Black Rock Forest (BRF) is a growing environmental non-profit organization with programs in
research, education, and conservation and is seeking a Director of Education. The organization’s
facilities, including offices, labs, classrooms, and a lodge, are located in the 3,920-acre Forest of
the same name in Cornwall, NY. BRF has a staff of 15 and functions as a biological field station
with 26 miles of hiking trails and another 17 miles of gated forest roads.

Position Summary:
The Director of Education at Black Rock Forest will be responsible for bringing state of the art
educational programming to K-16 students, teachers, and the general public to foster scientific
inquiry. The Director of Education will work closely with the Executive Director, Science and
Conservation staff, and Consortium Members to strengthen the organization and advance the
mission of advancing scientific understanding of the natural world through research, education,
and conservation programs.

Job Description:
• Manage the Education Program including participating in strategic planning, supervising
staff, managing budgets, and overseeing classroom and laboratory space.
• Serve as program-level liaison between Black Rock Forest and the institutional members
of the Black Rock Forest Consortium.
• Collaborate with teachers, researchers, program staff, and consortium members to
develop new activities and curricula including use of the recently renovated Moretti
Education Center.
• Plan, coordinate, and lead forest explorations and lab investigations in science and related
disciplines for groups of students from elementary school age to college
• Support logistics for school groups and public education visits, including adherence to
appropriate policies and procedures.
• Ensure that all educational programs promote cultural competence, diversity, equity, and
inclusion
• Manage online access to forest data and curricular materials (e.g., Peck Stacpoole Online
Education Collection)
• Maintain physical educational resources including field equipment and lab spaces in the
Moretti Education Center, overseeing purchasing as needed
• Support integration of technological advances in education including the use of
smartphone app innovations and digital data collection tools
• Support community science activities in the Forest for students and the public
• Leverage operational budget by writing grants and seeking funds to expand the BRF
education programs.
• Occasional travel to New York City and throughout the Hudson Valley for meetings and
events, as well as some work on evenings and weekends, is required.

Qualifications & Experience:
• Bachelor’s and graduate degrees, preferably in environment-related sciences and/or
education, especially STEM/STEAM education.
• Significant training and teaching experience in a range of K-12 educational settings in
disciplines related to the biological and physical sciences.
• Demonstrated cultural competence and experience with promoting diversity, equity, and
inclusion in teaching and in organizations.
• Experience designing hands-on and inquiry-based learning activities, includingexperiential and transdisciplinary education, with a view to adapting for different age-groups and audiences, including youth of color, immigrants and underserved youth.

• Proven superior communication skills (written, oral, digital) for a wide range of age-
levels.

• Creative, dynamic, innovative, self-motivated, and willing to work with a variety of
audiences.
• Experience in the use of technologies for teaching and learning including video
production and editing.
• Knowledge of the Hudson Highlands’ ecology, forest ecosystems, history, and
conservation desired, though not essential.
• Willingness to work and hike outdoors in a variety of weather conditions.
Additional Information:
At Black Rock Forest we value diversity, in our ecosystems and in our organization. We are
committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in our workplace and in our science, education, and
conservation. We strongly encourage applications from underrepresented group members as we
seek to diversify and strengthen our organization, science, and society.

Application Materials:
(Any questions please contact Susanne Vondrak at [email protected])
• Cover letter
• Resume
• Names and contact information of three professional references
• Statement of Educational Philosophy (max. 2 pages)
• Recommended:
• Forest-related lesson plan that you have used and/or created, and a written reflection
on the lesson activity. OR:
• Brief video (max. 10 min) of sample teaching (outdoor or indoor forest-related
lesson) and written reflection on the activity.

Application Deadline: Monday December 19, 2022 5pm EST
Salary: $75,000 – $85,000 per year plus competitive health and retirement benefits
Start Date: January 2023 or later
Driver’s license necessary

The successful candidate will have a strong background in the natural sciences and experience in

teaching for diversity, equity, and inclusion in outdoor settings, providing programs for a variety of age-
groups from K-12 to adult audiences. The candidate should also have experience supervising staff and/or

interns and managing programs ranging from day trips to summer camps. Experience in environmental
and/or educational research is preferable but not required. In addition to direct teaching, the candidate
will serve as program-level liaison between Black Rock Forest (BRF) and the institutional members of the
Black Rock Forest Consortium. They will work closely with BRF’s research and conservation staff to bring
state of the art programming to the varied constituent audiences of Black Rock Forest. The candidate
should be creative, dynamic, innovative, self-motivated, and willing to work with a variety of audiences
including teachers, researchers, and conservationists to develop and implement relevant programming in
the 3,920-acre forest.

