Environmental educator job description

The City of Roanoke is seeking two Environmental Education Instructors to perform responsible work in the daily operation of nature/visitor center, develops and delivers environmental education programs and activities, recruits volunteers, promotes programs, cares for center animals.

Performs responsible outdoor recreation programs instructing participants in outdoor adventure activities and skills while promoting safe, ethical and sound outdoor environmental practices.

Responsible for assisting in planning, promoting, implementing and evaluating outdoor adventure recreation programs for all ages and abilities.
Conducts research in order to develop new program ideas.

Implements the established risk management plan to protect participants, staff and the department and to provide care for equipment and facilities,

Implements a safe transportation system to meet the needs of program, maintenance and safety.

* This position is part-time; approximately 5-40 hours a month. Hours will vary but requires weekend work; schedule is negotiated with Supervisor. Work is performed under the supervision of the Mill Mountain Park Supervisor.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Experience and/or knowledge of educational methodologies.

Broad knowledge of natural sciences.

Must have the ability to work with people of all ages and abilities in frontcountry outdoor settings

Provide a safe, unique and enjoyable outdoor recreation program while being sensitive to the needs of the group.

Ability to research, develop and execute programs with little supervision.

Ability to express self clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.

Knowledge of first aid procedures and safety precautions necessary in recreational work.

Ability to act swiftly and appropriately in an emergency situation.

Knowledge of outdoor recreation industry safety standards.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Any combination of education and experience equivalent to two (2) years of college with emphasis on outdoor recreation program planning and implementation and evaluation. Proven experience in using and teaching appropriate safety considerations, technical adventure skills, understanding participant expectations and discipline in a recreation setting.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Possession of valid appropriate driver's permit issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia. Appropriate certifications, as applicable, in outdoor and high adventure activities. Current First Aid and CPR certification or within 30 days of hire. Must be available weekends.

OUR COMMITMENT TO EQUITY
The Y actively promotes a culture free from bias and injustice. We are dedicated to removing institutional and systemic barriers that result in oppression and racism. We will be accountable to marginalized communities for creating equitable and sustainable environments where social justice is woven into every facet of our programs, and by caring for our communities in a culturally versatile and respectful manner.

SUMMARY
Provide outdoor environmental education, challenge education programs and weekend recreation programs for participants attending YMCA Camp.
The Spring Season runs from February 27th, 2023 to June 11th, 2023.

To learn more about working with Camp & Outdoor Leadership at the Y, please visit us online at www.campingandoutdoorleadership.org

What you'll get from working at The Y
• Membership to the YMCA of Greater Seattle
• Free access to mental health resources
• Rapidly-accruing paid time off (PTO) available immediately upon hire
The YMCA of Greater Seattle is committed to providing a positive atmosphere that prioritizes safety and inclusivity for all employees. The YMCA of Greater Seattle has implemented safety standards and protocols related to preventative health measures based on CDC and local health department guidelines.

As of March 12, 2022 COVID Vaccinations Requirements for this role are Highly Recommended. Certain programs at the Y of Greater Seattle may require proof of vaccination, in compliance with local state and federal guidelines. If applicable will be assigned within onboarding. To see requirements for each program within our association, click here.
Responsibilities
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
1. Act as part of the total camp staff team to provide a quality outdoor education program to school groups and weekend family camps.
2. Actively contribute to the camp staff team by communicating ideas and concerns openly, by making solution-oriented suggestions, by exhibiting a service-minded attitude, by being an appropriate role model, and by participating in staff meetings.
3. Prepare and teach classes in Environmental Education, Challenge Education, Outdoor Living Skills, and or Science-based classes daily as assigned.
4. Facilitate activities (crafts, archery, row boating, large group games, campfires, etc.) during the daily Open Recreation period and Evening Activity period as assigned.
5. Cooperate with Program Directors to provide activities for weekend groups.
6. Model and enforce all camp policies (including all practices for COVID prevention). Model a positive, service-minded attitude.
7. Be consistently on time for all meals, classes, and other activities.
8. Attend and participate in weekly staff meetings.
9. Ensure that all camp resource materials and equipment are kept orderly, safe, and well-maintained.
10. Ensure high standards of housekeeping in all cabins, facilities, staff housing, program areas, bathrooms and main lodge. Monitor and re-stock housekeeping supplies as needed.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
This job operates at a seasonal residential camp, both inside and outdoors.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. This position requires the ability to occasionally lift and store supplies, up to 50 pounds.
POSITION TYPE/EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK
This is a full-time, seasonal position. The usual camp workweek is five day on and one day off, including training, staff meetings, and regular duties. This position is exempt from minimum wage and overtime regulations per State of Washington wage and hour law.

TRAVEL
This position is required to live onsite at camp. All travel required for work will be done by YMCA Authorized Drivers.
Qualifications
POSITION REQUIREMENTS
• 19 years of age or older.
• At least one season of experience teaching environmental education.
• Strong communication and leadership skills.
Other combinations of applicable education, training, and experience which provide the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position may be considered.

