Environmental Educator

~ The Cahaba Environmental Center (CEC) is the flagship education program of the nonprofit Living River, a residential center nestled within a deep bend of the Cahaba River. Our mission is to inspire and empower learners of all ages to become stewards of the natural world by connecting them to the Cahaba River.~

The CEC, located in Montevallo, Alabama, is focused on inspiring students of all ages to become stewards of the natural world through hands-on, experiential environmental science programming.

Our residential environmental education program offers students from schools across Alabama the opportunity to live and study for 3-5 days at our center, exploring standards-aligned content while utilizing the US’s fifth most ecologically diverse river and surrounding forest as a classroom and laboratory.

In this unique environment, traditional classroom learning is brought to life through full immersion into, and hands-on exploration of, the natural world.

Beyond providing a deep connection to place, the CEC facilitates social and emotional learning as well, connecting students to their peers and to themselves. For more information on our programs, please check out our website. 

Program Objectives

• Students will make personal connections to the Cahaba River through first-hand experiences.
• Students will increase their awareness and understanding of Alabama ecosystems and human interactions with the Cahaba River.
• Students will connect with each another and gain a better sense of community.
• Students will become empowered to make positive decisions as environmental stewards.

Summary of Position

A CEC Environmental Educator provides high-quality environmental education to K-12 learners in and around Central Alabama. Our educators create community within their students and teach about the rich cultural history and diverse ecosystems found on our site, telling the ongoing story of the Cahaba River watershed through inquiry-based education.

Each educator leads one field group of 8-12 students throughout the school’s 1-5 day visit. This provides a chance for our talented educator to develop meaningful relationships with their students and tailor lessons and activities to best meet the interests and needs of the group. During off-times throughout the season, educators will take on personal projects that benefit both their individual goals and the overall betterment of the CEC.

Start/End Date:

The spring season runs from February until May 2017.

Responsibilities Include:

• Facilitate an engaging natural and cultural history experience for K-12 students
• Create a safe, positive learning environment for learners through positive reinforcements, role-modeling, and cultural sensitivity
• Lead safe and engaging canoeing trips on the Cahaba River
• Facilitate teambuilding experiences
• Provide leadership in risk management before, during, and after classes (e.g. respond to emergencies, administer first aid, maintain first aid kits, complete incident reports
• Serve as a positive role model to visitors and fellow staff members
• Maintain teaching materials and perform regular maintenance duty each week, or as necessary
• Participate in staff meetings
• Represent and support the Cahaba Environmental Center in marketing and activities that promote enrollment, as needed
• Complete projects that support and improve the CEC’s education program

Compensation and Housing: $275 per week + room and board. The educator community will be provided an additional stipend for community food, as well as meals during programs.