Facilitator of Learning

BUFFALO SOCIETY OF NATURAL SCIENCES POSITION DESCRIPTION

Tifft Facilitator of Learning

We inspire joyful exploration of science and nature through engaging experiences, unique resources, and exceptional staff.

Department:      Tifft Nature Preserve

Position Title:    Tifft Facilitator of Learning

Reports to:  Tifft Program and Experience Manager

Status:  Full time/non-exempt

Schedule: Tuesday – Saturday routinely, with occasional evenings as scheduled

Overview: 

At the Buffalo Society of Natural Sciences, we believe that science creates opportunities and shapes our world. We take pride in providing an environment that inspires curiosity, self-directed learning, and fun for our guests of all ages. We know that when you mix GREAT SERVICE with GREAT PEOPLE, the result is LASTING MEMORIES for our guests.

Summary of Position: 

As the premier environmental education/interpretation and passive recreation destination in the region, Tifft Nature Preserve offers high quality, engaging programs for audiences of all ages that highlight the living collection of the Buffalo Society of Natural Sciences and inspire the environmental stewards of today and tomorrow. 

The Tifft Facilitator of Learning will work with a dedicated team of staff and volunteers to provide exceptional visitor experiences to inspire lifelong learners and create lasting memories. This multi-faceted position requires a motivated, outgoing, and creative individual who is effective in facilitating engaging STEM-themed activities in a variety of settings including the outdoors. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong planning and program delivery skills, and an ability to think and respond quickly to a fast-paced, changing environment. 

This staff position reports to the Tifft Program and Experience Manager and will routinely interact and work closely with all members of the Tifft staff and volunteer team. The individual in this role needs to be equally successful in their ability to work independently to move projects forward that support the overall mission, vision, and values of the organization while also being able to provide and take direction to/from other members of the team. 

Essential Functions:

• Shares their enthusiasm for the natural world by implementing user-directed learning. 
• Exhibits exceptional communication skills to reach diverse audiences. 
• Serves as a resource person, a guide to sources of knowledge to encourage our audiences to become life-long learners.
• Instructs with techniques of inquiry so as to model how to think not what to think.
• Provides a welcoming and fun learning environment that empowers the users and nurtures self-directed learning to embrace the BSNS education pedagogy in all programs.
• Works with other members of the Tifft and BMS program staff to achieve synergies among all Society learning experiences including the Buffalo Museum of Science and its partners.
• Develops and delivers programs (including outreach) at both sites of the Buffalo Society of Natural Sciences (Tifft Nature Preserve and the Buffalo Museum of Science) with the main reporting responsibility being at Tifft Nature Preserve.
• Works with Tifft and BMS staff to actively promote Tifft Nature Preserve and the Buffalo Museum of Science and its programming. 
• Works independently and within a team to develop and deliver public and school programming including tours, workshops, birthday parties, discovery camps, and virtual programming.
• Serves as public interface in the Darling Environmental Education Center and answers general telephone inquiries. 
• Completes routine care and maintenance of facilities required to perform above functions.

Education and Experience and Skills Required:

• Minimum of bachelor’s degree in biology, environmental science, natural history/environmental interpretation, education or similar field. Equivalent experience may be considered in place of a bachelor’s degree. 
• Experience in informal science education, education theory and interdisciplinary curriculum approaches preferred. 
• General knowledge of WNY wildlife or strong interest and ability to learn.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work with groups of all ages.
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills.
• Basic computer knowledge and skills and ability to learn new programs quickly.
• Maintain a friendly and professional disposition with staff, customers, and guests.
• Dress in branded, laundered, clean, or other supervisor approved clothing.
• Tuesday – Saturday schedule primarily, with occasional changes to schedule and evening hours as situations arise.
• Valid NYS Driving License required.

Physical Demands

• Able to communicate with small and large groups.
• Communicates and exchanges information in person, over the phone, and by radio.
• Able to lead groups on a variety of trail types and conditions for up to 3 hours in a variety of weather conditions. 
• Frequently transport up to 40 pounds of materials with the assistance of a wheeled cart. 

The Society’s culture is one of collaboration, collegiality, and teamwork. The Tifft Facilitator of Learning must have a desire to work in a mission-first and audience-centered culture following the Society’s core values of service, curiosity, collaboration, integrity, and inclusivity. The Tifft Facilitator of Learning must intend to produce products and experiences of exceptionally high quality and to enjoy work and colleagues.

The information provided in this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by incumbents in this position. This job description is not intended to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and work conditions of employees assigned to this job. Management has sole discretion to add or modify the duties of this position and designate other functions as essential at any point in time. 

Equal Opportunity Employer

At the Buffalo Society of Natural Sciences, we believe that to achieve the greatest potential in opportunity, innovation, and discovery, as well as to reach the highest level of effectiveness and well-informed decision making, diversity of experience and viewpoints is paramount. Further, as a mission-first organization that seeks to be a welcoming and welcomed resource for all in our community, the Society strives to reflect the great diversity of those living in western New York. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and life experience. The Buffalo Society of Natural Sciences is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information.

Please send cover letter and resume via email to careers@sciencebuff.org

Please include “Tifft” in the email subject line