Environmental Education Assistant

~ LOTT Clean Water Alliance's (LOTT) mission is to preserve and protect public health and the environment by cleaning and restoring water resources for our communities. ~

LOTT rovides wastewater management services for the urban area of north Thurston County, Washington. This includes wastewater treatment and production of Class A Reclaimed Water. LOTT is a non-profit corporation, formed by four government partners – Lacey, Olympia, Tumwater, and Thurston County.

LOTT is recognized as an industry leader, frequently visited by other wastewater utility staff from around the country and the world! Visitors come to learn how we operate and about our innovations, such as our reclaimed water program, WET Science Center, energy conservation, and unique governance structure.

Recent guests include utility staff from the Philippines, Minsk, Poland, Metro Vancouver, Canada, San Francisco and Las Gallinas, California, and Washington communities like Silverdale, King County, and Kennewick. LOTT has also hosted a number of legislative delegations, including State House of Representatives members Beth Doglio, Laurie Dolan, and the House Technology and Economic Development Committee.

Position Overview

Under close supervision, responsible to perform or assist in a variety of education tasks in support of programming for the Water Education and Technology (WET) Science Center, including staffing the exhibit gallery on Saturdays.  The Environmental Education Assistant is responsible for performing and assisting with a variety of education tasks and interacting with visitors in the WET Science Center.

This position plays a key role in the education program by assisting the Education Program Manager with classroom presentations to school groups (5th grade and up), overseeing the hands-on exhibit gallery, leading tours, delivering programs for the community, and taking key messages and educational materials to special events.

Responsibilities

Provide general assistance to Environmental Education staff including but not limited to:

• Greeting guests and welcoming them to the WET Science Center.
• Overseeing the WET Center's exhibit gallery and classroom, and interacting with visitors of all ages to facilitate learning.
• Assisting with research, planning, and delivery of classroom presentations and activities.
• Leading tours of the wastewater treatment plant and green building.
• Data entry related to program tracking and evaluation.
• Planning, implementing, and evaluating the social media program.
• Recruiting, training, and supervising volunteers.
• Writing articles for internal and external audiences.

Qualifications

Skill in:

• Understanding and presenting information effectively in verbal and written formats;
• Understanding and following instructions and seeking clarification when necessary;
• Interacting with the public (pre-school through adult) to communicate educational messages in a friendly, positive, and professional manner.
• Working independently while utilizing strong organizational skills.
• Managing and coordinating volunteers.

Ability to:

• Operate a variety of software, including word processing and PowerPoint.
• Manage social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
• Demonstrate punctual and reliable attendance.
• Relate to diverse audiences with enthusiasm and respect.
• Multitask and meet deadlines.

Experience/Education:  

• Current enrollment in, or recent graduation from a 2- or 4-year college degree program in education, environmental studies, or a related field of study with satisfactory completion of at least 2 years of college level course work is desired.

Additional Requirements: 

• Must possess a valid Driver's License.  Must participate in LOTT's Health and Safety Program.

Additional Information

Contacts: 

• The Environmental Education Assistant will be in contact with the public, including people of all ages.
• The Assistant may also attend networking meetings of local environmental educators to learn how education and outreach efforts are coordinated regionally.

Supervision: 

• This position oversees the work of WET Center volunteers.

Accountability:  

• Environmental Education Assistants are accountable for completing all assigned tasks in an efficient, accurate, and timely manner and for seeking advice, assistance, and information from more senior staff when needed.

Compensation: $15 to $18 per hour (DOQ) with full benefits.

Application Deadline: Be sure to get your application materials submitted before May 14, 2018. 

Contact: Please email or call Amber Smith, Education Manager (360.528.5742) with any questions about this position.