Job Description:
● Plan, coordinate, and lead as needed forest explorations and lab investigations in science and related
disciplines for groups of students from elementary school age to college
● Liaise with program staff at consortium member institutions, including visiting schools, meeting with
educators, and presenting to groups
● Collaborate with teachers to develop new activities and curricula for consortium member use
including use of recently renovated Moretti Education Center
● Support logistics for school groups and public education visits, including adherence to appropriate
policies and procedures
● Connect Black Rock Forest research and conservation programs to education programs
● Track forest visits and curate data collected on school group visits, and make these data readily
available to consortium audiences
● Manage online access to forest data and curricular materials (e.g., Peck Stacpoole Online Education
Collection)
● Maintain physical educational resources including field equipment and lab spaces in the Moretti
Education Center, overseeing purchasing as needed
● Support integration of technological advances in education including the use of smartphone app
innovations and digital data collection tools
● Support community science activities in the Forest for students and the public
● Recruit and supervise education interns
● Participate in grant writing to expand the BRF education team and programs
● Ensure that all educational programs promote cultural competence, diversity, equity, and inclusion

Qualifications and Experience of the Successful Candidate
● Bachelor’s and graduate degrees, preferably in environment-related sciences and/or education,
especially STEM/STEAM education
● Significant training and teaching experience in a range of K-12 educational settings in disciplines
related to ecology and forest ecosystems
● Experience designing hands-on and inquiry-based learning activities, including experiential and
transdisciplinary education, with a view to adapting for different age-groups and audiences, including
youth of color, immigrants and underserved youth
● Demonstrated cultural competence and experience with promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in
teaching and in organizations
● Knowledge of field equipment and methods, data collection and analysis
● Proven superior communication skills (written, oral, digital) for a wide range of age-levels
● Experience in the use of technologies for teaching and learning including video production and editing
● Knowledge of the Hudson Highlands’ ecology, history, and conservation desired, though not essential

Application Materials: Send the following to Susanne Vondrak at [email protected]:
● Cover letter + Resume + Names of Three References
● Statement of Educational Philosophy (max. 2 pages)

 Recommended:
• Forest-related lesson plan that you have used and/or created, and a written reflection on the
lesson activity. OR:
• Brief video (max. 10 min) of sample teaching (outdoor or indoor forest-related lesson) and
written reflection on the activity.

Application Deadline: Rolling until the position is filled

Salary: Commensurate with experience

Start Date: Fall 2022 or later

Driver’s license necessary

The Sonoran Desert Inn & Conference Center (SDCC) is a not-for-profit lodging and event venue
in Ajo, Arizona, located on the historic Curley School campus. Housed in the former elementary
school, the SDCC welcomes groups for conferences, workshops, retreats, reunions, and
weddings, as well as individual travelers. In addition, we host community events and the Sonoran
Arts Residency, which draws visual and performing artists from across the country and around
the globe. The SDCC is a supporting not-for-profit of the International Sonoran Desert Alliance
(ISDA), a 29-year-old organization devoted to preserving and enriching the environment, culture,
and economy of the Sonoran Desert.

Since opening in 2015 we have hosted thousands of individuals and dozens of groups, earned a
5-star rating and an annual Certificate of Excellence on TripAdvisor, and played a vital role in the
ongoing revitalization of this former copper mining town. Our staff has grown from two people
to a team of 15. We aren’t simply an inn; we are a destination, a gathering place, and a
centerpiece of Ajo’s growing creative economy. We’ve been covered in newspapers, radio and
TV in Arizona, as well as in national and international publications, including The Atlantic and
National Geographic Traveler.

The Director oversees all aspects of operation for the SDCC, guides the evolution of the property
and the business, and plays a key role in the development of the culture and economy of Ajo. We
are seeking someone professional, energetic, entrepreneurial, articulate, proactive, and
organized, with management, customer service and/or hospitality experience, a knack for team
building, and a passion for the Sonoran Desert region.

Responsibilities
The SDCC Director has a broad and diverse set of responsibilities – all aspects of running the
business are in their hands, and they are the public face of the operation. It is a hands-on
leadership position that requires an experienced professional who is comfortable managing a
budget, creating unforgettable experiences for guests, representing Ajo at national conferences...
and rolling up their sleeves to unclog a toilet when needed. We’ve divided the key responsibilities
into five categories:

1. Operations
● Oversee the daily functioning of the Sonoran Desert Inn & Conference Center
facilities, including guest rooms, meeting rooms, commercial kitchen, artisan’s
shop, and courtyard spaces;
● Implement and update systems and policies to ensure efficient, effective, and safe
use of all SDCC spaces;
● Hire and oversee/manage office, housekeeping, and overnight staff (team is
currently around 15 people). This is a structure that can evolve;
● Collaborate with ISDA on the care of the historic buildings and grounds;
● Collaborate with ISDA on the ongoing development of/improvements to SDCC
facilities, including additional guest rooms and outdoor areas.
● Oversee purchasing of all needed supplies for the operation of the business;

2. Marketing and Outreach
● Lead marketing and outreach efforts to ensure consistent bookings and
profitability of the SDCC;
● Target groups for retreats, conferences, workshops, etc., with a goal of developing
lasting partnerships and recurring events;
● Tap into existing and new networks to increase visibility of the SDCC;
● Partner with local organizations and leaders to create, promote and manage
events;
● Manage website, print, and social media marketing efforts.

