Ebersole - Environmental Education & Stewardship Specialist

Job description

The Lansing School District serves over 10,000 PreK-12 students across 25 school buildings in the increasingly diverse urban community of Lansing, MI. We are unique compared to other districts because of the wide variety of exciting and innovative educational options from which families and staff members can choose. All of Lansing School District’s team members are dedicated to our mission to provide an excellent education to all students in a safe and nurturing environment. In Pursuit of this mission, we are looking to hire an Environmental Education & Stewardship Coordinator. The Environmental Education & Stewardship Coordinator is a year-round leadership position responsible for developing exceptional outdoor learning experiences while stewarding the 238-acre Ebersole Environmental Education Center. Serving more than 6,000 students annually through field trips, overnight environmental education programs, summer camps, teacher professional development, and community events, this position ensures that both educational programming and the natural landscape support Lansing School District's mission of providing engaging, equitable, and experiential learning opportunities. The Coordinator leads the development and delivery of standards-aligned environmental education programs that foster curiosity, environmental literacy, scientific inquiry, and stewardship among learners of all ages. Equally important, this position serves as the primary steward of Ebersole's forests, wetlands, prairies, trails, waterways, and outdoor classrooms by planning and implementing long-term conservation, restoration, and land management initiatives that preserve the ecological integrity of the property while enhancing its value as an outdoor classroom. This role is ideal for a collaborative, innovative educator and conservation professional who is equally comfortable leading students on the trail, restoring native habitats, managing long-term stewardship projects, building community partnerships, and mentoring staff and volunteers. The position requires independent decision-making, excellent organizational skills, and a passion for connecting people with nature through meaningful educational experiences. ### Job Responsibilities Environmental Education - Design, coordinate, and facilitate high-quality environmental education programs for PreK–12 students aligned with Michigan Academic Standards and the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). - Lead day field trips, overnight environmental education experiences, summer camps, family programs, and community events. - Develop engaging curriculum that integrates environmental science, ecology, sustainability, literacy, and social-emotional learning. - Foster inquiry-based, place-based, and experiential learning that encourages environmental stewardship and critical thinking. - Create educational materials, teacher resources, interpretive signage, and assessment tools. - Support classroom teachers through professional development and outdoor learning coaching. - Evaluate programs to ensure continuous improvement and meaningful student outcomes. Stewardship - Develop and implement annual land stewardship plans for Ebersole's 238-acre property. - Monitor ecological health of wetlands, forests, prairies, and aquatic habitats. - Coordinate invasive species management and native habitat restoration. - Plan and oversee reforestation, prairie restoration, pollinator habitat enhancement, and wetland improvement projects. - Maintain trail systems, outdoor classrooms, boardwalks, observation areas, and interpretive infrastructure. - Coordinate conservation projects with volunteers, students, and community partners. - Collect ecological data and assist with environmental monitoring and reporting. - Support compliance with environmental regulations and best management practices. Facilities & Operations - Inspect outdoor learning areas and natural features for safety. - Maintain outdoor education equipment, scientific equipment, and field supplies. - Coordinate maintenance of canoes, camping equipment, archery equipment, and outdoor recreation resources. - Assist with emergency preparedness and risk management procedures. - Support facility improvements and capital projects related to outdoor learning environments. Partnerships & Collaboration - Serve as a collaborative member of the Ebersole Programming Team. - Coordinate volunteers, interns, AmeriCorps members, and seasonal staff. - Develop partnerships with universities, conservation organizations, local governments, and community groups. - Assist with grant writing, fundraising initiatives, and stewardship projects. - Represent Ebersole Environmental Education Center and Lansing School District at conferences, professional organizations, and community events. ### Qualifications Required - Bachelor's degree in Environmental Education