Seasonal Environmental Educator

~ Kalamazoo Nature Center (KNC) is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to inspire people to care for the environment by providing experiences that lead them to understand their connection to the natural world. ~

Because we value the strength diversity brings to the workplace, the Kalamazoo Nature Center is committed to the recruitment, retention, and development of a workforce that reflects the society in which we live. We encourage applications from candidates representing diverse backgrounds.

Position Overview

The Kalamazoo Nature Center seeks Environmental Educators (EE) who are connected to the outdoors and have a passion for sharing it. Our educators are knowledgeable about our local ecosystems and current environmental issues. Their key objective is to facilitate experiences, which support learning and/or engagement between people and nature. The EE will collaborate with the Learning and Engagement (LE) team to lead our variety of group and public programs serving our diverse community.

The EE will work with key members of the LE team to develop and improve upon programs aligning with the Kalamazoo Nature Center Mission. The Environmental Educator will be a key public face for our organization, spending the majority of their time programming with the public. This position includes weekdays, weekends, and evenings and has potential to become year round, full time.

• Classification: Seasonal temporary: April 2019-November 2019
• Supervisor: Angelia Lane Animal Care & Programs Director

Responsibilities

• Lead KNC summer trip to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
• Responsible for delivery of all current group programs, including but not limited to school, library, park, and community scholarship programs (training provided)
• Lead and or support with coordination and set of up of programs
• Work with LE team to coordinate balanced teaching schedules (EE will spend 70% of their time programming, 10% meetings, 20% in planning and development)
• Attend selected development trainings
• Stay current on conservation issues and continue to build knowledge of local ecosystems
• Support with planning, coordination and implementation of community programs
• Maintain a safe learning environment for youth and adults
• Attend meetings and in-service training pertaining to LE team planning and programming
• Consistently collect evaluations for all attended programs and events
• Responsible for the inventory, care, and maintenance of LE equipment and facilities
• Participate in regular KNC staff activities including but not limited to trainings, public events, special programs, planning sessions and staff meetings
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor

Qualifications

Requirements:

• Minimum of 2 years study or experience in outdoor recreation, biology, ecology, environmental studies or related field work and/or 2 years + direct programming/teaching experience with multiple age groups
• Demonstrated experience with strength-based youth facilitation
• Demonstrated experience with maintaining emotionally and physically safe learning environments
• Experience with and prioritization of working with diverse populations
• Some experience accommodating special needs populations is preferred
• Knowledge of current environmental issues.
• Confidence and ability to work outdoors in all conditions
• Ability to maintain effective community relationships and positive representation of organization with the community
• Confidence with public speaking and group facilitation
• Competent oral and written communications
• Commitment to the environment and goals of the Kalamazoo Nature Center
• Willingness to work a varied schedule including some weekends and evenings
• Competencies in computer current software and technology for classroom. Work training will be provided for some applications
• Confidence in working individually as well as within a team
• Ability to work as part of an equally valued team

Key Skills:

• High integrity
• Independent thinker with strong initiative, but comfortable working within a defined framework
• Self-motivated (takes initiative) with high standards
• Hands-on and variety seeking
• Dynamic and fun, yet responsible and professional
• Flexible with a "whatever it takes" attitude

To Apply

Please click "Apply" below to upload your cover letter and resume by April 1st, 2019.

~ The Kalamazoo Nature Center is an equal opportunity organization that will not discriminate in its programs or hiring practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, ethnic origin, physical or mental disability, veteran status, height, weight, sexual orientation or gender identity, marital status, or political affiliation. ~