Seasonal Watershed Educator

Friends of the Cobbossee Watershed

Position Description

TITLE:  Watershed Educator(s) Hiring up to 2 for the season.

REPORTS TO:  Education and Outreach Director

LOCATION:  Friends of the Cobbossee Watershed Office

 2518 US Rt 202 East Winthrop Maine

 Travel within the Cobbossee Watershed is expected.

DURATION: Seasonal - April through August

HOURS: 40 hours per week,  some evenings and weekends are expected.

OVERVIEW

Are you ready to bring your energy and skills to help conserve and protect one of Maine’s most precious watersheds? 

The Friends of the Cobbossee Watershed (FOCW) is a 501(c)(3) organization with a mission of “protecting the lakes, ponds, and streams of the Cobbossee Watershed through community engagement, conservation, and education.” The Cobbossee Watershed comprises 28 lakes, ponds, and streams located within 17 townships in central Maine. The Seasonal Watershed Educator’s role is to implement Watershed Science education programming in schools, community centers, and on the lakes, ponds, and streams of the Cobbossee Watershed. 

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Watershed Educator will:

• Provide positive, outdoor, interactive, watershed-based education programming to a diverse group of patrons and program participants 
• Provide leadership for implementing a state funded outdoor learning initiative for middle and high school age students
• Lead Lake Ecology programming on board the Otter 3, our “floating classroom” a 22 foot pontoon boat. It's the flagship of the FOCW watershed education outreach.
• Professionally represent FOCW  Environmental Education at community and neighborhood events while providing watershed tabling activities at public programs, libraries, and special events. Assist in the development and assessment of these programming opportunities.
• Assist with the implementation of annual summer programming including two weeks of a middle school nature day camp, library programs, and regular excursions on the Otter 3 for middle and high school age students.
• Assist with coordinating educational outreach efforts to local businesses and schools
• Track participation and evaluate program effectiveness
• Occasionally support other educational programs, assist Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Courtesy Boat Inspectors and provide AIS education at boat landings as needed

Required Skills & Abilities:

• Prior experience in education/interpretive settings delivering public programs.
• Demonstrated ability to work well with ethnically diverse audiences in a public setting
• Working knowledge of Maines’s natural water systems and water quality concerns
• Ability to work flexible schedule
• Outgoing personality that has the ability to draw folks into our programming
• Ability to lift 30lbs, hike uneven terrain, swim, and teach effectively in all weather conditions

Required Qualifications: 

• Valid driver’s license and reliable personal vehicle to transport program materials and drive between work assignment locations as needed
• Demonstrated success teaching and presenting in event settings
• Previous experience giving public presentations

• Knowledge of interpretive display design

Preferred Qualifications:

• College or University work in natural sciences, environmental science, environmental education, or related fields. 
• Ability to communicate in multiple languages.  Spanish, French, Ukrainian, Portuguese, Hmong, or Somali are all possible.

Background Investigation: Criminal background check so as to be eligible for work with children under the age of 18

Compensation:

$18.00 per hour plus mileage reimbursement.  This position is eligible for PTO in accordance with Maine Labor Laws. Holidays during the season of work

Hours: Monday through Friday with occasional weekend and evening hours

Application Process:  Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.  When successful candidates are selected the position will close.  We are hiring two watershed educators. Ideally the position will start in April 2024.

Please submit your cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references to mail@watershedfriend.com   Put in the subject line Seasonal Watershed Educator Position