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
• Current state approved first aid certification*
• Current state approved CPR certification*
• BA/BS degree in related field or equivalent experience preferred. Other applicable education, training, and experience, which provide the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position will be considered.
• Prefer knowledge of and previous experience with, diverse populations (language, culture, race, physical ability, sexual orientation, etc.). Ability to speak any language in addition to English may be helpful.
• Experience with anti-racism practices and coalition building.
MISSION STATEMENT
Building a community where all people, especially the young, are encouraged to develop their fullest potential in spirit, mind, and body.

OUR VALUES
• Respect
• Responsibility
• Honesty
• Caring
• Passion for Excellence
YGS is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse and equitable work environment. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by local, state, or federal law.

All job offers are contingent on the results of a background check. We participate in the Federal E-Verify system.
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Job DescriptionSalary:

Milwaukee’s Urban Ecology Center is a non-profit organization that has captured the attention of leaders in cities across the country. Our model of creating neighborhood-based environmental education centers energizes urban public natural areas. Located in vibrant public green spaces, our fast-growing organization serves over 200,000 people of all ages annually. Our innovative team of cutting-edge non-profit professionals work in creative, high-energy open offices in state-of-the-art green facilities. The Urban Ecology Center serves socially and culturally diverse communities. We are committed to having a team of employees that reflect the richness and diversity of these communities.

Our team enjoys many benefits that include a UEC membership, workplace flexibility, a generous PTO program to have time to enjoy the outdoors, health and wellness benefits, and retirement saving plan to name a few! All this and employees who are passionate about achieving our mission of connecting people in cities to nature and each other!

We have an opportunity to join the educational team and seeking a Bilingual Environmental Educator. Details here:

Position Summary: The primary responsibility of the Environmental Educator is to engage school age children in learning about nature and environmental science programs in English and Spanish. During the school year, the environmental educator aligns teaching with school district and classroom curriculum requirements. This program requires creative design, a passion for working with kids, and implementation of innovative, inquiry-based programs about natural history, science, ecology and environmental issues to school children K-12. During the summer, the educator will develop and lead camper-centered and nature-based activities for summer day camps with a focus on outdoor recreation and ecological sustainability. The Environmental Educator will assist with daily operations of the Urban Ecology Center, as well as with program development, intern coaching and volunteer recruitment and training.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Neighborhood Environmental Education Project (NEEP)

• Plan and teach outdoor, nature-based, environmental science programs for school groups.
• Present programs on natural history, natural science, ecology, STEM, and environmental issues to urban youth in grades kindergarten through 12th
• Communicate with school liaisons and teachers about scheduling and program logistics
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to design and implement innovative new programming for the Center
• Develop pre and post field trip materials for schools
• Drive 14 and 28 passenger buses to transport students

Summer Programs

• Develop and co-teach camper-centered, inquiry-based experiences for summer camp students, including potential overnight experiences
• Mentor college and high school interns serving as camp counselors
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to prepare all materials for summer educational activities

Other Activities

• Work in collaboration with other educators to organize and maintain all educational equipment and classroom spaces
• Prepare and maintain program materials
• Assist with conducting special weekend events 1-2 times a year
• Contribute content to the Center’s website, social media or newsletter, as needed
• Assist with training and working with volunteers
• Assist with publicity for the Urban Ecology Center programs

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Responsible for the safety and well-being students, interns, and volunteers

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

Education: BS or BA in natural sciences, environmental education or related field is preferred.

Experience and Certifications:

• Minimum of two years teaching a broad range of ages in a formal or non-formal setting.

• Experience teaching urban youth in grades kindergarten through 12th
• Lifeguard certification or the ability to gain certification is required
• Canoe training and/or water safety certification or the ability to gain certification is preferred
• Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is preferred or ability to obtain CDL may be required.

Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to teach science and nature-based programs
• Ability to meet requirements of insurability under Urban Ecology Center’s commercial vehicle insurance policy
• Ability to develop and present virtual programming
• Demonstrated commitment to professional development and incorporating feedback
• Ability to develop and teach programs in both English and Spanish is required .

Working Conditions:

Job Conditions/Work Location:

• Majority of time spent outdoors in all types of weather conditions on land, near water, and on water
• Willingness to work at each of our 3 branch locations in the Milwaukee area

Physical Requirements:

• Lifting bikes 3 feet out of bike rack
• Belaying people on the rock wall
• Lifting canoes (with one other person) from launch to canoe carrier
• Loading cargo for canoeing trips
• Hiking, biking, walking or paddling for a full day
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds with or without accommodation

Equipment Used:

• 14 and 28 passenger buses, canoes, kayaks, bikes, snow gear and various rock climbing equipment.
• Computer equipment

The Urban Ecology Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is our policy to make all personnel decisions without discriminating on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sex, physical disability, mental disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, national or ethnic origin and any other protected status. If, as an individual with a disability, you need reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process, please call 414- 964-8505 and ask for Human Resources.