Environmental Educator

Provide instruction of PVAS programs to youth in Jefferson, Berkeley, and Morgan Counties in West Virginia. Audiences may include children ages 2-18. These programs include but are not limited to the following:

1. Wee Naturalist Pre-School Programs: 1.5-hour long programs at Cool Spring Preserve for ages 3-5 year-olds who attend with a parent
2. Outdoor School classes at both Cool Spring Preserve and Yankauer Nature Preserve: 6- hour classes for ages 5-10
3. Fourth Grade Watershed program: This includes 5 in-school lessons to fourth grade classes followed by a fieldtrip to a local stream.
4. Family programs: Evening campfires and night hikes etc.
5. Summer Camp: Weekly day camps in June and July
6. General Nature Programs: These include programs and field trips with local schools relating to topics such as insects, reptiles, birds, decomposers, etc.
7. Scout programs and library programs

• Assist in developing new programs, implement activities, and help evaluate programs for effectiveness.

• Help with animal care and cleaning (turtles, snake, hissing cockroaches, worms, and others), nature center interpretation and management, meet/greet visitors and special groups, and giving tours of PVAS properties.

• Participate fully in all trainings provided by PVAS and AmeriCorps.

• Communicate with teachers/youth leaders to confirm program times and locations beforehand. • Prepare all lessons, materials, and teaching space needed for each lesson/activity as required, and clean up all spaces and clean/restock equipment after use. Store all cleaned and organized items in appropriate location.

• Serve as a positive role model for youth with whom you interact.

• Occasionally work with the Land Manager on conservation initiatives.

• Occasionally compose social media posts and write content for our newsletter, “Valley Views”. • Assist the Lead Naturalist/Instructor with other duties as necessary to carry out the position.

 Qualifications:

• At least 18 years of age

• U.S. Citizen

• High school graduate/GED (Bachelors Degree in the environmental or education field preferred) • Basic knowledge of science, mostly related to watershed and natural history.

• Able to work roughly 33 hours a week Monday through Friday with occasional weekend and/or evening work (work hours will never exceed 35 hours per week)

• Have reliable transportation, a valid license and good driving record. This position requires to occasionally driving up to 45 minutes to area schools or one of our nature preserves. Mileage to sites other than main office will be reimbursed.

• Interest in community service and commitment to getting things done in your community.

• Have patience and skills to teach/counsel up to 25 children at a time. Prior experience working with children is a plus.

• Basic knowledge of computers and software including Google Docs, Drive, Calendar, Slides and Sheets. • Communicate effectively in person, by phone and in writing.

• Excellent people skills

• Organized, self-starting, highly motivated and creative.

• Able to lift and carry 40lbs over uneven ground for a minimum distance of 50ft.

• Able to hike at least two miles over moderate terrain at a brisk pace (4mph).

• Able to be outside for long periods of time in rain, snow and/or cold temperatures.

Apply at: https://www.potomacaudubon.org/about/positions-with-pvas/