Environmental Educator and Program Coordinator

About the Organization and Position

The Biosphere Institute of the Bow Valley, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing community leadership in environmental issues, is hiring an Environmental Educator and Program Coordinator to support its Future Leaders initiative. This program promotes ecological literacy among children and youth within the Bow Valley community. This role is a full-time maternity leave contract, expected to last between 12 and 18 months, with a weekly commitment of 37.5 hours and includes some evening and weekend obligations to accommodate youth council meetings and special events. The position is primarily based in Banff, Canmore, or the surrounding Bow Valley area and reports directly to the Executive Director. Compensation ranges from $60,000 to $67,000 per year, based on experience and credentials.

Key Responsibilities

• Create and collaborate with educators to design curriculum-aligned outdoor learning modules and field trips for K–12 students.
• Organize and facilitate engaging and safe outdoor educational programs that are responsive to local environments.
• Sustain year-round youth engagement programs and coordinate the weekly Future Leaders Youth Council sessions (primarily Thursday evenings during the school year) and related activities.
• Deliver in-class and outdoor educational offerings on a variety of topics, including environmental stewardship, climate action, wildlife safety, and more.
• Respond to specialized program requests from community groups, municipalities, and local organizations for events such as wildlife safety and professional development workshops.
• Foster learning opportunities for high school student leaders, encouraging their participation in sustainable initiatives through the Youth Council.
• Engage regularly with municipal partners, organizational funders, and other stakeholders, maintaining data on participant demographics and program feedback.
• Handle fundraising activities, prepare grant applications, and provide comprehensive reporting to supporters and stakeholders.
• Build and sustain professional relationships with partners and stakeholders through strong written and face-to-face communication.
• Actively contribute to a workplace that emphasizes respect, inclusion, reconciliation, and equity.
• Work effectively within a collaborative staff team environment.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Completion of an undergraduate degree in science, education, communications, or a related discipline.
• Current Standard First Aid certification (e.g., Red Cross Canada).
• Respect in Schools or equivalent anti-abuse certification and willingness to undergo a background and vulnerable sector check.
• Proven experience leading outdoor educational programs for youth, including abilities in risk assessment and supporting diverse learners.
• Strong understanding of environmental education tied to Alberta curriculum outcomes.
• Appreciation and familiarity with Indigenous perspectives and reconciliation practices.
• Proficiency in handling multiple projects, balancing competing priorities, and managing workloads independently.
• Demonstrated experience in community engagement with diverse groups.
• Skills in budget management, fundraising, grant writing, and reporting.
• Competency using Microsoft Office, Squarespace, and Google Workspace.
• French language skills (spoken and written) are an asset.
• Experience preparing social media content for Instagram and Facebook.
• Valid Alberta driver’s license and access to a personal vehicle required.
• Preferred residency in the Bow Valley region (Lake Louise, Banff, Canmore, Exshaw, Dead Man’s Flats, Lac des Arcs, Mînî Thnî).
• Must be legally eligible to work in Canada.

Contract Terms and Benefits

• Maternity leave contract, spanning approximately 12 to 18 months.
• Annual salary between $60,000 and $67,000, commensurate with expertise.
• Full health benefits commencing post a two-month probation.
• Vacation entitlement includes two standard weeks (10 business days) and an extra week during the Christmas period.
• The position offers some flexibility for occasional remote work and lieu time; however, regular presence in the Bow Valley is expected due to the collaborative and community-centered nature of the role.

Workplace Inclusion

The Biosphere Institute is committed to building a workplace environment where diversity, equity, and inclusion are central values, welcoming applications from equity-seeking groups such as Indigenous peoples, persons of color, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, youth, and those with disabilities. The organization encourages applicants to request necessary accommodations for interviews and engaging in the recruitment process.