4-H Environmental Educator – Wahsega

The University of Georgia; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 24,796 - 38,572; Part time

Job summary

The University of Georgia is seeking a temporary Environmental Educator to lead K-12 students through multidisciplinary classes at Wahsega 4-H Center in Dahlonega, GA. The role focuses on ecology, life and earth science, and outdoor education in an outdoor setting with supervision of youth and chaperones.

Responsibilities include animal care, maintaining teaching areas and resources, and supporting overall operations of the center, including facilities, grounds, and transportation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field is required.
• First Aid/CPR/AED certification (or willingness to obtain).

Responsibilities

• Lead K‑12 groups through multidisciplinary outdoor classes (ecology, life/earth science).
• Support center operations including facilities, vehicles, dining hall tasks.
• Care for resident education animals and maintain teaching areas.
• Assist with reservations and guest support as needed.

Skills

Teaching

Communication

Leadership

Teamwork

Flexibility

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Position Summary

This job is a temporary Environmental Educator at Wahsega 4‑H Center located in Dahlonega, Georgia. The primary responsibility is to independently lead K‑12 grade students through multidisciplinary classes in an outdoor setting. Class subjects offered include life and earth science, ecology, team building, outdoor skills, and living history. Other responsibilities include animal care, maintenance of teaching areas and resources, facilities, grounds, and support of general operations of the facility.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Independently lead, teach, manage K‑12 grade students and chaperone adults through multidisciplinary classes in an outdoor setting. Class subjects offered: ecology, life science, earth science. (60%)
• General support of overall center operations including and not limited to: maintenance and upkeep of facilities (dorms, classrooms, education materials, vehicles), operating UGA vehicles, dining hall support and assistance, and projects as needed. (25%)
• Animal care husbandry and maintenance for residential education reptiles, amphibians, marine invertebrates, coastal fishes, and more. (10%)
• Lead staff responsibilities to support on‑going reservations and guests. (5%)

Education, Experience, Licensure, Certification

Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Education, Environmental Education, Forestry, Natural Resources, Outdoor Education, Science, or related field.
First Aid/CPR/AED certification (or willingness to obtain)

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Teaching qualities fitting for the posting include commitment, genuine interest in youth development, strong passion for education, enthusiasm for life‑long learning and seek opportunities for connecting students with meaningful experiences in science and the natural world.
• Work qualities fitting for the posting include dynamic personality, well developed communication skills, positive attitude, creativity, leadership ability, integrity, willingness to connect and build relationships, and the desire to grow and be challenged.
• Skill in teaching a wide variety of subjects to K‑12 grade youth.
• Skill in group management of adults and students.
• Broad knowledge of outdoor education and willingness to learn education content.
• Ability to communicate effectively with youth and adults.
• Skill in customer service and hospitality/food industry experience.
• Ability to work in a team.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to be flexible and adaptable.
• Ability to work with and care for live teaching animals (reptiles, amphibians, and others).
• Ability to teach and work outside in buggy environments, extreme heat / cold and changing weather conditions.

Physical Demands

Work when exposed to outdoor elements including but not limited to adverse physical and weather conditions. Willing to lift 20‑40 pounds and walk approximately 3 miles daily. Be comfortable with heights and climbing ladders. Driving.

Is this a Position of Trust?

Yes

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources?

Yes

Does this position require a P-Card?

No

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position?

No

Is driving a requirement of this position?

Yes

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care?

Yes

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications)

No

Background Investigation Policy

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job‑based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre‑employment drug test for positions with high‑risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Equal Opportunity Employer 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, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR ([e-mail]).