Application Deadline: June 25th
Start Date: July 14th  (approximate)

The mission of the Center for Land-Based Learning is to engage youth in  learning experiences on the land to foster respect for the critical interplay  of agriculture, nature and society. We achieve this mission primarily through  our year-long experiential education programs for high school students, the  FARMS Leadership Program and SLEWS. The FARMS Leadership Program is focused on  issues related to sustainable agriculture and natural resource management,  while the Student and Landowner Education and Watershed Stewardship (SLEWS)  Program engages students in habitat restoration projects that enhance  classroom learning, develop leadership skills, and make a difference on the  land.

Job Description:

CLBL is hiring a Regional Coordinator, based in the Stockton/Lodi area  (position located with CLBL’s lead partner, the USDA/NRCS Plant Materials  Center in Lockeford), with responsibility to continue to implement two highly  successful CLBL Programs; the FARMS Leadership and SLEWS Programs. These  programs reflect the needs and ambitions of the local communities and the  coordinator must work closely with local farmers, teachers, natural resource  professionals and community leaders.

The FARMS Leadership Program provides an opportunity for 30  high school students and their teachers to learn about the relationship  between science, agriculture and natural resource conservation though  hands-on, real life experiences by attending a field day once a month.   Students are able to see and participate in innovative farming practices that  are environmentally sensitive, conserve natural resources, and increase  wildlife habitat.  Through hands-on workshops, students learn by doing  and are taught by University and natural resource agency mentors, farmers,  Cooperative Extension Advisors and habitat restoration specialists. Each group  of students at each high school commits to do a Community Action Project as  well as participating in the program.

The SLEWS Program represents a unique opportunity to implement high quality  restoration projects in a way that engages the local community, supports  public education and enhances the lives of young people. These projects  enhance classroom learning, develop leadership skills and result in real  habitat restoration. Students participate in 3-5 field days learning and  working on a habitat restoration project. Throughout the year the Program  Coordinator works closely with participating SLEWS teachers to help them take  advantage of their project site as a place to introduce or emphasize classroom  concepts and better engage students in their learning. The overall SLEWS  experience introduces and prepares students for possible careers in  agriculture, education and natural resource conservation, while developing  their skills as leaders and their connection to the natural world.

Full job description