Nature PlaySpace Specialist

The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences at Prairie Ridge Ecostation is seeking an individual who is passionate about connecting families to nature to join our team! This position will facilitate nature play and exploration while keeping an outdoor learning environment well-maintained and running smoothly.

This position is a North Carolina state 11-month temporary position for 40 hours/week. Position will report to Head Prairie Ecostation and coordinate with the Early Childhood and Elementary Education staff of the North Carolina Museum of Nature Sciences.

Work schedule: Tuesday through Saturday: approximately 8:00-4:30

Location:  Prairie Ridge Ecostation (PRE) in West Raleigh, some meetings at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences in Downtown Raleigh.

About the Nature PlaySpace:

The Nature PlaySpace (NPS) is designed to celebrate the importance of outdoor play in the lives and education of children.  It is a perfect backdrop for young children first learning how to care for our natural resources. Families can explore the otter slide, groundhog tunnel, mini-prairie maze, and areas for art, digging, and water play. Children can climb over logs and boulders, roll in the grass, make mud pies, observe nature, and dig for fossils.

Responsibilities:

• Coordinate Nature PlaySpace programming, volunteers and maintenance.
• Interact professionally with parents and staff
• Reset area using NPS protocols at least 2 days per week
• Maintain good communication with the staff of PRE, facilities, and the Early Childhood and Elementary (EC/EE) Unit log entries as well as phone calls and emails.
• Co-lead Nature Plays with PRE and Early Childhood Staff and volunteers
• Manage all aspects of the NPS volunteer program including workdays for NPS maintenance
• Take a leadership role in two featured events each year at the Nature PlaySpace such as Gnome & Fairy Day and Take a Child Outside Week.
• Develop early childhood family programs/school programs for NPS and PRE as well as lead special populations programs as requested.
• Assist Museum staff as needed with program design, instruction, or activities for NPS, PRE and early childhood professional development workshop
• Attend Nature PlaySpace Committee meetings and PRE unit meetings; occasional EC/EE Unit Meetings.
• Open, close and maintain safe and smooth operations of PRE as scheduled.
• Assist with daily operational tasks which may include customer service, cleaning bathrooms, trash and recycling removal, and other such tasks.
• If available, assist with other Museum early childhood spaces and assisting with programming such as summer camp and outreach as needed.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Enthusiasm for science education and community engagement
• Experience working with young children and their families in outdoor settings
• Experience working with diverse audiences
• Excellent communication skills, especially with young children
• Demonstrated success in working independently, and as a member of a team and developing effective working relationships with staff, and the general public of all ages.
• Knowledge of the principles of play work and environmental education
• Able to hike 2-3 miles on unpaved trails, work outside in inclement weather, and be comfortable working with a diversity of wildlife. 
• Ability to adapt quickly and positively to unexpected changes such as inclement weather and wildlife encounters.
• Ability to use basic garden and wood working tools
• Ability to do basic landscaping tasks; lift 40 lbs.
• Professional manner and dress
• Transportation to PRE
• Must be dependable and punctual

Minimum Education:

High school or General Educational Development (GED) diploma and one year of experience as related to knowledge, skills, and abilities in area of assignment; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Education:

Earned or working towards a degree with a focus in education, psychology, biology, or natural science related to the area of assignment and one year of experience as related to knowledge, skills, and abilities in area of assignment.