Position: Education Coordinator

Reports to: Museum Manager

Emergency Classification: Essential

FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt

Pay Grade: 106- $21.04 - Hourly - Full-Time

Apply here: https://fortmyersbeachfl.isolvedhire.com/jobs/1525974

Are you passionate about history, cultural preservation, and environmental education? Do you thrive in dynamic, community-focused environments? The Town of Fort Myers Beach is seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Education Coordinator to join our Culture, Parks & Recreation Department. This is an exciting opportunity to support the educational mission of our museum and help bring the area's rich cultural, historical, and environmental heritage to life for residents and visitors.

The ideal candidate will be enthusiastic about museum education, possess strong organizational skills, and demonstrate a commitment to professional museum standards and practices.

Fort Myers Beach is a community in the midst of a powerful and inspiring recovery. By joining our team, you'll play a vital role in helping rebuild and shape a vibrant, resilient future for the Town. If you're excited to make a meaningful impact during this pivotal time, we invite you to review the job description and apply through the job ad.

Town of FMB Offers a Competitive Benefit Package!

Health & Wellness: Comprehensive health insurance plans for you and your family with low deductibles and low annual maximums! The Town of FMB pays 100% of employee only coverage and 50% of dependent coverage. Employer paid life insurance, short- and long-term disability insurance, and gym membership reimbursement.

Work/Life Balance: The Town of FMB offers 26 days of PTO Annually, 14 Paid Holidays annually, paid parental leave, and flexible scheduling options.

Retirement Planning: 401(a)/457(b) Pension Plan with an employer contribution in which you are immediately vested.

and more!

Position Summary

The Education Coordinator is responsible for the professional planning, development, and delivery of engaging indoor and outdoor educational programs. This role works collaboratively with the Museum Manager and designated staff to ensure all programs align with and reflect the historical, archaeological, and ecological significance of the Mound House and Newton Beach Park.

Key responsibilities include coordinating and conducting interpretive experiences, overseeing educational outreach, and supporting public engagement efforts. The Education Coordinator also supervises assigned contractual educators, student interns, and volunteers, ensuring quality program execution and adherence to museum standards.

This position requires a flexible schedule, including regular weekend shifts and occasional evening hours, to support special events and programming needs.

Responsibilities and Reporting During an Emergency Situation: If assigned, employees in this classification will be required to report and carry out duties as directed for the duration of an emergency. Depending on the nature of the emergency, this may require working around the clock for several days on short notice.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Ensure Park rules are enforced pertaining to all natural, historical, and archaeological facilities and resources and use thereof for the enjoyment of the visitor.
• Assist in planning, coordinating, and facilitating public history and environmental programs including kayak tours, beach walks, boat tours, summer camps, festivals, guided tours, and special events both on- and off-site for Mound House and Newton Beach Park.
• Responsible for all aspects of walking tours and kayak tours including preparation, leading the tours with the required equipment, and assisting the public with various needs during the prep, operation, and completion of the tours.
• Direct Mound House and Newton Beach Park volunteers including recruitment, volunteer program budget, newsletters, educational trips, scheduling, generating reports, volunteer appreciation event, and certification program.
• Train volunteers in interpretation, customer service, inclusion, history related content, and safety.
• Follow and implement the Town safety policies and procedures, trains volunteers and staff on such policies.
• Develop new educational programs, presentations, specialty tours, and interactive activities around exhibitions or in response to themes or special events for adults and students.
• Monitor weather on a regular basis for all programs including kayaking programs and boat tours, and make accommodations as needed for cancellation or rescheduling.
• Create a learning strategy to engage residents, students and visitors that directly relates to the mission of the Mound House Museum and Newton Beach Park.
• Liaise with schools, colleges, and teachers to promote the use of the collections and activities of the museum in line with various curriculum; creates and develops educational resources for visitors, schools, families, and special interest groups.
• Coordinate and implement all student outreach and on-site programs, creating new programs that fulfill the required curriculum as needed.
• Deliver presentations, workshops, and interpretive activities in partnership with community groups.
• Assist with the development of the special event and program calendar for Mound House and Newton Beach Park.
• Collect, evaluate, and utilize feedback to continuously improve the quality and impact of educational programs, tours, and public events.
• Assist in creating and distributing promotional materials for Mound House programs and special events, including flyers, social media content, newsletters, and other marketing platforms to enhance public awareness and engagement.
• Oversee and respond to public inquiries related to the history, programs, and educational offerings of Mound House and Newton Beach Park, as well as other cultural and historical resources in the area.
• Support efforts to secure sponsorships and recruit volunteers for Mound House and Newton Beach Park; represent and promote the museum to external educational organizations to build meaningful partnerships; collaborate with museum staff to develop, promote, and enhance the museum's programs and events.
• Develop cooperative partnerships with area schools, community organizations, and other environmental institutions for the enhancement and support of cultural resources.
• Assist with managing the museum's social media presence on platforms such as Facebook and Instagram, and regularly monitor TripAdvisor and Google Business reviews to support engagement and maintain a positive public image.
• Maintain up-to-date program listings on the Mound House website and add new programs monthly to ensure accurate and timely public access to offerings.
• Develop and maintain effective, professional, and positive working relationships with the public, coworkers, volunteers, program participants, and all individuals encountered in the course of work.
• Monitor Newton Beach Park, Mound House grounds, and museum facilities to identify potential issues or maintenance needs, and promptly report concerns to the supervisor for resolution.
• Provide excellent customer service to visitors across all museum facilities, ensuring a welcoming and informative guest experience
• Support the upkeep and cleanliness of museum grounds and facilities to maintain a safe and attractive environment.
• Assist with general administrative tasks, including participant registration, report preparation, phone inquiries, and sharing general information with the public.
• Process ticket sales and provide assistance in the museum store as needed, ensuring smooth and efficient transactions.
• Attend all assigned meetings and events.
• Performs emergency response tasks and assignments as directed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

