Environmental Educator

Job Responsibilities & Duties:

1. TEACH ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION (80%):

• Facilitate discovery in both indoor and outdoor classroom settings.
• Deliver programming to any of the groups we serve throughout the year, primarily children in grades Preschool through Grade.
  • Although we primarily serve school audiences between Sept.-May, “groups” may also include scouts, day camps, afterschool programs, adult learners, community groups, and any other organization seeking an environmental education experience. 
• Teach summer camp or other group programming between June - August.
• Plan or assist with public programming for family and adult audiences as needed. 

    2.  PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT (15%):

• Participate in team meetings to review school programs and suggest improvements.
• Occasionally create activities, hikes, or other experiences for public programs and/or family events.
• If working summer camp, reference NCSL lesson plans, activities and resources to plan your camp sessions. Write lesson plans for your weeks of camp to match the assigned theme. 

    3.  OTHER (5%):

• Maintain good humor and apply professional, common-sense solutions to everyday challenges.
• Learn, meet new people, reflect, and take initiative to continue to grow in the field.
• Participate in team trainings, staff meetings and events.
• May be asked to help care for Education animals (box turtles and snakes).
• Other duties as assigned.

IV Required Qualifications & Skills:

• Completed degree or enrolled in a degree program in Education or Earth & Life Sciences or related field 
  • Motivation to continue to learn and practice education skills and natural resources content.
• Experience teaching Preschool through 6th grade in a hands-on setting.
  • Ability to design age-appropriate environmental education curricula and activities for a wide variety of audiences
  • Ability to manage classroom safety and behavior in a variety of settings. 
• CPR/1st Aid Certification (to be provided by NCSL upon hire).
• Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to interact with the public, parents/guardians, teachers and staff with tact, courtesy, and diplomacy.
• Strong organizational skills, ability to multi-task, adapt to change, work independently, and to prioritize effectively. 

V Work Schedule:

• The majority of programming takes place Monday-Friday between 9am-1pm. Occasionally there are opportunities to work late afternoons, evenings or weekends. 
• You may be scheduled to work between 0-40 hours depending on the season and demand for education programming. Typical demand is listed below and varies greatly by season. 
  • Spring: 0-25 hours a week
    • Programming is heaviest in April & May
  • Summer: 0-40 hours a week 
    • Camp runs early June – early Aug and often requires 40-hour weeks. 
    • Alternative assignments include assisting with half-day camps or “one-off” programs booked by external groups (day cares, summer enrichment programs, etc.)
  • Fall: 0-20 hours a week
    • Programming is heaviest between mid-Sept. & mid-Nov.
  • Winter: 0-10 hours a week
    • Programming is light, but begins to pick up in Feb.
• Due to the variable nature of this position, the Nature Center team expects to schedule around additional work, school, or personal commitments you may have. 

VI Working Conditions:

• Position requires lifting up to 15 lbs., frequent hiking up to 3 - 5 miles (sometimes on rough terrain), climbing stairs, kneeling, sitting, and bending.
• The workday often takes place outdoors along our trails with possible hazards.
• This position offers minimal remote/work from home opportunities.

VIII Application Procedure:

Email:                    careers@shakerlakes.org

Subject:                 Environmental Educator

Requirements:      Resume

Recommended:    Cover Letter