Conservation Education Coordinator

Introduction to KECA

The Keystone Elk Country Alliance (KECA) is a nonprofit wildlife conservation organization that operates and manages the Elk Country Visitor Center in Benezette, Pennsylvania. KECA’s mission is “To conserve and enhance Pennsylvania’s elk country for future generations.” Our number one priority is conservation education.  KECA currently offers over fifty different educational programs for incoming students. These programs are not only cross-curricular, but many of them also align with the Pennsylvania State Education Standards. In addition, each program is age-appropriate, and many can be adapted to suit the needs of any age group from kindergarten to twelfth grade and beyond. These programs cover various aspects of conservation, environmental awareness, and good land stewardship practices—with a focus on elk and elk habitat in the Pennsylvania Wilds. A few topics include food web dynamics, habitat management techniques, and concepts of natural selection. KECA strongly believes that programs that expose our youth to nature are the best way to ensure it will be preserved in the future.

Job Description

SUMMARY: Coordinate, develop and deliver a successful conservation education program plan while working with Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) and other partners.
Oversee the educational department and all of its components.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop lesson plans and serve as liaison between the Elk Country Visitors Center (ECVC) and School Districts in the region to attract educators and students to participate in educational programs.  Research state curriculum mandates and develop conservation education programs that meet these requirements


• Schedule programs at the Elk Country Visitor Center and coordinate events including outdoor expos, events and guest speakers


• Develop outreach programs to various Intermediate Units’(IU)and districts and conduct teacher workshops and training (i.e. Act 48 credits)


• Network with universities to attract college intern students


• Assist with Elk Country Visitors Center website content input and administration


• Facilitate offsite public relations events, activities and educational outreach opportunities (expos, outreach open houses, school districts, colleges, civic groups, youth field day events, Chambers of Commerce, tourism promotion agencies and IU’s)


• Collect and report Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) requirements annually


• Work collaboratively to develop a ECVC programming plan for DCNR State Parks annually


• Report Conservation Education Numbers to DCNR monthly


• Write articles for Tracks and Racks magazine


• Comprise the Con. Ed. budget and modify on an annual basis

• Promote KECA/Seneca Resources Company Scholarship and collaborate with selection committee for selections


• Update educational updates on mission priority projects, information and data collection


• Train educational staff and set expectations for KECA interns and PGC seasonal position


• Instruct and manage volunteers encouraging them to project professionalism in all their dealings with the public


• Conduct KECA Conservation Education (Con. Ed.) Committee meetings at least twice a year


• Work closely and collectively with KECA staff, interns, volunteers, members and other supporters


• Willingness to work on a non-traditional schedule. (various shifts and weekends are required at times)


• Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Ability to develop a coordinated education and program plan with involvement of many partners, developing lesson plans that meet Pennsylvania state curriculum mandates.  Effectively deliver programs to various and diverse audiences.  Emphasis on public and community relations.  Effectively manage the guests’ experience, coordinate the work of volunteers and interns including training and interact with government agencies as needed.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor’s degree required in education, conservation, wildlife management or related majors or a minimum of 5 years of educational experience.

MATHEMATICAL and/or COMPUTER SKILLS:

Thorough knowledge of Word, Excel, Power Point and ZOOM required.

REASONING ABILITY:

Ability to sense widely diverse audience’s educational needs and interests then adapt presentations accordingly.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS: 

Act 48 Clearances, CPR/First Aid

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, talk and hear.  Some travel, primarily by motor vehicle will be required, as well as overnight educational opportunities. The employee must lift and/or move up to 45 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Environment will be diverse from office setting to outdoor activities. 

KECA will provide a laptop computer, access to a 4-way print, copy, fax and scan machine, telephone (landline), desk area and cell phone bill reimbursement. KECA will provide a business credit card for work expenses as well as providing office supplies. 

Salary:                      Starting salary of $57,000

Days off:                    10 days vacation, 3 sick days, 3 bereavement days

Health Benefits:         Provided by KECA in a limited High Mark plan. (Employee Manual provided)80% KECA 20% Employee Split (effective June 1, 2022)

Retirement Plan:       Simple retirement plan administered by Northwest Savings Bank. Employer will match up to 3%. 

Anticipated Start Date:     July 30th, 2026

How To Appy:         Email cover letter, resume and up to three references to Ben Porkolab at [email protected]   Deadline to apply July 8th, 2026