Ecology Center Program Instructor II

City of Evanston; Evanston (IL); On-site; USD 24,796 - 33,062; Part time

Job summary

City of Evanston seeks a part-time Program Instructor II to assist in planning, developing and delivering environmental education programs at the Evanston Ecology Center. Responsibilities include leading activities at sites, preparing lesson materials, managing attendance, and supporting garden and animal care.

Candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree or be pursuing one in Biology or related field, plus 2–3 years of program experience, CPR/AED certification, and a valid Illinois driver’s

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, environmental education or related field preferred.
• 2–3 years experience developing and leading education programs preferred.
• Current CPR and AED certification or ability to attain within 6 months of employment.
• Valid Illinois driver’s license preferred.

Responsibilities

• Leads, develops, plans and instructs participants in environmental activities at Ecology Center sites and partner locations.
• Prepare lesson materials and organize pre/post class/camp logistics including attendance and equipment setup.
• Maintain animal care, garden and display areas and assist with program coordination and safety procedures.
• Attend staff meetings and support seasonal program scheduling and community outreach.

Skills

Oral and written communication

Customer service

Planning & organizational skills

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree (preferred) in Biology / environmental education or related field

Job description

General Task Statement

This position is responsible for assisting in the planning, development and facilitating of the environmental education programs at the Evanston Ecology Center. Programs may include special events, school field trips, scout groups, canoe trips, summer camps, mini-camps and youth and adult programming, and other environmental education programs. Additional duties include assisting with animal care, display and maintenance, garden maintenance, office and file maintenance and assisting customers as needed.

General Task Statement

This position is responsible for assisting in the planning, development and facilitating of the environmental education programs at the Evanston Ecology Center. Programs may include special events, school field trips, scout groups, canoe trips, summer camps, mini-camps and youth and adult programming, and other environmental education programs. Additional duties include assisting with animal care, display and maintenance, garden maintenance, office and file maintenance and assisting customers as needed.

Supervision

Under the supervision of the Division Manager and Program Coordinators.

Essential Function(s) - Task Statements

• Leads, develops, plans and instructs participants in various activities. Classes are located at the three Ecology Center sites as well as at various parks, natural areas, community centers, and schools.
• Develop and prepare class materials and lesson plans that will foster a participant’s knowledge of the environment and natural world.
• Provide pre and post class/ camp organization, including taking attendance, and set-up and take down of equipment.
• Recommend future course offerings and the purchase of necessary supplies.
• Provide animal care including feeding, cleaning and recommending supplies and food for ordering, as needed.
• Assists with the development and facilitation of the Farmette and corresponding programs; including, maintaining, weeding, watering, ordering supplies, planting, as well as working with the Program Coordinator in the development and facilitation of garden education programming.
• Attend staff meetings, as required.
• Canoeing experience preferred.
• Encourage and demonstrate safe work habits through use of established safety program guidelines.
• Complete necessary forms for accidents and incidents.
• Maintain CPR and AED certification.
• Adhere to and enforce staff compliance with organizational policies, procedures and the strategic plan.
• Represent Ecology Center positively and ethically to patrons, guests and staff.
• Develop and maintain effective internal and external oral and written communications.
• Be at work station, ready for center defined duties at required times.
• Be available for overtime when requested.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Educational And Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or actively seeking a Bachelors degree in Biology, environmental education, outdoor education or related field preferred.
• 2-3 years experience developing and leading education programs preferred.
• Canoeing experience preferred.
• Current CPR and AED certification or able to attain within 6 months of employment.
• Valid Illinois driver’s license preferred.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Good external and internal customer service skills.
• Good planning, organizational and problem solving skills.

Pay Rate

$20.75 per hour

Schedule

Average of 18 hours per week. Program Instructor II's are expected to work 2-3 regular days per week and approximately 2 weekend days per month. Instructor shifts are generally 6-8 hours, with a required 30-minute lunch break, unpaid. Program Coordinators request staff availability for 2-3 months ahead of time (seasonally) and set the seasonal schedules based on programming needs. Instructors are also expected to work "all hands on deck" seasonal events.