Assistant Director of PreK-12 Environmental Education

Position Summary

The Outdoor University Department at Saint John's University invites applicants for the full-time (.92 FTE), benefit-eligible position of Assistant Director of PreK-12 Environmental Education.

This position leads the development, administration, implementation, and assessment of Outdoor U high quality preK-12 environmental education programs that promote environmental literacy and emotional connectedness to the natural world through hands-on and age-appropriate field trips. Our educational programs annually serve over 8,000 public, private, and home school preK-12 students through on-site field experiences and in-class curricula. The position is responsible for maintaining all preK-12 partnership relationships and contracts, budgeting, scheduling, and billing. The position also plays a critical role in mentoring and inspiring CSB and SJU student naturalist employees and environmental education fellow to reach CSB and SJU institutional learning goals: think deeply, embrace difference, engage globally, serve graciously, and live courageously. This includes our important work towards Outdoor U inclusion and diversity goals to promote the understanding, use and enjoyment of the natural world by all participants, especially those from historically underrepresented and marginalized communities. Other aspects of the position include assisting to supplement CSB and SJU academic offerings, assisting the CSB and SJU Adventure Education program, teaching public programs, assisting with admission events for prospective students, programming for faculty/staff/alumni, land stewardship, and equipment maintenance.
 
Outdoor U provides environmental and outdoor education through classes, events and initiatives with the Abbey Arboretum and CSB and SJU. The Abbey Arboretum is a 2,944-acre natural arboretum made up of forest, prairie, wetlands and oak savanna owned by Saint John's Abbey and surrounding Saint John's University. The collaboration between Saint John’s Outdoor U Saint John’s Abbey Arboretum creates a dynamic commitment to land stewardship, environmental respect, and education of all ages, abilities, backgrounds, and experience levels.
 

Responsibilities

1. Lead the development, administration, implementation, and assessment of preK-12 environmental education field trip program serving thousands of students annually.
2. Assist with the delivery of preK-12 summer nature camps
3. Supervise and mentor environmental education fellow and CSB/SJU student naturalists and naturalist aides.
4. Participate in the instruction of CSB/SJU students through established connections with academic departments and adventure programming.
5. Offer informational, seasonal programming on topics of local natural history for Outdoor U members and interested community members.
6. Offer programs and build relationships to increase the involvement of historically marginalized and underrepresented audiences in outdoor education and recreation and participate in continuing education regarding the history of racism, access, and inclusion in the outdoors.
7. Maintain the equipment, and supplies for educational, scientific, and environmental activities.  Participate in land stewardship activities.  
8. Perform other duties as assigned by the Outdoor U director.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Arts or Sciences, in fields such as environmental education, environmental studies, education, natural sciences, or related areas.
• 1 or more years’ experience teaching environmental education.
• Demonstrated enthusiasm and ability to teach environmental education to audiences of all ages on a daily basis.
• Ability to work with culturally and economically diverse audiences.
• Commitment to having cultural agility – possessing the skills, knowledge, and abilities necessary to provide leadership in a diverse community.
• Working knowledge of or willingness to learn regional flora, fauna, and ecosystems.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Interpersonal relations and leadership skills to build collaborative relationships and work effectively as part of the Outdoor U team in providing a high level of customer service.
• Ability to work independently.
• Basic computer skills with willingness to learn multiple programs and applications.
• Ability to drive a college vehicle, which requires possession of a valid driver’s license and completion of college defensive driving program.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including occasional nights and weekends.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:  

• 2 years’ experience leading the development, administration, implementation, and assessment of an education program.
• Experience collaborating with teachers, including leading workshops, providing resources, and writing curriculum.
• Additional post undergraduate professional training such as related certifications, conference attendance, master’s degree, etc.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to meet the physical requirements of the position, including working indoors and outdoors in variable weather conditions and on variable terrain, walking for extended distances and lifting/moving equipment up to 40 lbs.