3. Special Programs
● Serve as the host and ambassador for group events, including speaking before
groups, welcoming guests to meals, and giving tours of Ajo to guests;
● Develop and implement mission-driven events and residencies (arts, desert
scholarship, international border, local foods, etc.);
● Design and implement a menu of educational and cultural offerings for SDCC
guests that draws on local entrepreneurs and resources;
● Promote the commercial kitchen for a variety of uses including catering, cooking
classes/demonstrations, micro entrepreneurs, and special events.

4. Budget and Financial Management
● In collaboration with ISDA leadership and the SDCC board, develop and manage
the annual budget, ensuring that the operation remains sustainable;
● Review financial reports and present them to the SDCC board quarterly;
● Review and approve all payables and receivables for the ISDA bookkeeper;
● Oversee payroll, including bonuses, pay increases and paid time off;
● Make decisions on large expenses based on cash flow and occupancy rates.

5. Collaborate with ISDA on advancing the broader organizational mission and vision
● Support fundraising and development efforts;
● Provide physical space and logistical support for large ISDA events, including the
biennial Tri-National Sonoran Desert Symposium;
● Work with other local organizations and individuals to provide programming and
needed resources to the Ajo community (in the past this has included providing
free meeting space, serving free or reduced-cost meals, hosting guests of the
community);
● Represent ISDA and SDCC at local, regional, and national conferences and events;
● Promote local entrepreneurs, job training, and micro enterprise.

Qualifications
● Excellent customer service skills - warm, welcoming, and professional;
● Experience in hospitality, community development, creative placemaking, marketing,
and/or related fields;
● Expertise managing a diverse staff team and fostering a healthy, positive, safe work
environment;
● Strong administrative skills;
● Knowledge of Ajo (businesses, tourist attractions, resources, history) or willingness to
learn;
● A passion for being a part of the development and growth of Ajo as a destination for
tourism, culture, and educational events;
● Excellent on-the-spot problem-solving skills;
● Strong computer skills - proficient in basic platforms like Microsoft Office, Google Suite,
and various social media platforms, and able to quickly learn (and teach) new platforms
such as QuickBooks, online property management software and various financial systems;
● Strong systems thinker;
● Flexible hours. Must be able to work evenings and weekends as needed, during peak
season;

● Ability to multitask;

● Experience as a small business owner preferred;
● Spanish language skills are not required, but a big plus.

Terms
● Full-time position, starting training (some may be remote) as soon as possible;
● Employee status Exempt;
● Strong preference for an in-person start date no later than November 1, 2022;
● Salary range is $55,000-65,000/year, with opportunity for performance-based incentives;
● Benefits package includes health insurance with vision and dental options, 4 weeks paid
vacation, and opportunity for extended leave during the hot summer months;
● Unique perks including 10 free nights at the SDCC annually for friends and family; the use
of an SDCC golf cart; and delicious free meals at SDCC events;
● Reports to the Executive Director of ISDA and the SDCC Board.
● We plan to have the successful candidate in place by November first. Interviews will begin
September first. This position will remain open until filled.
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to [email protected]. For
candidates who are re-locating to Ajo for this position, temporary housing may be available on
the SDCC property.

The Sonoran Desert Inn and Conference Center is a supporting not-for-profit of the International
Sonoran Desert Alliance (ISDA). The Equal Employment Opportunity Policy of ISDA is to provide
a fair and equal employment opportunity for all job applicants regardless of race, color, religion,
national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability, or any other protected
characteristic as established by law. ISDA hires and promotes individuals solely on the basis of
their qualifications for the job to be filled.

The Prescott College Center for Cultural and Ecological Studies seeks a hands-on, versatile manager for the position of Assistant Director for Operations (ADO). Located in Bahia Kino, Sonora, Mexico, the Center is a field station and Mexican NGO supporting academic, research and community-based research, education and conservation in the central Gulf of California. The ADO lives on site and oversees the site maintenance, logistics, and safety of the operation. If you are passionate about hands-on work to support conservation and education in a dynamic and engaging environment, please consider applying.

Prescott College is a private liberal arts institution of higher learning in Arizona offering B.A., B.S., M.A. and Ph.D. degrees. The Kino Bay Center for Cultural and Ecological Studies is Prescott College’s field station and Mexican NGO on the central shores of the Gulf of California in Sonora, Mexico. The Center’s mission is to protect priority species and habitats through the integrated application of science, education, information exchange, and community participation. The Center promotes and models collaborations between people from different cultures and institutions to co-create solutions to complex conservation challenges.

