Coordinator of Estuarine Education Center AS1175P Position Available In Forrest, Mississippi

This position is for a Coordinator of Estuarine Education Center with an educational institution in Gautier, MS.

Job Description:

The Coordinator of the Estuarine Education Centerprovides strategic leadership in the implementation of educational programming, environmental stewardship, and leadership development activities at the Estuarine Education Center (EEC) on the Jackson County Campus of Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. The Coordinator designs and facilitates outdoor learning experiences, including field trips, ecological workshops, ropes courses, and leadership training for students, educators, and community partners. This position manages the daily operations of the EEC’s facilities—including the ropes challenge course, indoor climbing wall, greenhouse, paddling equipment, and nature trails—while maintaining high safety standards and promoting environmental stewardship through innovative programming.

The Coordinator of the Estuarine Education Center is under the direction and supervision of the Dean of Business Services at the Jackson County Campus.

Job Duties:

1. Develop and lead the implementation of the Estuarine Education Center’s (EEC) Strategic Plan in alignment with Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College’s (MGCCC) Excelerate 2030.2. Develop and monitor annual goals and benchmarks to ensure progress toward long-term strategic objectives.3. Establish and lead an EEC Advisory Council composed of internal and external stakeholders.4. Design and facilitate engaging, hands-on outdoor educational programs including field trips, ecological workshops, and conservation projects.5. Expand and lead leadership development programs for community, professional, and student groups utilizing the ropes course and nature-based team-building.6. Develop and deliver educational content focused on environmental stewardship, local ecosystems, and sustainability.7. Collaborate with MGCCC faculty to integrate EEC activities into course curricula, especially in Biology, Honors, and Leadership Studies.8. Coordinate faculty development workshops focused on incorporating EEC resources into teaching.9. Formalize and expand partnerships with local school districts to host annual field trips and seasonal student camps (K-12 through college).10. Promote the EEC as a student experience resource by including it in all campus tours and orientations.11. Provide work-study and internship opportunities for MGCCC students and research partnerships with four-year universities.12. Proactively recruit and collaborate with business, industry, government, and non-profit organizations for facility usage, training, and environmental education.13. Develop leadership training programs tailored for small businesses, school groups, and large organizations across the Gulf Coast region.14. Lead public engagement efforts including community events, open houses, and environmental awareness campaigns.15. Develop and implement a comprehensive outreach plan using social media, campus newsletters, web presence, and local media to promote EEC activities and impact.16. Collaborate with Institutional Relations to maintain and regularly update a compelling EEC web presence.17. Research, write, and manage grants that support the EEC’s programs, infrastructure, and staffing.18. Collaborate with Institutional Advancement to develop strategic funding partnerships.19. Lead efforts in developing annual revenue plans to ensure long-term financial sustainability.20. Oversee scheduling, usage tracking, and daily operations of all EEC facilities, including the ropes course, climbing wall, greenhouse, paddling equipment, and nature trails.21. Maintain high safety standards by ensuring all staff receive and maintain certifications in First Aid/CPR/AED and program-specific training.22. Establish and monitor protocols for regular equipment maintenance and infrastructure assessments. 23. Submit work orders as needed for IT and facility support.24. Serve as Lead Facilitator and Challenge Course Manager for the Ropes Course and climbing wall, maintaining Association of Challenge Course Technology certification standards.25. Acquire and maintain required certifications to lead kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boarding tours.26. Recruit, certify, schedule, and supervise facilitators, guides, and student workers.27. Oversee timekeeping and payroll submissions for student workers.28. Collect and analyze participant feedback, usage data, and program outcomes to guide continuous improvement.29. Stay current on trends and best practices in outdoor education and environmental leadership.30. Complete required employee development program and adhere to all MGCCC policies and procedures.31. Perform all other duties as assigned by College administration.

Mandatory Qualifications:

(M1) Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Environmental Science, Outdoor Education, Recreation Management, Leadership Development, Biology, or a closely related field.(M2) A minimum of two years of professional experience in outdoor education, environmental education, experiential learning, or recreational leadership programming.(M3) Demonstrated experience in designing and delivering hands-on educational or leadership programs for K-12, college, and/or community audiences.(M4) Ability to acquire certification or documented training in ropes course facilitation and team-building leadership (e.g., ACCT certification or equivalent) within one year of hire.(M5) Proficiency in managing recreational and instructional facilities including ropes courses, climbing walls, watercraft, or greenhouse operations.(M6) Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills, with demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups.(M7) Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Outlook, and digital communication tools for scheduling, marketing, and program management.(M8) Possess or obtain First Aid/CPR/AED certification.

Desirable Qualifications:

(D1) Knowledge of estuarine ecosystems, environmental stewardship, and sustainability practices.(D2) Certification or extensive experience in paddling instruction (e.g., American Canoe Association certification).(D3) Experience writing or managing grants related to education, the environment, or community programming.(D4) Experience in a higher education setting or in coordinating internships, workforce development, or micro-credential programs.(D5) Experience designing outdoor programming for participants of varying physical and cognitive abilities.(D6) Ability to legally operate a boat in the State of Mississippi.