(These essential job functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of all duties performed. Employees will be required to perform other job-related duties as required.)

REQUIREMENTS:

Education, Certification, and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Education, Environmental Science, Biology, History, Archaeology, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience developing and delivering educational programming to both students and adults in a similar setting; an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered on a year-for-year basis.
• At least three (3) months of experience leading kayaking or similar self-propelled watercraft tours, or the ability to be trained and demonstrate proficiency in guided kayak tours within thirty (30) days of hire.
• Current CPR and First Aid certification, or the ability to obtain within sixty (60) days of hire.
• Valid State of Florida Driver's License required.
• Florida Master Naturalist Program Certification (Coastal Module) preferred.

***Related work experience may substitute on a year for year basis for the required education.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge:

• Thorough knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, ordinances, and procedures.
• Knowledge of current museum practices, professional standards, and interpretive methodologies.
• Understanding of formal and informal educational practices, including curriculum development and learner engagement strategies.
• Strong knowledge and genuine interest in local history, archaeology, ecology, and human-environment interactions.
• Knowledge of exceptional customer service principles and techniques.
• Understanding of effective public information and public relations strategies.
• Familiarity with policies, procedures, and regulations related to educational programming and community outreach.
• Awareness of occupational safety protocols and best practices.
• Working knowledge of kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, or similar self-propelled watercraft activities.

Skills:

• Strong oral and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively engage diverse audiences.
• Proficient in digital tools such as Canva, Constant Contact, Meta Business Suite, and similar platforms.
• Highly self-motivated and capable of working independently with minimal supervision.

Ability:

• Ability to swim short distances and perform tasks that require physical stamina.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive, cooperative relationships with volunteers, interns, coworkers, external partners, and the general public.
• Ability to prepare and manage routine administrative tasks and operate standard office equipment and software.
• Ability to analyze data, maintain records, and generate accurate reports.
• Ability to follow detailed verbal and written instructions accurately.
• Ability to plan, organize, and promote engaging programs and events at Mound House and Newton Beach Park.
• Ability to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of educational programs.
• Ability to supervise, train, and support volunteers and interns.
• Ability to effectively serve and engage a diverse local and visiting population.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to lift and handle objects weighing up to 50 pounds and perform physical activities such as standing, walking, sitting, paddling, and upper body rotation.
• Must be capable of entering and exiting kayaks in potentially unstable footing conditions and assisting visitors in doing the same safely. Physical exertion may be required for up to six (6) hours per day.
• Must possess the ability to swim and remain calm in and around open water environments.

Environmental Requirements:

• Work environment is outdoors, where environment is subject to change. Conditions may be adverse weather, heat, cold, rain and potentially dangerous environment.

Sensory Requirements:

• Task requires sound perception and discrimination.
• Task requires visual perception and discrimination.
• Task requires oral communications ability.

Veteran's Preference

The Town of Fort Myers Beach provides Veterans' Preference in employment for eligible veterans, spouses of veterans, and qualifying family members, in accordance with the Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs guidelines.

How to Claim Veterans' Preference:

1. Notify Human Resources at hr@fmbgov.com to request Veterans' Preference at the time of application.
2. Obtain the Veterans' Preference Form, which will be provided by Human Resources, and indicate your eligibility.
3. Submit the required documentation (e.g., DD-214 form, VA disability letter, or applicable spouse documentation) along with your completed application.

If you require assistance or have questions about this process, please contact Human Resources at (239) 896-4284 or hr@fmbgov.com.

The Town of Fort Myers Beach is an EOE and DFW

Employment at the Town of Fort Myers Beach is contingent upon your successful completion of the following:

1.Pre-employment drug screening, pursuant to the Drug-Free /Alcohol-Free Employment Policy as outlined in the Town's Employee Handbook adopted by Council effective January 2022.

  2. General background verification.