Seasonal Environmental Educator

Our Site

Blandy Experimental Farm is a 700-acre University of Virginia ecological field station located in the northern Shenandoah Valley, about 10 miles east of Winchester and 70 miles west of Washington, DC. Our mission is to increase understanding of the natural environment through research and education. The State Arboretum of Virginia, located within Blandy Experimental Farm, is a public garden with more than 5500 trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants in a diversity of habitats including woodlands, meadows, wetlands, and open fields.

Position Context

Approximately 6000 public, private, and homeschool students participate in our programs each year.  Our education programs engage students in authentic, age-appropriate, science investigations that align with Virginia's Science Standards of Learning. We use hands-on, inquiry-based teaching techniques which we adjust to meet the specific needs of teachers. The Education Team consists of the Director of Education, Lead Environmental Educator, two full-time Environmental Educators, and this new part-time position.

Job Description

Our new Environmental Educator will:

• Provide high-quality, enthusiastic instruction of outdoor lessons for school groups, grades preK through 12
• Teach programs that are based upon Virginia science standards and the needs of the teachers
• Organize and maintain program supplies and help set-up and break-down daily programs

Minimum Requirements:

Education: Bachelor's degree

Experience: At least one year

Licensure: Valid Driver's License

Desirable Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a natural science or education field
• Experience teaching in an outdoor environment 
• Flexibility about work days and hours; a typical work week will include some hours between 7:30 am-3:00 pm, Monday-Friday (no evenings or weekends)
• A positive, professional attitude and good interpersonal skills
• Have energy, enthusiasm, ad passion for students and nature
• Enjoy being part of a dynamic education team and possess a collaborative work style
• Can thrive in a past-paced environment
• Embrace change: We frequently adapt our program content based on grade level, learning needs, and requests from teachers 
• Open mindset: Enjoy learning about natural history and gaining additional teaching skills
• Proficient with Microsoft 365 and Google Office Suites
• Strong commitment to safety while working with our students

Physical Demands:

You will work in all types of Virginia weather: cold or hot; windy or calm; dry or wet. Must be able to stand for prolonged periods of time (up to 5 hours) and walk distances of up to 3 miles/day in various types of terrain (e.g., flat, hilly, sloped, wetlands, forest, meadow). This job require lifting and carrying up to 40 lbs. Good hearing, speech, vison, movement, and dexterity are necessary to perform the essential functions of this position.

To Apply:

Apply through UVA Jobs, jobs.virginia.edu/jobs/R0052548?source=uva_jobs

Complete the online application and include these documents: Cover letter, Resume, and Contact Information for three professional references (name, email, address, telephone number).

Questions?

Questions about this position? Contact Candace Lutzow-Felling, Director of Education; cjl6b@virginia.edu

Questions about the application process? Contact Keith Johnson, HR Specialist; fkj2t@virginia.edu