Environmental Educator/Residence Life Coordinator

This position supports the mission of Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center by: a) designing and delivering PreK-12 environmental education programs, b) serving as director of residence life for undergraduate students living at Merry Lea, c) coordinating non-student Merry Lea residential experiences, and d) providing support for undergraduate and graduate learning experiences.

This position also supports Merry Lea’s Environmental Education Outreach program by delivering environmental education programs for PreK-12, family, and adult audiences, and contributes to related curriculum review and development. In serving as Merry Lea’s director of residence life, this position works to establish and maintain harmonious group living and a positive learning community dynamic for undergraduate students during the fall Sustainability Semester. They also serve in this capacity during other times of year, especially during the summer, for non-student residents including interns and student researchers. This person is the first point of contact for residents’ issues and concerns, and will facilitate engagement with other Merry Lea and Goshen College personnel as needed. Specific responsibilities of this position include assigning rooms, checking students in and out, creating relevant policies in consultation with ML Executive Director, SEED Chair, Director of Sustainability Semester, and relevant GC staff, clearly communicating expectations and policies to residents, performing periodic room/building inspections for cleanliness, and facilitating living community meetings with residents. This position also provides academic support for Sustainability and Environmental Education Department (SEED) faculty, such as coordinating field trips and guest speakers, gathering supplies, and providing logistical support.

Responsibilities related to Environmental Education Outreach (EEO) programs – 60%

• Deliver Environmental Education Outreach (EEO) programs
  • Deliver EEO programs at Merry Lea and at offsite locations
  • Assist with and contribute to training for new & existing educators (i.e., volunteers,  graduate/undergraduate students, and other staff educators)
  • Model appropriate pedagogical practices for volunteers, graduate and  undergraduate students, and contribute to mentorship of designated students
• Contribute to curriculum review and development
  • Participate in regular review of EEO programs.
  • Assist in the revision and development of curriculum that supports identified goals and considers needs of internal and external audiences.

Responsibilities related to students-in-residence at Merry Lea – 40%

• Community Life
  • Serve as director of residence life for student and non-student residents living at Rieth Village (RV) during the fall SEED Sustainability Semester and at other times of year, including the summer.
  • Assist RV residents on a path to harmonious group living through modeling creative leadership, group guidance, and positive engagement.
  • Facilitate weekly community meetings during periods when Goshen College students are in residence. Periodically tend to group dynamic needs when non-student persons (e.g., summer interns, researchers from other organizations, etc.) are in residence.
  • Facilitate organization of group tasks performed by RV students in residence, such as cleaning and grocery shopping, and manage related financial tasks when necessary.
  • In collaboration with the MAEE Director, assist in supporting community living aspects of Master of Arts in Environmental Education (MAEE) students.
• SEED Academic Program Support
  • Provide logistical support for learning experiences related to the SEED Sustainability Semester (e.g., coordinate field trips including the Sustainability Semester canoe trip, make arrangements with outside speakers, gather necessary supplies, provide tech support).
  • Together with SEED faculty, guide the formation of a learning community within the context of that immersive program.
  • In coordination with the SEED Chair and other SEED faculty, plan and coordinate occasional non-academic social activities for Sustainability Semester students.
  • Assist with purchasing, inventorying, and maintaining equipment and tools for the Sustainability Semester program.
• Administrative
  • Gather, organize, and summarize information related to the SEED Sustainability Semester (e.g., create/manage a database for equipment, track money spent for individual activities, and create spreadsheet files with useful information for following years).
  • Support SEED faculty in planning for program revisions and enhancements.
  • Ensure that student living spaces at Rieth Village (i.e., Pewamo, Washtenaw, Oshtemo South Kitchen, and Oshtemo South Bathroom) remain clean at all times. This includes assisting Merry Lea operations staff in performing deep cleaning of these spaces after residential cohorts depart and before new cohorts arrive.
  • Host prospective undergraduate visits to Merry Lea and tours of Rieth Village.
• General Duties
  • Attend Merry Lea staff meetings and appropriate subgroup meetings, such as EEO.Support Office Manager in Rieth Village facility rentals by managing facility key distribution.
  • Develop special projects as requested by the supervisor.

Education and/or Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Education, Outdoor Recreation, Biology, or related field
• Master’s degree in related field preferred
• 2 – 3 years experience in delivering field based education and/or crafting/managing cohesive group identity (e.g., supervising student group living, collegiate Resident Assistant, camp counselor, outdoor expedition leader, etc.)

Certifications, Licenses, Registrations:

• First Aid certification required (could be obtained after hire)
• Must have a valid driver’s license.

Skills & Competencies:

REQUIRED:

• Work or educational experience that demonstrates responsibility, self-direction, organization, and flexibility
• Basic computer skills
• Responsible, resourceful, and flexible
• Logistically savvy
• Strong people skills and sense of empathy

PREFERRED:

• Experience with spreadsheet management, social media, and database use
• Experience delivering environmental education programs
• Canoeing, boating, and camping skills
• Cooking skills
• Experience with mini-bus/passenger van driving and driving with a trailer