Environmental Justice Community Educator Specialist

COPAL MN • Minneapolis, MN

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

COPAL is hiring an Environmental Justice Community Educator Specialist to design and facilitate community-centered educational programming that integrates environmental justice, climate resilience, and hands-on learning experiences. The position focuses on curriculum development, workshop facilitation, and community engagement efforts that strengthen knowledge, participation, and resilience within Latine communities.

Requirements

• English and Spanish speaking skills are required.
• Degree in environmental studies, public policy, sociology, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Minimum 2 years of experience in community engagement, organizing, or grassroots advocacy.
• Experience in environmental education, agriculture, ecology, or related field (or equivalent lived/working experience).
• Knowledge of plant systems, farming practices, or land-based education.
• Experience facilitating workshops or educational programs.
• A demonstrated commitment to environmental justice, equity, and community-centered work.
• The ability to work independently, establish priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Strong skills in conflict management.
• Competency in MS Office: Word, Access, Publisher, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• The ability to travel to events and other COPAL offices and strategic locations in Minnesota such as Mankato, Rochester, Austin, and Saint Cloud.
• A valid driver’s license, access to reliable transportation, and the ability to meet COPAL’s driving record requirements. Please note that if the license was not issued in the state of Minnesota, you have 60 days after becoming a Minnesota resident in which to apply for your Minnesota driver's license or permit.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop a structured educational curriculum for COPAL’s Annual Farm Tour.
• Integrate theoretical and practical components related to: sustainable agriculture, climate change and food systems, land stewardship, and environmental justice.
• Facilitate educational sessions during Farm Tour activities, including complementing hands-on experiences such as planting, harvesting, and land care.
• Develop educational materials (guides, modules, reflection tools) to support participant learning.
• Support the creation and implementation of a certificate-based learning component for participants.
• Support outreach efforts to identify and recruit community participants for a home-based air quality monitoring initiative.
• Build relationships with community members to encourage participation.
• Collaborate with the EJ team to prioritize engagement with communities most impacted by environmental health disparities.
• Support communication and basic orientation for participants as needed.
• Participate in internal learning processes related to Resilience Hub models.
• Design and facilitate community workshops on: climate adaptation and resilience, community preparedness, the role and function of Resilience Hubs.
• Ensure workshops are culturally relevant, accessible, and community-centered.
• Translate resilience concepts into practical, community-based strategies.
• Conduct research and policy/data analysis related to pollution, climate change, and community health and use research to support advocacy and amplify efforts with other groups.
• Establish and implement systems to monitor and evaluate the impact of COPAL’s environmental justice initiatives.
• Prepare regular reports and contribute to grant writing on the effectiveness of programs and make recommendations for improvements.
• Participate in fundraising as appropriate to the role, including site visits with funders and phone banking to members/donors.
• Collect and track qualitative and quantitative data (e.g., participant feedback, outcomes, and engagement) to measure program impact.
• Prepare brief written summaries and reports on activities, outcomes, and key learnings.

Benefits

• Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST)
• COPAL sponsors a retirement plan with 6% employer contribution after 90 days of service and immediate vesting
• Discounted tuition for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate programs
• Professional development opportunities
• Access to advancement (internships, job placement, field practice)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Education Level: Associate degree