Position Overview:

The Community Outreach Coordinator builds relationships between SSL and our communities to implement outreach programs, organize events, and foster partnerships to engender community support for sunflower star conservation and kelp forest recovery. With direction and oversight from the Executive Director, this entry-level position will coordinate onsite outreach efforts at Sunflower Star Laboratory’s conservation facility in Moss Landing, CA, train and schedule frontline onsite outreach volunteers, and facilitate organizational presence at offsite community events in the local area.

Major Duties 

• Manage organization and storage of physical outreach materials, including interpretive tools, merchandise, and tabling infrastructure.

• Provide frontline interpretation and lab tours onsite

• Collaborate with lab staff and neighboring ecotourism partners to create and coordinate a tour schedule for members of the public to visit SSL’s facility.

• Recruit, train, and schedule an expanded cohort of outreach volunteers, who will serve as the primary contacts for members of the public visiting SSL’s facility.

• Work with the Executive Director and Outreach Committee to create interpretive training materials related to sunflower star conservation and kelp forest recovery for onsite volunteers.

• Collect data and report on public engagement with our outreach efforts.

• Coordinate SSL presence at offsite community events to increase organizational visibility. Represent SSL at offsite community events.

• Other duties as assigned

Work Location 

This position will be an onsite role at Sunflower Star Laboratory’s conservation facility in Moss Landing, CA. Situational telework may be permitted as coordinated with the position’s supervisor. Local travel to offsite community events will be required. The position will be required to work some weekends.

Hours, Compensation, and Benefits: 

This position status is part-time and non-exempt, and compensation is based on a rate of $24-27 per hour, based on experience. Hours will range from 16-30 hours per week, with more hours worked on average in peak season from May to October.

1 hour of paid time off will be accrued for every 30 hours worked. Preapproved travel expenses for travel to destinations outside of the local commuting area will be reimbursed per organizational policy.

Qualifications (knowledge, skills, experience, ability) 

Required Qualifications:

• Resides within Monterey or Santa Cruz Counties

• Strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.

• Able to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends.

• Ability to conform to standards of professional behavior including dress, punctuality, and interpersonal relationships.

• Experience communicating effectively with diverse personnel and visitors of all ages.

• Ability to work cooperatively in cross-functional teams.

• Ability to be calm and courteous during occasional hectic situations.

• An educational background and/or professional experience in environmental conservation, sustainability, or a related field.

• Ability to stand for long periods and lift up to 40 pounds

• Consistent, reliable transportation to onsite and offsite locations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Has a Driver’s License and personal vehicle

• Ability to communicate fluently in both English and Spanish

• Experience in event organizing

• Experience managing, coordinating, and/or supervising volunteers.

• Experience presenting and developing educational / interpretive programming.