Contractual Wildlife Educator

Piedmont Wildlife Center; Chapel Hill (NC); On-site; USD 21,000 - 34,000; Part time

Job summary

Piedmont Wildlife Center is seeking a Contractual Wildlife Educator to run raptor tours during field trips and at-school programs. The role is extremely part-time (~5–10 hours/month) with weekday availability and a flexible schedule.

The educator will teach natural history and conservation using Wildlife Ambassadors to diverse groups, including birthday parties and educational programs at Leigh Farm Park area.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a natural science field or equivalent experience.
• Ability to work weekdays and maintain a flexible schedule.
• Attention to safety of animals and participants.

Responsibilities

• Lead a ~40–45 minute raptor tour program on trails.
• Educate groups up to 100 and collaborate with Wildlife Education Team.
• Ensure participant safety and arrive ahead of schedule.

Skills

Public speaking

Outdoor teaching

Group facilitation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in natural science

Job description

Piedmont Wildlife Center is seeking a Contractual Wildlife Educator with a flexible schedule to help run raptor tours during field trips as well as at-school programming. We teach natural history lessons and conservation practices with the help of our Wildlife Ambassadors during birthday parties, on-site field trips and at-school programs. This is an extremely part-time position (~5-10 hours per month) and hours will vary greatly depending on the program schedule. This is a great opportunity for those looking to get experience with education, but have a limited schedule. Since programming occurs during the weekdays, we are specifically looking for an Educator with weekday availability.

Organizational Overview:

Piedmont Wildlife Center is a Durham-based non-profit environmental organization inspiring lifelong connections with nature through engaging learning experiences, youth camps, wildlife education, and programs that spark curiosity, foster personal well-being and deep community relationships.

Land Acknowledgement:

Piedmont Wildlife Center operates out of Leigh Farm Park in Durham County. Leigh Farm Park is a remnant of a 19th century plantation. The Durham County Park department has preserved multiple historic structures. It is extremely important that we discuss this history with our staff and campers, honor the Indigenous and enslaved peoples who cared for the land, amplify their stories, and continue learning about and examining the parks’ legacy. Please let us know if you have perspectives or resources to share - we are always interested in getting staff involved in our journey.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Follow a standard “Raptor Tour” program that is approximately 40-45 minutes long. The program includes discussing the natural history and conservation efforts of North Carolina native raptors.
• Ability to lead a group and educate on ~1 mile of paved and unpaved trails.
• Follow a standard “Wild Neighbors (and raptors)” program that is typically an hour long. This program includes safely handling our wildlife ambassadors, educating various groups on wildlife as it pertains to NC Science Standards, and classroom/group management.
• Ability to speak in front of a variety of ages and different sized groups of up to 100 people.
• Ability to teach in a team setting with members of the Wildlife Education Team during large programs.
• Ensure the safety of all tour participants while navigating our trails as well as all program participants during at-school programming.
• Ability to manage time efficiently in order to arrive at least 20 minutes prior to the start time of a field trip and 15 minutes at a school prior to the start of a program.
• Willingness to learn.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a natural science field or equivalent experience.
• Extremely flexible schedule. Most school programs are scheduled during the week. Must be available during at least one or more weekdays.
• Attention to detail, especially in relation to the safety of animals and program participants.
• Confident and enthusiastic.
• Dependable. Must have reliable transportation.
• Comfortable working independently.
• Comfortable teaching in an outdoor setting year-round.
• Preference given to those with:
  • Knowledge of NC native wildlife and habitats
  • Experience working with children (pre-K through 8th grade)
  • NC-EE certification or working towards certification

Schedule:

The Contractual Wildlife Educator will not have a regular schedule. Scheduling will be based on the Educator's availability and the program schedule.

Pay:

$15-$25/hour depending one experience