Sustainability Learning and Community Coordinator

Job Summary

The Sustainability Learning and Community Coordinator (Field School Coordinator) is responsible for managing the planning, development, and delivery of the Sustainable Communities Field School (Field School). This position is based at UBC Botanical Garden on the UBC Vancouver Campus. Regular on-site presence (3-5 days per week) is expected to manage team coordination, student learning/mentorship, program delivery, and community engagement. The role also includes occasional travel to attend/facilitate workshops, deliver presentations, and connect with communities and partners.

Established in 2015, the Field School has focused on increasing the capacity of individuals and groups to build more resilient, equitable and healthy communities. A key feature of the educational program lies in connecting international policies (UN-SDGs, Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, UNDRIP and Global Strategy for Plant Conservation) to local learning and on-the-ground action. Working across university, conservation and botanical garden networks, the program supports communities of practice, mentors & trains students, shares information & resources and delivers engaging educational experiences that invite curiosity and life-long learning.

As a donor-supported program, the next phase of the work - Field School 4.0 - builds on a strong foundation of community-based learning and is guided by the 2026-2028 Impact Plan. The Field School Coordinator will deliver on science-policy education and capacity building and be guided by three interconnected goals including:

A – Advancing action for climate adaptation;

B – Strengthening biodiversity conservation and sustainable use; and,

C – Expanding climate and conservation education for sustainable lifestyles.

Organizational Status
The Sustainability Learning and Community Coordinator (Field School Coordinator) reports directly to the Associate Director, Sustainability and Community Programs. This role works with staff, students, faculty, government agencies, conservation organizations, Indigenous communities, and botanical gardens to deliver outstanding sustainability learning experiences.

Work Performed
Program Coordination & Administration

• Coordinate and support the implementation of a multi-year program integrating science, education, and community engagement.

• Provide guidance and coordination support to students, staff, and volunteers involved in Field School initiatives.

• Support fund development, grant applications, and donor reporting.

• Develop and manage work plans, timelines, budgets, and reporting for internal and external audiences.

• Track program engagement, evaluation metrics, and impact reporting using logic models.

• Develop budgets and funding projections to advance Field School initiatives and community-based priorities.

• Coordinate the planning and development of tools and resources that support biodiversity conservation and climate adaptation.

• Liaise with researchers, educators, students, service providers, and consultants to meet deadlines and funding deliverables.

• Connect with staff and communities on program marketing, communications, websites, newsletters, and publications.

• Advise Garden staff and Senior Leadership Team on overall Field School priorities.

Sustainability Education & Outreach

• Develop and deliver Field School learning experiences, including teambuilding tours, workshops, public events, and sustainability-focused programming.

• Support programming to increase awareness of the links between biodiversity and cultural diversity (biocultural diversity) and identify opportunities to increase Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) of research and education programs.

• Develop and facilitate teaching and learning opportunities for the Garden supporting the Gardens strategic plans (Interpretive Plan and Climate Adaptation Plan)

• Integrates learning modules (e.g., climate justice, Indigenous engagement, food systems, citizen science) into program curriculum and seeks out sustainability learning topics and opportunities.

• Develop and host workshops (in person and online) for adult, youth and community audiences using experiential learning approaches.

• Support the development of educational materials, curriculum resources, and public-facing reports.

• Coordinate with staff, students and partners to promote and deliver events and initiatives.

• Develop community science programming to support biodiversity education and data collection.

• Ensure inclusive and quality program delivery through monitoring and evaluation.

• Develop engagement initiatives that promote adoption and use of program tools and resources.

Partnerships & Networking

• Build and maintain relationships with individuals, organizations, and networks relevant to climate adaptation, biodiversity conservation and environmental learning (e.g., botanical gardens, Indigenous communities, government, universities, NGOs, businesses).

• Convene meetings, workshops, and collaborative forums to advance shared community-based priorities.

• Research and apply best practices in climate adaptation education and community-based planning.

• Strengthen connections between UBC and external partners to expand Field School reach and relevance.

• Research regional policies, plans, and funding opportunities relevant to plant conservation and climate adaptation.

• Support the development of student-led projects that advance adaptation planning and community engagement.

• Develop and sustain a community-based network that advances regional sustainability priorities and climate action.

Other Duties as Required

UBC Botanical Garden is a dynamic workplace that serves the public and aims to provide exceptional visitor experiences and academic service. This role will serve as a trusted representative of the Garden in all interactions with researchers, educators, staff, volunteers and external partners and clients. It is expected that this position will maintain professionalism, diplomacy and collaborative relationships even in high-pressure or challenging situations.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
The Sustainability Learning and Partnerships Coordinator will work closely with Garden staff and the Associate Director, Sustainability and Community Programs. The coordinator is expected to exercise initiative and good judgment in establishing priorities and conducting day to day administrative and program-related tasks. Major financial matters, partnerships, long-term planning, and large strategic decisions should be brought to the attention of the Associate Director. Errors in judgment or communications could result in reputational damage to UBC Botanical Garden, Faculty of Science and possibly other academic institutions and researchers, with possible consequential financial implications.

Supervision Received
This position reports directly to the Associate Director, Sustainability and Community Programs. The role offers considerable latitude and work is reviewed against achievement of tasks and performance objectives.

Supervision Given
This role oversees the work of students, staff and volunteers as their work relates to the implementation of Field School projects and programs in their portfolio.

Minimum Qualifications
University degree in a relevant discipline. Minimum of two years of related experience, or the equivalent combination of education and experience with sustainability learning including expertise in plants, biodiversity and local conservation.

- Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own

- Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Preferred Qualifications

● Highly organized with strong sustainability learning and project management experience. Excellent organizational and multitasking skills and ability to work under pressure of changing deadlines.

● Strong interpersonal and leadership skills; ability to anticipate, interact and build internal and external relationships with a diverse range of teams and personalities.

● Experience with communication, engagement and facilitation of diverse audiences. This includes planning, managing, and guiding a group to ensure that the group’s objectives are met effectively.

● Demonstrated ability to work flexibly and independently, handle multiple concurrent priorities, and set and meet reasonable deadlines.

● Understanding of sustainability, conservation, climate change, and community development.

● Excellent science communication, public speaking and facilitation skills in outdoor learning environments.

● Experience with delivering both technical content and event planning, coordination, and delivery.

Asset Skills

● Familiar with the UBC community and structure through academic engagement, work experience, leading community projects or community organizing or other means.

● Project-related budgeting, accounting and fund development experience.

● Proficient with visual communications, website content management systems or creative digital tools including WordPress, Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, or others