Administrative Assistant

This position has been filled.

The Prairie Ecology Bus Center (PEBC) is looking for a highly motivated, very organized, self-starting person with a high degree of technical skills in office management and one who enjoys working with people.  The PEBC is embarking upon an ambitious expansion project for which this position will serve as organizational support. 

The Administrative Assistant (AA) position is a ¾ time position.  This position is slated to be a 2-year position with the possibility of extending it indefinitely pending fund availability.  The AA position is flexible in its hours with the potential of allowing for work from home on occasion.  The AA position does not include benefits. 

POSITION FUNCTIONS:

• To oversee membership recruiting, cultivation and management activities. 
• To set-up and maintain database of members, contacts and fundraising activities. 
• To coordinate publicity and marketing activities.
• To assist in the coordination of outreach and onsite programming provided by the Prairie Ecology Bus Center.
• To assist in the development of volunteer opportunities, coordinate and oversee volunteer activities for onsite projects and outreach programs. 
• To assist in grant research as needed.
• To assist Board of Directors with their activities and meetings.  
• To assist in the compilation and layout of PEBC’s newsletter.
• To assist in the coordination of fundraising and special events.
• To assist in PEBC’s website maintenance and updates.
• To assist in the maintenance of PEBC scrapbook of activities.
• To manage other daily office functions as needed.

EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED:

• Manages paperwork involved in scheduling outreach programs and coordinating onsite educational opportunities.
• Responds to informational requests regarding PEBC programs, volunteer opportunities, general information about Sparks County Park (where the PEBC operates from).
• Sets up volunteer activities and coordinates necessary people and materials for projects.
• Inputs membership donations, changes/additions of contacts and tracks fundraising activities in database.
• Researches and compiles a synopsis of potential grant opportunities, schedule of deadlines and other pertinent information to facilitate the grant writing process.
• Conducts membership renewal mailings and subsequent follow-up database entries.
• Assists in the compilation of a Board of Directors Manual.  Assists Board members with needed office support for their PEBC activities.
• Sends press releases to announce public programs and to announce the arrival of the Ecology Bus wherever the Bus might be traveling to increase awareness of the Ecology Bus outreach programs.
• Compiles a scrapbook with notable written communications from participants (Thank-You’s, letters of support, etc.), newspaper clippings, articles, etc. for historical record and public purview.
• Assist in the coordination of annual events and special program and/or fundraising events.
• Assist in keeping the PEBC website current including write-ups of recent activities and events, posting program photos of participants, other postings as needed.

MEETING PEBC’S MISSION:
The Administrative Assistant position will provide for the much needed staff position to facilitate the PEBC’s operations and allow the Executive Director time to focus on organizational development, goals identified in the strategic plan, awareness building activities and fundraising efforts.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education: High school graduation and two years education in office administration.
Experience: Highly organized with experience managing day-to-day operations of a professional office; interpersonal skills; high-level written and oral communication skills; knowledge of database systems and spreadsheet software (Excel);  knowledge of website creation and maintenance, experience recruiting, coordinating and managing volunteers for long-term and short-term projects; excellent time management skills, highly motivated self-starter, enjoys working and interacting with others and can work independently.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Education: Four year college education in office administration or closely related field.
Experience: The minimum qualifications listed plus experience in marketing and public relations; experience in database/membership software (MyDatabase and/or ExceedBasic!); proficiency in desktop publishing software (PageMaker or InDesign); experience in creating flyers, newsletters, program materials for distribution; experience in event coordination.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Majority of position activities are performed indoors.  Duties performed outside may include, but are not limited to, activities such as volunteer supervision for outdoor projects, program or event set-up, assisting teaching staff with outdoor educational programs.

Contact Info:
Chrystal Dunker, PEBC Executive Director
PO Box 429, Lakefield, MN 56150
507-662-5064,               ecologybus@ecologybus.org

Applications are available here. (Word Document)

Position description available here. (Word Document)

Volunteer Assistance

All not-for-profit organizations depend a great deal on the time and energy of volunteers who contribute their time, energy, and expertise. PEBC is no different. One of our goals is to substantially increase volunteer participation. We can use help for office chores, in running our programs (especially in the summer), in doing outreach and public relations, for fund-raising, participating in committees, and more. We are always interested in talking to volunteers who can spend the time and who have the passion and belief in this program to join our board. The Ecology Bus is the Pride of Southwest Minnesota. Your generous participation as a volunteer will be of great help as this exciting year unfolds. Please contact us for more information on becoming a volunteer. For a listing of volunteer opportunities, click here.

If you wish to volunteer with us, please fill out our online volunteer form.

Internship Program

The mission of the internship program is to assist college students interested in a career of teaching about the environment to learn how to develop and teach outdoor environmental education programs. Act as a teaching assistant to PEBC staff naturalists. Learn the basics of working with a non-profit organization. Responsible for development of new program and revisions of existing education programs.

Interns will be able to:

     o Develop awareness of outdoor environmental education teaching techniques,

     o Gain experience in program development,

     o Expand natural resources understanding and application of knowledge,

     o Acquire experience working with a wide range of age groups in a variety of
        environments and teaching situations throughout southern and western Minnesota.

Location: PEBC facility is located at Spark's County Park, Lakefield, MN

Project Length: Can vary by project - prefer a six to twelve-month commitment

Job Description:

If you are looking for a one-of-a-kind opportunity to enhance your teaching skills and apply your scientific and natural resource knowledge, you won't want to miss this internship potential!! The PEBC offers a fantastic experience allowing interns to explore their interest in teaching science and natural resources and fine-tune their teaching skills by working in a wide variety of environments and locations throughout southern and western Minnesota. The internship will encompass a wide variety of hands-on applications of teaching strategies, program development & maintenance. Interns will also have the chance to improve/increase their writing skills through the publication of a weekly naturalist column in a local paper and development of program descriptions, advertisements and press releases for upcoming programs. In addition, there will be the opportunity to engage in and learn about digital media production - video, web and multimedia- in producing science education programs.

After the first month of intern program, interns will begin developing a project that meets their interests and PEBC's needs. Projects can range from the development of a new Ecology Bus or In School program, summer daycamp programs, community education offerings or other type of project.

This internship is non paying. Off-site housing will be provided by PEBC in Lakefield. Interns are encouraged to seek intern program stipends through their college or university to supplement their stay. Interns must be willing and able to obtain a commercial drivers license to drive the Ecology Bus.