The ADO is responsible for the daily operation of the field station, which has a staff of ~15 and receives 1500+ visitors a year (college and high-school students, researchers, community members, and others). The ADO resides on-site and works with the administrative team to support the work of our bilingual and multicultural staff and visitors through the promotion of a positive and effective living and working environment by providing leadership, safety, and facilities management duties. This position offers great opportunities to explore a beautiful and complex desert and marine environment and contribute directly to important conservation, education, and research projects in the region.

The ADO is expected to be available to fulfill the following responsibilities during approximately six regularly scheduled days each week during the academic year (~Sept – July). It must be recognized and accepted however that some days/weeks/months will be busier than others and the ADO will have to adapt his/her schedule to meet the needs of the station during any given time period. Conversely, the ADO should take advantage of down times to recuperate from high use times by taking additional time off.  The position reports to the ED. Candidates must be able to be legally employed in the United States or Mexico, possess a valid passport, and be willing to semi-regularly travel between the US and Mexico.

Responsibilities include:

LEADERSHIP

 
• Provide leadership toward the cultivation of a positive living, learning working atmosphere at the field station
 
• Support all on-site research, conservation, education, and community outreach activities conducted through the field station
 
• Oversee Maintenance Coordinator, Visiting Groups Coordinator, and Boating and Vehicle Coordinator, and provide support for all other on-site staff.
 
• Act as a role model and representative of the Center to community members and visitors; participate broadly in Center activities

SAFETY

 
• Coordinate and oversee safety procedures and emergency response at the field station in consultation with the Prescott College Risk Management Office
 
• Develop and implement safety protocols
 
• Planning safety trainings and workshops
 
• Be willing to respond to and make decisions in complex emergent situations
 
• Maintain awareness of local security issues

LOGISITICS AND PLANNING

 
• Schedule use of field station resources and facilities by residents and visitor groups
 
• Provide visiting groups with local knowledge and information
 
• Collaborate with direction team to maintain station calendar
 
• Coordinate all field activities conducted through the field station

FACILITIES

 
• Coordinate and oversee all maintenance activities conducted by the Maintenance team
 
• Coordinate and oversee equipment warehouse management conducted by Boating and Vehicle Coordinator
 
• Correspond with ED about equipment acquisition priorities and coordinate purchasing
 
• Work with the Boating and Vehicle Coordinator to oversee use and maintenance of station boats, trailers, and vehicles, and to certify drivers and boat captains
 
• Work with the ED to plan and carry out capital improvement and larger maintenance/building projects
 
• Maintain current and adequate inventories for all Center equipment and assets
 
• Work with the Prescott College IT Department to maintain functional hardware, network, and software systems

ADMINISTRATION

 
• Maintain current and adequate insurance policies in conjunction with the Prescott College insurance broker and Prescott College business office.
 
• Maintain accurate and complete incident reporting in accordance with Prescott College guidelines
 
• Develop, update, and implement protocols and systems for use, organization and care  of station resources
 
• Keep maintenance records
 
• Write trimestral reports summarizing visitor use, maintenance activities and safety

Qualifications:

 
• Personnel management and leadership experience relevant to managing a bilingual team of multicultural employees 
 
• Conversational fluency in spoken and written Spanish and English
 
• Excellent group facilitation and interpersonal, conflict resolution, and intercultural communication skills
 
• Experience overseeing and undertaking construction and maintenance activities
 
• Ability to troubleshoot and fix plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and other facilities issues
 
• Considerable experience in coordinating complicated logistics and managing risk in a field setting, specifically in marine and desert environments
 
• WFR certification or higher (or willingness to attain WFR quickly upon hire) and risk management experience
 
• Valid driver's license and experience driving in remote settings (boating experience is a plus)
 
• Ability to live on site at the field station and be available for irregular working hours
 
• Ability to be self-directed/motivated as well as work as a team member
 
• Willingness to pitch in as needed to create a functional and positive field station atmosphere
 
• Alignment with mission of field station and ability to represent the Center in a wide variety of cultural and institutional contexts
 
• Curiosity to explore and enjoy the Gulf of California, the Sonoran desert, its communities, and cultures.
 
• Ability to be legally employed in the United States or Mexico.

Compensation includes housing, salary, benefits (according to Mexican or U.S. standards depending on citizenship) and some travel expenses. Please direct inquiries and applications to Gregory Smart ([email protected]) and Lorayne Meltzer ([email protected] ) with the subject “ADO applicant”. To apply please send a resume, contact information for 3 references, and a cover letter addressing your interest in the position and your relevant experience and skills.  Applications received before July 31st, 2022 will be given priority. Zoom interviews will be conducted in August and finalists will be invited for a site visit in September 2022.