ABOUT THE NEW JERSEY SCHOOL OF CONSERVATION
Located on a 240-acre tract of land in Stokes State Forest in Sussex County, New Jersey, the New Jersey School of Conservation (NJSOC) is our nation’s oldest year-round residential environmental education center. NJSOC has a long and celebrated history, beginning in 1949 when officials from the Department of Higher Education, college presidents, the Department of Conservation and Economic Development, politicians, and conservationists worked together to realize the promise of a world-class outdoor education center in an abandoned Civilian Conservation Corps camp. It played a key role in the development of the environmental education movement, and has served as a model for environmental centers throughout the world. The NJSOC’s resident programs and summer camps have served more than 400,000 students, teachers, masters and doctoral candidates, faculty and visiting professionals from every walk of life through the nearly 40,000 workshops and environmental education programs offered at the NJSOC since 1949.
Our current mission is to foster environmental knowledge and action through education programs delivered in a natural setting. We promote sustainability practices, climate change mitigation and environmental justice. The NJSOC educational model focuses on field-based teacher professional development, K-college day and overnight field experiences, onsite research, public programs and partnerships with mission aligned community organizations.
JOB DESCRIPTION
The Environmental Education Coordinator (EEC) employs interpretive, outreach and administrative skills to:
(1) implement educational and interpretive programs highlighting the natural and cultural features found at the NJSOC;
(2) strengthen efforts to reach and provide environmental education-based programming to our statewide community with an emphasis on diverse, under resourced, and underserved communities;
(3) assist with the daily operations and coordination of facility use at NJSOC;
(4) perform a variety of administrative and technical duties in support of the organization including scheduling all school groups and associated instructional staff.
The EEC reports to the Director of Education.
PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Program Coordination, Development, Facilitation and Assessment
- Coordinate school field trips and schedule instructional staff.
- Lead students through multi-day, hands-on, experiential learning in outdoor settings.
- Create original and innovative interpretive materials, activities and curricula that align with state and national standards.
- Cultivate an inclusive learning environment by delivering culturally relevant content, presenting multiple and balanced perspectives and connecting instruction to participants’ lives and community.
- Manage students’ physical safety in outdoor settings using sound judgment and applying appropriate risk management decisions; administer first aid as needed.
- Assess and document student learning and program outcomes.
- Establish and maintain respectful, supportive and compassionate relationships with staff, volunteers and participants.
- Assist with the occasional development of content for the NJSOC website, social media and e-blasts.
- Model responsible environmental behavior.
- Staff NJSOC on weekdays, weekends and/or overnights as required to ensure coverage. Specific responsibilities for this include but are not limited to:
– Welcoming the group, checking in throughout the stay (i.e. at meal times or whenever appropriate) , distributing evaluations, etc.
– When serving as the designated on call person, being available around the clock via cell phone and remaining close enough to campus to respond in the event of an emergency (30 mins or less)
– Managing any onsite issues arise during the client’s visit - Fulfill other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in education, outdoor recreation, natural resources and/or related fields. Teaching certification or equivalent in combination of training and experience is preferred.
- Working knowledge of natural history and inquiry-based, multi-disciplinary science.
- Experience in interpretive teaching and curriculum development utilizing exemplary instructional skills.
- Possession of the social and emotional skills necessary to build rapport and positive relationships with people of all ages, backgrounds, abilities, cultures, orientations, identities and communities.
- Ability to perform physically challenging work outdoors in all weather conditions on uneven terrain. Ability to lift and carry 40 pounds.
- High level of digital competency in various media including; Google Suite, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, etc.
- A willingness to be coached and openness to feedback.
- Commitment to equity and inclusion within our community.
- Excellent organizational and planning skills.
- Ability to work flexible hours including overnights and occasional weekends.
- Current CPR/First Aid certification or willingness to complete training after a job offer.
- Current Waterfront Lifeguard Certification or willingness to obtain by June 2027
COMPENSATION
This is a full-time, salaried position with a complete benefits package including paid time off, healthcare and retirement.
Salary Range: $55,000-$60,000/year, depending on experience.
In addition, this position offers an opportunity to work and grow in a spectacular location within a progressive community.
To apply, email a cover letter and resume to Tanya Sulikowski, Director of Education, tsulikowski@friendsofnjsoc.org. Please use EE Coordinator Application in the subject line.
Application deadline: October 30, 2026
The FONJSOC values a diverse workplace. People of color and those from economically disadvantaged communities are particularly encouraged to apply. FONJSOC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring on the basis of race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic.