Full time position, permanent position
Location
La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico
Background Information
The Mexico program coordinator is responsible for the planning, implementation, and oversight of EPI Mexico Core Field Programs for both local and international students. The coordinator’s primary responsibilities include instructor supervision, vendor and partner coordination, gear purchasing, administration and maintenance, risk management, local school and teacher relationship building/management, and curriculum coordination. Mexico specific responsibilities will account for 80% of the coordinator´s time. In addition, the program coordinator may instruct at least one field course. The other 20% will be dedicated to global program support.
This position is based in La Paz, BCS, México. The Mexico Program Coordinator reports to the Mexico Program Manager.
Duties
Mexico Program Responsibilities & Tasks (80% of role)
• Program delivery: In partnership with the Mexico Program Manager, ensure that all Mexico courses run successfully and adhere to EPI’s vision and mission.
• Program operation and logistics: Schedule and coordinate all reservations and logistics with vendors and partners. Evaluate vendor and partner relationships in order to achieve maximum efficiency, student impact, and cost benefit. Source and establish relationships with new vendors as needed. Prepare and update, as necessary, all course itineraries and course paperwork.
• Program equipment and vehicles: Inventory, organize, purchase, and maintain all equipment and supplies for the program; repair and replace as necessary throughout the season. Together with Program Administrator, oversee regular maintenance of all Mexico Program vehicles. Provide all instructors and interns with vehicle safety and maintenance training.
• Program staffing: Recruit, hire, train, develop, and supervise all Mexico program instructors and interns. Conduct pre- and post-course meetings with instructors and interns responsible for each course. Perform field observations of instructors and interns during program season. Visit key portions of courses during program season to evaluate partners, vendors, and logistics. Provide end of season performance reviews to all Mexico Program instructors and interns.
• Maximize learning for Mexico Program students: Maintain high quality and effective program content while striving for operational efficiency. Evaluate, assess, and improve program delivery. Work in conjunction with Program Manager to further develop and update the Mexico Program curriculum.
• Program risk management: Incorporate and oversee risk management in all aspects of program delivery—vehicles to training to courses. Establish safety procedures and documentation for all warranted program equipment. Promote program with risk management with chaperones through recruitment, etc.
• Program evaluation: Contribute to the preparation of post-season evaluation and summary materials. Oversee compilation and analysis of evaluation data collected from students during the program season (i.e. pre- and post-course evaluations, course evaluations).
• Student recruitment: Lead recruitment efforts of local participants through school visits to promote Mexico Program, and follow-up with teachers and students throughout season leading up to festivals and symposiums. Prepare social media contacts and mailings; provide a presence at key relevant community events.
• Mexico festival project development oversight: Oversee the mentorship and development of follow-up projects with EPI student participants. Coordinate with schools and teachers to facilitate project work. Share student accomplishments and activities with EPI staff. Coordinate and communicate with other EPI Mexico department coordinators as well as program coordinators at other program sites (i.e. Costa Rica, Galapagos) to provide exchange opportunity prizes for project merit.
• Mexico alumni and outreach engagement: Coordinate monthly and annual calendars of activities with other EPI Mexico department coordinators to maximize operational efficiency mutual program support.
• Program promotion: Find and pursue opportunities throughout the year to promote the Mexico Program. Write articles. Post photos of program activities to Facebook. Announce program accomplishments both internally and externally.
Global Responsibilities & Tasks (20% of role)
• Assure that all EPI programs have the necessary field equipment (research and educational), as well as purchase and maintain stock of global first aid supplies;
• Coordinate and support field instructor and intern recruitment and hiring process;
• Develop, maintain, and update online training for instructors and interns.
Requirements
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences, ecology, natural sciences, or education
- Detail-oriented, organized
- Ability to work independently
- Multi-tasker
- Vendor management experience
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Staff management and/program administration experience
- Ability to run small and large meetings for variety of constituent groups
- Daily job operations are in Spanish with a need for frequent written and oral English
- Willingness to work flexible hours including some evening and weekend hours during the program season, and selectively manage and attend the emergency phone line
- Highly proficient in use of all Microsoft Office products: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher
Desired Qualifications
- Teaching experience either in environmental and/or experiential education
- Curriculum development experience
- Experiential education background
- Valid Wilderness First Responder certification
- Social media/communications experience
- Field research experience in the Gulf of California/Sea of Cortez Ecosystem
- Master’s Degree in related field
Benefits/Costs
Compensation
The Mexico program coordinator is a salaried position and will be offered based on candidate’s prior experience and credentials.
Additional Contact Information
How to Apply
EPI is accepting indications of interest immediately, they will be processed in order received, and this position will only remain open until filled.
Submit Cover Letter and Resume to elizabeth@ecologyproject.org