Teach for the Watershed (T4W) Seasonal Educator

Teach for the Watershed (T4W) Seasonal Educator Job Description

Position Timeframe

Seasonal Educator Staff Members are expected to work between 10 to 15 hours per week for the Spring and/or Fall T4W Seasons as listed below: 

• Spring Season Prep. & Spring T4W Programming: March  - June 8th
• Fall Season Prep. & Fall T4W Programming: August - Oct. 31st

Compensation

This position will be paid biweekly at an hourly rate of $17/hour. Mileage costs to and from events will be reimbursed biweekly at the 2022 federal rate of $0.585 per mile. The payment of this contract rate is not meant to constitute the payment of employee wages under the Fair Labor Standards Act. The term of this contract is limited to the period of time outlined in this agreement, and there is no expectation or insinuation of employment upon completion of this contract. The parties acknowledge that this contract may be extended or terminated upon agreement of both parties.

Position Summary

Below are the key, overarching responsibilities of the Seasonal Educator Staff members:

• Provide support to the classroom and field portions of the Teach for the Watershed (T4W) program. More information can be found at wmeac.org/education/teachforthewatershed
• Provide support for equipment inventory and management between field work
• Other tasks as requested by the Education Programs Manager

Required Availability

• Available for 10 to 15 hours a week during the school day from 8am to 3pm
• Reliable personal transportation (mileage for programs will be reimbursed)
• Located primarily within the Grand Rapids metro area
• Clear a background and felony records check

Preferred Skills and Experiences

• General knowledge OR willingness to learn about: 
  • Our local watersheds, effects of stormwater runoff and common water pollutants, freshwater macroinvertebrates, and invasive species
• Enthusiasm for working with K-8 students
• Classroom management skills or experience with teaching outdoors
• Ability to work outside for extended periods of time
• Capacity to lift at least 20 lbs

Organization Background

West Michigan Environmental Action Council (WMEAC) is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization working to protect and enhance West Michigan’s environment by translating the concerns of people into positive action. WMEAC has been delivering environmental education and advocacy to the West Michigan community for over 50 years.

Work Location

Seasonal Educator Staff Members will attend T4W programs as coordinated by the Education Programs Manager. These programs include classroom visits to Grand Rapids Public Schools as well as field trips to local Grand Rapids Parks. Occasional visits to the WMEAC office will be expected for planning meetings, equipment management and inventory, and other tasks as requested by the Education Programs Manager.

COVID Vaccination and Mask Requirements

Due to the increases in infection rates as a result of the Delta Variant, masks will be required while in the office and at indoor meetings and events. All WMEAC staff are required to be current on their COVID vaccinations, including any boosters as they become available and recommended by the Center for Disease Control (CDC). Seasonal Educator Staff Members will be required to sign an acknowledgement of this policy. Any staff member or intern that fails to comply with this policy may seek employment at another agency.

How to apply:

Applicants should submit a cover letter and resume to wmeac.org/careers.

Applicants should submit a cover letter and resume to wmeac.org/careers. WMEAC is an equal opportunity employer. No one will be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.