As an Environmental Educator at Stratford Ecological Center, you will be at the forefront of inspiring the next generation to understand, appreciate, and protect the natural world. Reporting to the Executive Director, you will lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of our children's environmental education programs. Your role is essential to our mission of teaching young minds about ecological principles, agriculture and food, sustainability, and the interconnectedness of life on our farm and nature preserve. If you are passionate about children's education, sustainability, and fostering lifelong connections with nature, this role is a perfect fit for you.

Summary

Stratford Ecological Center is a 236-acre educational farm and nature preserve situated in Delaware, Ohio. Our mission is to educate children and adults about the intricate relationships between living organisms and their environment, fostering a deep appreciation for nature, sustainable agriculture, and the interdependence of all life forms. Since 1991, Stratford has been a hub for experiential learning, environmental stewardship, and sustainable living. Each year, we welcome nearly 16,000 children, families, volunteers, and community partners who seek to connect with nature, understand their food sources, and build a stronger community.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Develop, implement, and continually evaluate comprehensive children's environmental education programs.
Utilize Stratford's natural resources, including the farm, gardens, forest, pond, and nature preserve, to teach ecological principles, natural history, and sustainable practices.
Uphold Stratford's foundational educational philosophy while continuously improving and adapting educational models to meet evolving participant needs.
Build partnerships with local schools, organizations, and educators to assess environmental education needs and create impactful programs.
Foster an inclusive and diverse environment within our educational programs to ensure accessibility and welcoming experiences for all community members.
Oversee program safety and participant well-being, adhering to safety protocols and guidelines.
Collaborate with educators and experts to create and assess program curriculum, rooted in current scientific research.
Recruit, train, motivate, and supervise volunteers, providing support, guidance, and coaching for program success.
Design and organize ongoing training opportunities for volunteer educators, guides, staff, and interns to enhance their effectiveness.

QUALIFICATIONS:

4+ years of coursework/or equivalent work experience in education, biology, ecology, environmental or natural sciences. Bachelor’s degree highly preferred.
2+ years professional experience in formal/informal children’s education environmental education, programming, outreach, or related field
Enthusiasm for working in a dynamic, collaborative environment with a commitment to the greater good of the organization and the natural environment.
Previous experience in farming or gardening, demonstrating a solid understanding of agricultural practices and sustainability.
Demonstrated experience working with children of various age groups in educational settings.
Strong knowledge of environmental issues, conservation practices, and ecological principles.
Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, including public speaking and presentation.
Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions.
Willingness to work flexible hours, including weekends and evenings as needed.
Valid driver's license and current certification in First Aid and CPR (or the ability to acquire certification upon hire).

HOW TO APPLY: If you are passionate about environmental education and inspiring the next generation, we encourage you to apply. Please submit your resume, a cover letter outlining your relevant experience and why you are an ideal fit for this role, and three professional references to hr@stratfordecologicalcenter.org Include "Environmental Educator Application" in the subject line.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: OCTOBER 15, 2023

Compensation Information

APPLICATION DEADLINE: OCTOBER 15, 2023

WHY JOIN OUR TEAM?

Now is the time to join us and make a difference. Here, you matter and so does your career. When you join our team of staff and volunteers, you feel like you are part of something bigger. You’ll make a profound and lasting impact on children, our community, and our environment when they need us most. Our community is filled with passion and purpose; driven and inspired by the joy, wonder and relationships between living things and their environment. Additional benefits include:

This position is full-time, exempt, and pays between $35k-$45k, commensurate with experience.
Standard hours are 9-5 weekdays with evenings and weekends as required.
Paid medical, dental, vision, and life insurance for employees. Ability to add family and children at additional cost.
Company sponsored 401k plan with company match.
Work / life harmonization including flexible paid time paid off, paid holidays and program participation.
Free and significantly discounted organically managed farm goods including fresh produce, eggs, meat, and other farm products.

Stratford Ecological Center is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences. We look forward to welcoming an enthusiastic and dedicated Environmental Educator to our team. Join us in making a lasting impact on the environment and the lives of children in our community.