Teacher Naturalist - Part-time

Teacher Naturalist (year-round, part-time)

Department: Education

Supervisor: Katharina Livar, Public Programs Manager

Hours: Part-time (10 hrs/week), Non-exempt

• Fri. - Sun. between the hours of 8 AM - 10 PM
• Occasional weekday evenings

Supervisory Responsibilities: N/A

Pay Rate: $12-$14/hr. based on experience

Benefits: Ijams gift shop discount, free paddleboard and kayak rentals at Meads Quarry, free Navitat experience based on availability 

Summary:

The Part-time Teacher Naturalist will provide programming using Ijams Nature Center’s educational approach to providing high quality programming in the East TN region that is relevant, impactful, and builds community through place-based, student-centered, and multi-layered experiences. 

1. Public Programs Scope
   • Youth/Family Programs: Work with Public Programs Manager to create more hiking, service-learning, and after-school opportunities for youth and young adults. Teach/lead guided workshops, hikes, and kayak programs
   • Adult Programs: Help facilitate/teach Tennessee Naturalist Program, Hiking Club, guided workshops, and caving programs
   • Recreation: Lead kayak and caving trips for families and adults
   • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Advance Ijams commitment to improved cultural relevance through diversity, equity, inclusion in its programs, on its staff, and through its participants
   • Community Science: Assist in advancing community science initiatives and opportunities
   • Sustainability: Help develop new public programs centered around sustainability and community action

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Deliver youth, family, and adult public education programs, including guided workshops, hikes, kayaking trips, and other various programs
2. Deliver public programs on a variety of natural history topics and phenomena. Programs include but are not limited to: Tennessee Naturalist Program, Ijams Hiking Club, Ijams Field Days, Educational Festivals, Evening Programs, Guided Workshops, and other public programs
3. Deliver programming with live animals (small raptors, reptiles, and mammals)
4. Present and exhibit at community events, education fairs, educational conferences, and other outreach opportunities to market programs and expand engagement opportunities with the public

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Assist Public Programs Manager with volunteer training
2. Assist Animal Coordinator with tasks related to Ijams Animal Ambassadors (rehabilitated wild animals); tasks include but not limited to feeding, caring for, handling small raptors, reptiles and mammals, etc.
3. Assist Public Programs Manager with tracking program participation and feedback, preparing lesson plans for public programs, and marketing and advertising of educational programming
4. Ability to curate a positive, collaborative, energetic, and innovative attitude and approach to the professional community at Ijams
5. Other duties as assigned

Education and/or Experience Desired:

• Bachelor's degree in a field related to natural history, education, outdoor recreation or environmental science or two to four years of equivalent experience and/or training
• Experience teaching and coordinating programming for adults, especially in an informal science setting
• Experience teaching environmental education programs in museum or other non-traditional education settings preferred
• Experience teaching with live animals
• Experience working with audiences who are diverse in culture, age, race and physical abilities
• First Aid/CPR certification, or the ability to obtain certification upon employment

Other Qualifications:

• Must have the energy and desire to work with diverse audiences
• Must have a passion for nature and the ability to deliver programs in a pleasant, tactful and enthusiastic manner
• Must have excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with many different partners
• Must be highly organized with strong attention to detail, accuracy and deadlines
• Must have a valid driver license and reliable transportation to/from work
• Must be able to pass a criminal and vehicular background check
• Must have or be willing to gain minimum experience using computers and virtual platforms for internal and external communications

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to lift and carry or otherwise move up to 50 pounds
• Must be able to work around small children including sitting, standing, running, and climbing
• Must be able to traverse safely over uneven or irregular terrain
• Must be able to work in outdoor environments in all weather conditions
• Must be able to see and respond to dangerous situations
• Must be able to wear personal protective gear correctly most of the day

How to Apply:

Email or mail a cover letter, resume, and a list of 3 references to Katharina Livar, Public Programs Manager, at klivar@ijams.org. Deadline to apply: End of the day Saturday, April 22, 2023. Note: Interviewing will begin ASAP and this position may be filled prior to this deadline if an exceptional candidate is found. 

Ijams Nature Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Ijams does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.