Seeking Applicants for ’24-’25 Service Year:
Youth Education Coordinator
“I think back to my service year with the East Quabbin Land Trust as a defining time, shaping my career, ambition, and confidence all at once,” said Louisa Rossell, former YEC at EQLT. “I learned that facilitating youth connection to the Earth can be done in a multitude of ways. I was given the space, resources, and community connection to dream big and create spaces for nature-inspired mindfulness, storytelling, and garden education. As I move forward in my farm education career, the lessons, hands-on skills, and self-assuredness I developed during my time at EQLT will continue to guide my way.”
What does a Youth Education Coordinator do?
Youth Education Coordinators (YEC) build the long-term capacity of their Service Site by engaging youth in science and nature learning projects.
They collaborate with schools, libraries, and youth groups on projects that connect young people to the natural world.
What are some potential projects for a YEC?
- Engage youth in tree planting to improve public health and well-being
- Expand engagement, the arts and learning on the Mass Central Rail Trail
- Engage youth in creating children’s literature projects that impart messages about land conservation or stewardship themes in Massachusetts
- Engage youth in taking photographs of conserved lands to promote public awareness of these special places and the work of land trusts
- Create videos highlighting youth impacts on EQLT preserves
- Develop a family walking program that uses social media to reach new audiences
- Expand and enhance programs for growing food with local schools
- Develop curriculum for summer camp days on conservation land
- Expand internship and externship opportunities through the local high schools
What are the desired qualifications?
- Strong writing and verbal communication skills
- Able to serve both independently and as a member of a team
- Comfort navigating computer software programs (Comfort navigating computer software programs Microsoft Office programs)
- Training and experience pertinent to the Youth Education Coordinator with East Quabbin Land Trust position and projects listed above
- Experience training and educating community members and volunteers
- Experience with curriculum development and lesson planning
- Strong interest/ experience with hands-on land management or stewardship projects
- Flexible and positive attitude and commitment to learning from and engaging with the volunteers and staff at the East Quabbin Land Trust to affect real change in our region