Job Description

Position Title: Senior Outreach Coordinator

We are seeking a dynamic and passionate conservation educator to join our team as a part-time Senior Outreach Coordinator within the Learning & Impact Department. This position is responsible for developing, coordinating, presenting, and evaluating high-quality, mission-driven educational programs that extend The Living Desert’s reach into senior communities, including senior centers, assisted living residences, and memory care facilities.

Programs will focus on local wildlife, pollinators, native plants, desert species, and conservation topics, fostering meaningful connections between participants and the natural world. The Senior Outreach Coordinator will serve as the lead for all senior-focused outreach initiatives, overseeing program planning, administration, implementation, evaluation, and community partnerships to ensure impactful and engaging experiences.

Working closely with the Curator of Learning and Community Engagement and the Outreach Coordinator, this role requires a creative, compassionate, and highly organized educator who can engage diverse audiences in both traditional and non-traditional learning environments.

This position requires flexibility to support outreach programs, community partnerships, and departmental initiatives, including occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays. Schedules may be adjusted as needed to accommodate program demands and organizational priorities while effectively managing work hours.

This is a grant-funded position that is expected to operate annually from September through May. Continuation beyond that period is dependent upon future grant funding.

Job duties and responsibilities will be tailored to meet the specific needs of the zoo and are subject to change.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Senior Outreach Coordinator plays a key role in developing, coordinating, and presenting educational programs that support The Living Desert’s mission. This position requires creativity, strong communication skills, and a passion for conservation education.

Outreach & Community Engagement

· Build and maintain relationships with senior centers, assisted living residences, memory care facilities, and community partners to promote participation and engagement.

· Represent The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens at community events, educational programs, and outreach opportunities to raise awareness of conservation and inspire stewardship.

· Uphold brand standards in all official appearances and educational presentations.

Program Development & Implementation

· Plan, organize, coordinate, and present senior outreach programs and initiatives.

· Design and develop engaging, age-appropriate curriculum and educational materials focused on conservation, wildlife, native plants, pollinators, and behavior change.

· Create presentations, handouts, activity guides, and hands-on learning experiences that support program goals.

· Present interactive, inclusive, and accessible presentations to diverse audiences, including individuals with varying cognitive, sensory, and physical abilities.

· Travel to program locations and ensure the safe transport of materials and supplies.

Guest & Program Support

· Address day-of program issues to ensure a smooth, safe, and successful experience for participants.

· Communicate significant concerns or incidents to the Curator of Learning and Community Engagement.

· Support volunteers with approved program-related tasks as needed.

Administrative & Data Management

· Manage outreach inquiries, reservations, scheduling, and cross-departmental communications related to senior outreach programs.

· Maintain accurate records of attendance, activities, outcomes, and participant feedback.

· Prepare reports, presentations, and grant-related documentation demonstrating program impact and outcomes.

· Review and respond to requests for senior outreach programs and coordinate follow-up as needed.

· Collaborate with the Outreach Coordinator and other Learning & Impact staff to achieve departmental goals.

Team Collaboration & Institutional Responsibilities

· Attend and actively participate in departmental and all-staff meetings.

· Establish and maintain professional working relationships with team members and departments in accordance with The Living Desert Team Member Handbook.

· Promote conservation and sustainability efforts by encouraging responsible environmental practices.

· Maintain a safe, clean, and organized work environment.

· Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned in support of departmental and organizational goals.

This role requires a high level of independence, initiative, and organization to ensure programs are impactful, accessible, and aligned with The Living Desert’s mission of conservation education.

Specific Skills:

· Strong presentation, organizational, observational, and interpersonal skills.

· Ability to effectively engage and teach adult learners, particularly seniors with varying cognitive, sensory, and physical abilities, in both traditional and non-traditional settings.

· Strong informal education and interpretive skills.

· Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word and Excel.

· Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.

· Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment while also working independently.

· Ability to adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

· Strong conflict resolution and problem-solving skills.

· Experience with evaluation methods and outcome measurement desired.

· Experience with video equipment and editing software for virtual educational content desired.

Highly desirable skills:

· Bilingual in English and Spanish highly desirable.

· Experience working with older adults, including individuals experiencing cognitive decline, dementia, or memory-related conditions, is highly desirable.

· Ability to demonstrate patience, empathy, emotional resilience, and professionalism when navigating sensitive or emotionally charged situations.

· Familiarity with the Coachella Valley community and its environmental and cultural landscape highly desirable.

· Experience with task management software such as Monday.com highly desirable.

· Broad knowledge of desert natural history, wildlife, ecology, and conservation principles highly desired.

· Knowledge of STEAM curriculum and California NGSS standards highly desired.

Requirements

Qualifications:

Education & Experience: Bachelor’s degree in education, environmental science, biology, or a related field preferred. California teaching certification desirable. Minimum of one year of experience in teaching, environmental education, interpretation, or a related field preferred. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

· Knowledge & Skills: Background in environmental education, outreach, community engagement, or conservation programming, with knowledge of local wildlife, pollinators, native plants, and conservation issues.

· Communication & Engagement: Strong public speaking and facilitation skills with the ability to engage diverse audiences through interactive learning experiences.

· Program Development: Demonstrated creativity and innovation in curriculum and program development.

· Technical Proficiency: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant software applications.

· Physical Requirements: Ability to load, unload, and transport program materials and lift up to 50 pounds.

· Licensing & Transportation: Valid California driver’s license required and must be insurable under The Living Desert’s automobile policy. Reliable transportation is required for outreach activities. Position may require operation of an electric golf cart or tram.

· Flexibility & Scheduling: Ability to work occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays and adapt schedules to meet program and departmental needs.

· Local Travel & Outreach Commitments: Willingness to travel throughout the Coachella Valley and other areas as needed, sometimes on short notice, to support outreach programs and community partnerships.

· Departmental Support: Support additional Learning & Impact initiatives, including field trips, camps, adult programs, special events, and other projects as assigned.

Equipment Used

· Technology & Office Equipment: PC computer, telephone, scanner, two-way radio, and general office equipment.

· Presentation & Media Tools: Audio-visual equipment, digital camera, and multimedia tools used for educational programming.

· Transportation & On-Site Equipment: Electric golf cart and other approved transportation equipment.

Conditions of Work:

PHYSICAL EFFORT: Sitting, standing, walking, bending, hiking outdoors, and lifting up to 50 pounds.

DISCOMFORT/RISKS: Occasional exposure to desert environmental conditions, including heat and aridity.

HOLIDAY/EVENING WORK: Evening, weekend, and holiday work may be required.

TRAVEL: Frequent travel for outreach programs, field trips, workshops, conferences, seminars, and presentations.

This class specification should not be interpreted as all-inclusive. It is intended to identify the major responsibilities and

requirements of this position. Incumbents may be requested to perform job-related duties and responsibilities other than those specifically stated.