protect a unique and fragile ecosystem that provides drinking water for millions of people by helping to build a broader constituency for PPA.

Inclusion

Pinelands Adventures is dedicated to furthering justice, equity, diversity and inclusion in its staff and its work. We want everyone to know the Pinelands is theirs to enjoy through low-impact recreation, and to help people of all means and backgrounds to experience this natural treasure.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender or disability.

Requirements

• Demonstrated ability to design and lead programs for adults, families and children.
• Willingness and physical ability to carry out tasks inherent in canoe/kayak livery programs.
• Experience demonstrating the ability to manage projects and people to successful outcomes.
• Proven communication skills.
• CDL Class C (or higher) with passenger endorsement, OR a commitment and ability to obtain such a license as soon as possible upon beginning employment (Pinelands Adventures will train qualified candidate).
• Wilderness First Aid and Water Rescue certification, or a willingness and ability to obtain these certifications.  

Responsibilities
The Education Director reports to the Director of Pinelands Adventures. This is a full-time year-round position that will require working weekends and holidays in season. Specific responsibilities include:

• Support and assist the Director and other staff in the operation of Pinelands Adventures.
• Create and implement an education and public programs plan.
• Schedule and lead trips throughout the year.
• Cultivate existing relationships and create new connections with educators and community organizations, including those from disadvantaged communities. Learn about their needs and priorities, and develop nature and history-themed experiences in the Pinelands to meet them.
• Develop age appropriate trips for a variety of participants, including those with varying physical abilities.
• In cooperation with schools and teachers, develop methods and materials to foster the integration of Pinelands experiences and information into their curricula.
• Recruit, train and manage seasonal and part-time employees and guides as needed to carry out programs.

Work schedule
Pinelands Adventures is open 8:30 am to 5:30 pm daily but work hours will vary. All weekends and holidays, as well as occasional evenings, are required during the season, April through October.

Location: 1005 Atsion Rd, Shamong, NJ, 08088
Start date: Spring 2021
Employment type: Full-time

How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume and sample of a written communication, program plan or lesson plan by email to [email protected].  Submissions without a cover letter and writing sample will not be considered.
The deadline for applications is COB March 19, 2021 or until filled.