Teaching & Research in Environmental Education (TREE) Fellow

Education Fellowship Job Listing

The Catamount Center for Environmental Science & Education is seeking applicants for our 2022 Fellowships in Environmental Education. The Catamount Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring ecological stewardship through experiential outdoor and environmental education. The TREE (Teaching and Research in Environmental Education) Semester is a semester-long off-campus Colorado College academic program designed for undergraduate students of all majors.

Successful applicants will have a strong commitment to, and knowledge of education, environmental science, and environmental stewardship, and are excited about the idea of working outdoors in a spectacular mountain setting. Primary responsibilities include providing support to undergraduate students enrolled in the program for curriculum and inquiry activity planning, independent research, and teaching science and environmental studies to K-12 students in the outdoors and classroom. Preference will be given to applicants who have relevant prior experience, especially working with children, and who will successfully promote Catamount Center’s atmosphere of collaboration and mutual learning.

More resources:

Video about the TREE semester

Article about the semester

JOB TITLE:  Teaching & Research in Environmental Education (TREE) Fellow

SUPERVISORS: Catamount Center Executive Director and TREE Semester Program Director.

Catamount Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring ecological stewardship.

GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTION:

Under a “sociocracy” model of management, the TREE Fellow will refine, and implement their domains in consultation with the Catamount Center Executive Director and TREE Program Director. Each week, the Fellow will report upon their progress on each relevant domain at staff meetings, and each month the TREE Fellow will review their performance in each domain with the Executive Director and TREE Program Director. The domains are listed separately and will be reviewed and potentially revised during staff training.

OVERALL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Taking lead in their domains and supporting other staff and fellows in their domains, as requested.
• Support undergraduate TREE students’ teaching development, including field days, classroom observations, coursework, research projects, evening programs, teaching observations, and teaching reflections.
• Plan Catamount Center Outdoor School curricula with Science Curriculum Coordinator and Executive Director, and work directly with Columbine Elementary School teachers to integrate with in-school lessons. Update and communicate needs with all staff members at weekly staff meetings.
• Coordinate schedules for effective mentoring from Columbine Elementary School teachers to integrate in-school lessons and Catamount Center Outdoor School curricula.
• Work with TREE Semester Program Director to help guide undergraduate students in curriculum planning, lesson plan construction, program delivery, and academics during the fall semester.
• Work with Catamount Center Executive Director and Science Curriculum Coordinator to guide undergraduate students in curriculum planning, program delivery, and management of 5th grade students for up to 100 hours teaching time during the fall semester.
• Assist TREE Semester Program Director with undergraduate education classes (Environmental Education, Foundations of Environmental Education) as needed.
• Assist Science Curriculum Coordinator and Catamount Executive Director with undergraduate EE Practicum class as needed.
• Attend and actively participate in all undergraduate education classes. Assist undergraduates with assignments, essay writing, lesson plans, and portfolio preparation.
• Help to create a transformational living and learning community by developing extracurricular activities and managing undergraduate student dynamics and supporting student needs in consultation with TREE Semester Program Director and Catamount Center Executive Director.
• Work with Catamount Center Executive Director on risk management.
• Work with Site Manager on supervising proper maintenance and care for Catamount Center facilities and property.
• Adhere to, actively model, and enforce Catamount Center and Colorado College policies, procedures, and codes of conduct.
• Assist TREE Program Director, Site Manager and Food Manager with collecting, archiving and recording all financial transactions for the semester.
• Ensure all policies related to COVID safety are implemented and followed.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

Education Experience

• An undergraduate degree related to Education, Environmental Education or Environmental Studies.
• MAT

Prior Experience:

• Experience in the field of Environmental Education (preferred)

Other Qualifications:

• Successful completion of a background check (required by Woodland Park School District).
• Ability and excitement to support the growth and development of undergraduate students.
• Working knowledge of developmental theory, curriculum writing, lesson planning, and teaching strategies.
• Ability and willingness to take initiative, solve problems, and multi-task effectively.
• Excitement for working non-traditional hours and living on site with a small team of permanent and seasonal staff, undergraduate students, and visiting faculty members.
• Passion for environmental education and conservation.
• Wilderness First Responder or First Aid Certification (preferred).
• Sense of humor.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

COMPENSATION:

• Food expenses for the duration of the contract will be provided by the Catamount Center. Under the guidance of the Food manager, TREE Fellows may be involved in the day-day serving of meals as needed.
• Free lodging at Catamount Center in the Tava Lodge Residence Hall during the duration of employment.
• Options to take one Lectical assessment.
• One Monday vacation day during each month of the program (September – December). Thanksgiving Break from November 20-28.
• Monthly stipend paid in four installments

Dates of Employment: 

Mid August - Late December 

How to apply:

All interested applicants please send a resume and contact information to: thecatamountcenter@gmail.com