[CLOSED] Science Educator (Per Diem)

What is Chewonki? 

Chewonki is an environmental and outdoor learning center in Wiscasset, Maine, that inspires transformative growth, teaches appreciation and stewardship of the natural world, and challenges people to build thriving, sustainable communities throughout their lives. Please visit www.chewonki.org for a full description of each of our programs.

What is the Traveling Natural History Program?        

Chewonki's Traveling Natural History Program is an education program that brings the wonders of nature right to its participants. With captivating outreach lessons, live animals, and hands-on activities, we ignite curiosity and inspire learning all year round in our surrounding communities. On campus, we're stewards to an incredible array of resident animals, from raptors to reptiles, mammals, and more! These charismatic creatures, specially trained for teaching, receive top-notch care and attention daily, ensuring they're always ready to dazzle in educational settings. Off campus, we serve communities throughout Maine, and sometimes even venture into New Hampshire and Massachusetts, providing one-hour lessons to schools, libraries, community organizations, and resorts. Each year we teach over 800 presentations to approximately 20,000 participants. 

Key Duties: 

Caring for resident animals 

• The Science Educator is responsible for learning each animal’s basic needs and practicing safe animal handling techniques, and demonstrating best practices in teaching with live animals. 

Teaching natural history lessons 

• Each Science Educator has the opportunity to observe, learn, and teach many natural history topics to participants in a variety of teaching settings (pre K – assisted living adults). Science Educators may need to use non-work time to prepare for presentations by growing their animal background information and developing personalized presentation notes. Science Educators will collaborate with peers to ensure that program delivery and supporting activities continuously evolve in a manner that maximizes opportunities for increased mission impact. There may be occasional teaching responsibilities. 

Cross-programmatic activities

• The Science Educator plays an essential role in supporting program goals and participant experiences for other Chewonki programs by leveraging the Traveling Natural History Program curriculum and resources (i.e. Maine Coast Semester, Camp Chewonki, and Outdoor Classroom). 

PREREQUISITES/REQUISITES

• Must complete fingerprinting requirements/pass criminal background check with the Maine Department of Education.

• Valid Driver’s License approved by Chewonki’s insurance carrier.

• Attend Chewonki driver training.

• Attend required onboarding and training sessions (in-person/on campus).

QUALIFICATIONS

• An undergraduate degree preferably in the fields of science or education.

• Comfort in public speaking.

• Comfort in working with animals in captivity.

• Ability to work collaboratively and effectively with different kinds of people.

• Flexibility, organization, and attention to detail.

• Ability to represent Chewonki in a professional manner.

• Experience using Google Apps for Education.

• Candidates must pass a background check.

   

• PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
  Must be able to list 40 lbs at a time.

• Ability to drive long distances (individually or as a team) up to 5 hours; one-way.