4-H Environmental Educator – Fortson

University of Georgia; Hampton (VA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Georgia is seeking a Temporary Environmental Educator for Fortson 4-H Center in Hampton, Virginia. This role involves leading K-12 students through outdoor classes focused on life and earth sciences. Responsibilities include classroom management, animal care, and maintaining educational facilities. Candidates should possess strong communication skills, a dynamic personality, and First Aid/CPR certification. A passion for teaching and experience with live animals are essential. This position is an excellent opportunity for those interested in outdoor education and youth development.

Qualifications

• Passion for education and youth development.
• Ability to work outside in various weather conditions.
• Experience caring for live teaching animals.

Responsibilities

• Lead multidisciplinary outdoor classes for K-12 students.
• Support center operations and facility maintenance.
• Provide care for educational animals.

Skills

Strong communication

Leadership

Ability to teach K–12 youth

Customer service

Flexibility

Ability to manage groups

Education

First Aid/CPR/AED certification

Job description

4-H Environmental Educator – Fortson

Position Summary:

This is a temporary Environmental Educator position at Fortson 4‑H Center in Hampton, Georgia. The primary role involves independently leading K-12 grade students through multidisciplinary outdoor classes focused on life science, earth science, ecology, team building, outdoor skills, and living history. Additional duties include animal care, maintenance of teaching areas and resources, and support of general center operations.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead, teach, and manage K‑12 grade students and chaperone adults through multidisciplinary classes in an outdoor setting (ecology, life science, earth science, living history, etc.).
• Support overall center operations, including maintenance and upkeep of facilities (dorms, classrooms, education materials, vehicles), operating UGA vehicles, dining hall support, and projects as needed.
• Provide animal care, husbandry, and maintenance for residential education reptiles, amphibians, farm mammals, poultry, and other animals.
• Assist with staffing responsibilities to support ongoing reservations and guests.

Qualifications

Education, Experience, Licensure, or Certification:

• First Aid/CPR/AED certification (or willingness to obtain).

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Competencies:

• Teaching qualities: commitment, interest in youth development, passion for education.
• Work qualities: dynamic personality, strong communication, positive attitude, creativity, leadership, integrity, ability to build relationships.
• Ability to teach a wide variety of subjects to K–12 youth.
• Skill in group management of adults and students.
• Broad knowledge of outdoor education and willingness to learn new content.
• Effective communication with youth and adults.
• Customer service and hospitality/food industry experience.
• Teamwork, independent work, flexibility, and adaptability.
• Experience caring for live teaching animals (reptiles, amphibians, farm mammals).
• Ability to work outside in buggy environments and extreme weather conditions.

Physical Demands

Work exposed to outdoor elements; must lift 20–40 pounds and walk approximately 3 miles daily; comfortable with heights and climbing a ladder; driving requirements.

EEO Statement

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, veteran status, or other protected status.