Thorne Natural Science School Teaching Assistant

Thorne Ecological Institute (TEI) 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. TEI believes in discovery, exploration, and a connection to the natural world. Founded in 1954, Thorne has a rich history and has reached more than 200,000 children and adults through its 3 programs: Project BEAR, Thorne Natural Science School, and the Sombrero Marsh Field Trip Program.

Thorne Natural Science School (TNSS) Program Description:

Established in 1957, TNSS reaches more than 1,000 youth each summer through field-based ecology classes for kids ages 3-15. Learning takes place through hands-on, science-based, experiential activities. Popular classes like, Mud Mucking, At Home in the Woods, and Bird Banding utilize local prairie grasslands, evergreen forests, and wetland habitats as a classroom and enable youth to connect with and learn about nature. TNSS is licensed by the State of Colorado Division of Childcare.

Position Overview: 

Expectation for All Volunteers:

Support the TEI mission and exhibit a commitment to:

1. Working collaboratively, with integrity and respect for fellow employees, associates, and our communities.
2. Embracing personal responsibility and accountability for your role at Thorne.

Purpose:

The TNSS Teaching Assistant provides program support for TNSS Instructors, contributing to our mission of connecting youth to nature through joyful, hands-on, place-based environmental education experiences. The Teaching Assistant will support a class by spending each day in the field, during the assigned TNSS class.

Reports to: Administrative Director

Responsibilities: 

Principal Responsibilities:

1. Support TNSS Instructors in the field with supplies and added supervision
2. Actively assist in the education of students about the wonders of the natural world through joyful, hands-on, field-based exploration
3. Participate in the drop off and pick up protocol for TNSS- assisting parents, Instructors, and Education Programs Director
4. Act as a role model for all students, illustrating appropriate behavior and environmental ethics
5. Encourage a joyful, safe, meaningful outdoor experience for students.
6. Ensure the physical and emotional safety of all students during programming
7. Complete any required forms and submit all required information needed by Thorne Ecological Institute for compliances with Colorado Department of Social Services child care licensing standards

Desired Outcomes:

1. Contribute towards successful delivery of TNSS camps and the achievement of Thorne's mission
2. Contribute towards achieving 90% or better positive rating of TNSS camps ability to connect students to nature
3. Contribute towards achieving 90% or better positive rating that TNSS pick-up/drop-off process was good or fantastic
4. Contribute towards achieving 90% or better positive rating that TNSS Instructors feel supported by Thorne Staff in the field
5. Contribute towards achieving 95% or better positive rating that parents will send their child to a TNSS camp in the future
6. Contribute towards achieving 95% or better positive rating that the camp was well managed and well organized

Job Interrelationships:

1. TEI Staff and TNSS Instructors
2. TNSS Students
3. TNSS Parents and Families
4. Other Volunteers and Interns
5. General Public
6. Guest Speakers and Community Partners

Qualifications: 

Desired Skills and Abilities:

1. Strong communication skills with adults and children
2. Good organizational skills and ability to handle multiple tasks and roles, patiently and professionally
3. Must be able to hike up to one mile
4. If volunteering with a biking class, must have a tuned bike, helmet, and replacement tire tubes
5. If volunteering for an Adventure class, must be able to participate in the overnight class

Desired Behavioral Traits and Attitudes:

1. Team player, fun, outgoing, passionate, positive, mature, organized, creative, resourceful, timely, critical thinker, results-oriented, and self motivated.
2. Strong interest in and/or with some experience in environmental education in informal settings.
3. Passionate about TEI's mission and environmentally concerned and aware.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Must be 16 or older
2. Experience with school-age children strongly recommended
3. If volunteering for more than 2 weeks, current CPR, First Aid, and Universal Precautions certifications and background check and fingerprints submitted and cleared by the Colorado Department of Human Services (Thorne helps with this)
4. Minorities encouraged to apply

Dates of TNSS Courses:

1. June 6-August 5 (skipping the week of July 4th)

Special Requirements:

1. Must commit to working at least 1 full week (Mon-Fri from 8am-12:15pm or 12pm-5:15pm) for up to all 8 weeks of TNSS

Compensation:

1. This is an unpaid volunteer position
2. Thorne Staff is willing to fill out required forms for school credit, act as a reference for Volunteer, and/or write a letter of recommendation if requested.

Application Deadline: Position open until filled

To Apply:

Questions regarding the position can be directed to Stephanie Muirhead and will be responded to within 3 business days. To apply, submit the Teaching Assistant Application Form together with a resume by mail or e-mail to:

Thorne Ecological Institute
Attn: Stephanie Muirhead, Administrative Director
P.O. Box 19107
Boulder, CO 80308