Environmental Educator

Environmental Educator

https://www.discoverypathways.org/

Discovery Pathways' mission is to uplift the well-being of the community and environment through experiential, nature-based programs. By providing hands-on environmental education to urban youth and adults, we empower leaders and cultivate a connection to the natural world and local watershed. Our work is based at FDR Park in South Philadelphia. Our primary programs include youth empowerment, free boating and fishing programs, educational field trips, outdoor recreation trips, and more. We work tirelessly to ensure underserved communities can pursue meaningful outdoor experiences.

The Environmental Educator will work closely with the Education Director to coordinate and implement all aspects of programming at FDR Park and beyond. They will lead boating, fishing, and environmental education at FDR and other local sites. They will also run the summer youth employment program and support operations at the Boathouse as well as programming which includes field trips, educational workshops, and volunteer opportunities. 

 Primary Responsibilities:

• Assist and/or leads in designing, implementing, and evaluating on and off-site education programs related to environmental education, water quality, and nature exploration
• Acts as the co-lead educator for Free Community Boating and Fishing events. 
• Design and implement educational field trips and programs for community partners and local schools/ groups. 
• Works professionally and collaboratively with partner organizations to implement on and off-site educational programming.
• Co-lead Youth Empowerment program and summer employment for high school youth. 
• Co-lead camping trips and other day trips (hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, etc.)
• Assists the Education Manager in training and supporting interns and volunteers 
• Assists the Education Manager with managing and caring for equipment
• Set up and clean up from educational and community events
• Supports with ensuring that all recreation and education activities are inclusive and welcoming to people of various backgrounds, ages, skill levels, and capabilities.
• Delivers support to the Education Manager with administrative tasks associated with programming (flyers, outreach, spreadsheets, booking, website, etc.)
• Supports Education Manager with record keeping and supply inventory
• As needed, offers general support to the FDR Park Team such as participation in trash clean-ups, wetland garden planting, lake maintenance, and more

Qualifications/Specifications:

• Minimum degree required: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• Years of experience: At least two (2) years of work experience supporting or running environmental education programs. Some experience with outdoor activities like kayaking, fishing, birding, or hiking is preferred. 
• Driver’s License: Valid driver’s license and clean, safe driving record required
• Knowledges, Skills, Abilities required for success:
  • Experience coordinating and executing education (formal and informal) workshops and programming with diverse audiences.
  • Experience in community engagement and outreach; ability to build strong relationships with diverse community members and partner organizations.
  • Interest in environmental access, outdoor recreation, and community-based health initiatives.
  • Microsoft Office
  • Ability to connect and communicate with diverse groups of people.
  • Effective facilitation, community organizing and training skills 
  • Excellent organization skills, attention to details and ability to handle multiple priorities in a timely and reliable manner.
  • Ability to take initiative, problem solve and work cooperatively
  • Must be flexible and able to quickly adapt to changes for a variety of tasks.
  • Familiarity with South Philadelphia and surrounding areas is a plus.
  • Note: this position may require background checks due to work with youth and young adults.  

Physical Demands: 

• Ability to lift and move 20lbs comfortably.
• Willing to work outdoors in all types of weather, under strenuous conditions
• Ability to kayak, move kayaks, lift basic equipment

 Standard Hours (including travel, evening, and weekend hours):

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively under variable conditions including early mornings, some weekends, and evenings 
• This position requires 2 Saturdays a month in the busy season
• 40 hour weeks typically, but some flexibility is needed with trips and camping