Assistant After School Facilitator

Under the management of the Senior Naturalist (with oversight by the Director of Environmental Education), the Assistant After School Program Facilitator works with a Lead After School Program Facilitator to manage a group of After School Program participants. Essential job components include: developing and implementing education curricula and after-school activities which support seasonal program themes and promote the New Canaan Nature Center's mission. 

Working hours:

17.5-20.5 hours per week

Typically: Monday-Friday, 2:30 pm – 6:00 pm (hours will vary for early dismissal days)

• Fall Session will be August 29 - December 21
• Winter Session will be January 2 – April 12
• Spring Session will be April 22 – June 7

*On days when the public schools have early dismissal, employee hours will be: TBD, but likely 12:30-3:30 pm.

*The New Canaan Nature Center After School Program follows the New Canaan Public School calendar. There is no programming on vacation weeks or single-day holidays when the public schools are closed.

Duties:

The Assistant After School Program Facilitator will report to the  Senior Naturalist. Job responsibilities include:

• Create a clean, safe, and healthy learning environment for children in the NCNC After School Program; recognize & appropriately respond to all hazards & emergencies.
• Maintain CT state standards for childhood care centers, assisting with program participant forms & other paperwork, as needed.
• Work with other After School Program Facilitators and members of the Environmental Education team to provide high quality nature-based education experiences to all program participants. 
• Assist the LASPF in leading interactive and interdisciplinary After School programming for grade school-aged children that maximizes the use of our NCNC outdoor classroom space.
• Provide enthusiastic and innovative instruction in coordination with the Lead After School Program Facilitator; teach through hands-on and inquiry-based methods that encourage exploration, awareness, appreciation, and stewardship of the natural environment.
• Encourage the personal and social development of children.
• Assist in safely lead groups of up to 15 children in an outdoor setting while enacting solid group/behavior management protocols 
• Coordinate with the Lead After School Program Facilitator for the implementation of logistical plans, curriculum development, etc.
• Provide support at annual community/special events.
• Participate and contribute in All Staff meetings.
• Additional tasks as assigned by supervisors or Executive Director

Minimum Skill and Ability Requirements: 

• Be pursuing (or have the intent to pursue) coursework in Environmental Education, Biological Sciences, Education, Outdoor Recreation or other related field
• Have experience and/or knowledge in education, environmental/outdoor education, formal and/or informal teaching, camps or similar experience working with children in a responsible and professional setting 
• Sense of humor, flexibility, and creative “think outside the box” solution-based mindset required
• Professional communication skills with visitors, volunteers, and the general public 
• Possess the physical ability to work actively throughout the property in a variety of weather conditions.
• Hold and maintain throughout the duration of the After School Program valid certification in the following: First Aid/CPR and Epi-pen/Medical Administration. If not current, must be willing to obtain valid certification prior to the start of employment.
• Must be at least 18 years old.

Start date: August 23 & 24 for training; program start date is August 29

To Apply: Email cover letter, resume, and the names & contact information of 2 references to Chelsey Hobby, Director of Human Resources, at chobby@newcanaannature.org.