Environmental Educator

~ Thorne Nature Experience is a non-profit organization that is committed to building Earth stewardship by connecting youth to nature through joyful, hands-on, place-based environmental education experiences. ~

Thorne believes in ensuring access for all youth to discovery, exploration, and a connection to the natural world. Founded in 1954, Thorne has a rich history and has reached more than 250,000 children and adults through its three programs: In-School, Summer Camp, and Field Trip. Expectation for All Employees: Support the Thorne mission and exhibit a commitment to:

• Working collaboratively, with integrity and respect for fellow employees, associates, and our communities.
• Embracing personal responsibility and accountability for your job.

Position Overview

Become part of the Thorne team as an environmental educator by facilitating fun, hands-on, place-based learning activities to connect students to nature. As a Thorne staff member, you will become part of a team of nature-oriented professionals, develop environmental education skills, and enjoy a community of peers who value a profound connection to nature in our lives. This position is flexible based on the needs of Thorne and the educator, and could be part-time or full-time and school-year or year-round. 

Job Purpose:

Thorne Nature Experience is looking for an enthusiastic individual to act as an Environmental Educator. This position will act as an Instructor to teach and support Thorne’s various programs- In-School, After School Program, Field Trip Programs, Summer Camp, and Special Programs (like birthday parties), and will provide other program support.

Potential Principal Responsibilities

Note: (depending on hours and start date):

• Teach Summer Camp from May 29-August 10, 2018 (35 hours/week)
• Teach In-School, After School, Field Trips and Special Programs September 2018-May 2019 (part-time or full-time)
• Assist Program Staff with curriculum, evaluation, and other programmatic needs (full-time)
• Attend Thorne staff and educational meetings, trainings, and professional development as schedule permits

Desired Outcomes:

• Exceptional teaching of In-School, After School, Field Trip, Summer Camp, and Special Programs
• Continue achieving 90% or better positive rating of In-School Program’s ability to teach to school district standards and prepare students for CMAS testing
• High level engagement of volunteers and interns in education programs
• High level of engagement and assistance in areas of curriculum development, evaluation, and programmatic support as needed
• High level of engagement as a member of the Thorne Nature Experience Team

Job Interrelationships

• Thorne Staff and Instructors
• School Staff (teachers, principals, and resource room facilitators)
• Students
• Volunteers and Interns
• Community Partners
• General Public

Qualifications

Desired Skills and Abilities:

• Experienced Instructor, especially in an informal and outdoor setting
• Strong communication skills with adults and children
• Good knowledge of Colorado ecology and natural science
• Understanding of Colorado Academic Standards in science preferred
• Good organizational skills and ability to handle multiple tasks and roles, patiently and professionally
• Proficient with MS Office suite (Word, Excel, and Outlook)
• Experience relating to and communicating with diverse audiences, especially Mexican American participants and families preferred
• People of Color encouraged to apply
• Bi-lingual in Spanish and English encouraged to apply

Desired Behavioral Traits and Attitudes:

• Team player, fun, outgoing, passionate, organized, creative, resourceful, critical thinker, results-oriented, and self motivated
• Passionate about Thorne’s mission and environmentally concerned and aware

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must be 18 or older
• A minimum of 480 hours of environmental education experience with elementary-aged children preferred
• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Education, Environmental Studies, Biology, Geology, Education, or related field preferred
• Background check and fingerprints submitted and cleared by the Colorado Department of Human Services (Thorne helps and pays for this)
• Current First Aid, CPR, and Universal Precaution trainings

Special Requirements:

• Must have a personal car and be willing to drive to In-School programs at various locations
• Must have a flexible schedule to permit for driving time and varied teaching calendar
• Teach at least ten weeks of Summer Camp (if starting this summer)
• Additional time may be required as necessary, including occasional weekend and evening work and long hours

Compensation: Hourly rate is $14-$16/hour.

Terms: This position is flexible based on the needs of Thorne and the educator, and could be part-time or full-time (starting Fall 2018) and school-year or year-round.

To Apply

• Please click "Apply" below to email a resume and cover letter to  Andy Maeding, School Programs Manager.
• Be sure to indicate preference for part-time or full-time work, along with minimum and maximum hours preferred, and your available start date. 
• Application Deadline: We are currently accepting applications and hiring. Deadline for position is March 18, but it will remain open until filled.
• Additional information available on our website. Questions regarding the position can be directed to Andy Maeding and will be responded to within 5 business days. 
• Please no phone inquiries.

Inclusiveness Statement: Thorne believes that, to remain relevant as an organization and ensure access to joyful, handson, place-based Environmental Education experiences for all youth, its programs, leadership, and participants must reflect the range of diversity, culture, and unique differences in our community.

~ Thorne Nature Experience is an equal opportunity organization. Thorne Nature Experience does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, age, national origin (ancestry), physical or mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender variance or expression, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. This Anti-Discrimination Policy applies to, but is not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers, selection of Board Members, selection of vendors, and provision of services. ~