Educator Environmental & Animal Care Assistant

South Shore YMCA; Norwell (MA); Presencial; USD 26.000 - 29.000; A tiempo parcial

Descripción de la vacante

South Shore YMCA is seeking an Environmental Educator & Animal Care Assistant in Norwell, MA. The role splits time between Environmental Education and Animal Care, educating and inspiring youth to protect the environment while promoting stewardship.

This part-time position requires flexibility for weekday, evening, and weekend programming, with a salary of $19.00–$21.00 hourly. Responsibilities include delivering programs, maintaining safe environments, documenting care tasks, and collaborating

Formación

• Bachelor's degree in environmental science, wildlife biology, natural history, or related field preferred.
• Experience teaching in a formal or informal education setting preferred.
• Experience working with, caring for, and handling animals professionally and/or personally preferred.
• MA driver's license and reliable transportation.
• Must complete all training requirements offered by the Y, including CPR/FIRST AID and child protection.

Responsabilidades

• Collaborate with Nature Center teams to plan, develop, and deliver engaging programs for diverse audiences.
• Lead and assist programs onsite at the Nature Center and offsite at schools and partner locations.
• Design, implement, and improve curriculum, lesson plans, exhibits, and educational materials.
• Maintain indoor and outdoor learning environments ensuring safety and engagement for participants.
• Document completed tasks in animal care and education logs and report concerns promptly.

Conocimientos

Communication

Organization

Planning

Time management

Teamwork

Educación

Bachelor's degree in environmental science

Bachelor's degree in wildlife biology

Bachelor's degree in natural history

Descripción del empleo

Job Details: Job Location: Norwell, MA 02061, Salary Range: $19.00 - $21.00 Hourly, The Environmental Educator & Animal Care Assistant is a key member of the Nature Center team, splitting their time equally between the Environmental Education and Animal Care departments. This mission-driven role is dedicated to educating, engaging, and inspiring the next generation to protect the environment while promoting responsible use, stewardship, and enjoyment of natural resources.

OUR CULTURE

Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. At the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and make a difference. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Demonstrate strong communication, organization, planning, ability to work both independently & collaboratively, as well as time management to complete tasks for both the Animal Care and Environmental Education teams.
• Maintain clean, safe, and organized animal care and educational environments, both indoors and outside.
• Responsible for reviewing all guidelines for emergency procedures to ensure a prompt and appropriate response to any incident.
• Perform additional duties as assigned supervisors.

Environmental Education Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Nature Center teams to plan, develop, and deliver engaging programs that align with the Nature Center’s mission and meet the needs of diverse audiences, including visitors, school groups, afterschool programs, scout troops, summer camps, etc.
• Assist and lead programs both onsite at the Nature Center and offsite at schools, community locations, and partner organizations.
• Design, implement, and continuously improve curriculum, lesson plans, interpretive exhibits, and educational materials.
• Utilize and help maintain indoor and outdoor learning environments, including forests, wetlands, gardens, and indoor spaces ensuring they remain safe, organized, and engaging for participants.
• Support the ongoing growth and visibility of the Nature Center by contributing to new programs and outreach efforts.

Animal Care Responsibilities

• Under the supervision of Lead Animal Care Specialist, ensure the safe and effective care of all animals in accordance with policies established by the South Shore YMCA Nature Center, including Animal Care emergency action plans, handling procedures, and cleaning guidelines.
• Assist the Animal Care team with routine operations, including but not limited to feedings, habitat/tank cleaning, and enrichment activities for all animals (primarily reptiles, chickens, and birds of prey).
• Support educational programming by incorporating animal ambassadors in a safe, appropriate, and engaging manner.
• Accurately document and communicate all completed tasks (e.g., feedings, cleanings, enrichment) in each animal’s log, and promptly report any concerns, changes in behavior, or issues to the Lead Animal Care Specialist.
• Monitor inventory levels and notify the Lead Animal Care Specialist when supplies are low or need replenishment.
• Respond to incidents calmly, professionally, and in accordance with established procedures.
• Identify and report faulty equipment or maintenance concerns in a timely manner to Lead Animal Care Specialist.

WORK SCHEDULE & EXPECTATIONS

This is a part-time position (up to 29.5 hours/week, based on program needs), requiring a flexible schedule to meet changing needs. Availability for weekday, evening, weekend, and school vacation week programming required.

YMCA COMPETENCIES

• Mission and Community Oriented – Accepts and demonstrates YMCA values. Work effectively with people of all backgrounds and levels. Willingness to serve and fulfill community needs.
• People Oriented – Remains calm in challenging situations and seeks to understand the underlying cause. Speaks and writes effectively. Develops rapport, relates well and takes initiative to assist in developing others.
• Results Oriented – Discovers ideas to create and deliver a high-value member experience. Makes sound judgments, establishes goals, plans work, supports fundraising, and adheres to budgeting procedures.
• Personal Development – Recognizes personal strengths and limitations, pursues self-development and demonstrates flexibility.

Qualifications: Education & Experience

• Bachelor degree in environmental science, wildlife biology, natural history, or related field preferred.
• Experience teaching in a formal or informal education setting preferred, including demonstrated experience effectively teaching and working with children and adults.
• Experience working with, caring for, and handling animals (including reptiles and more) professionally and/or personally preferred.

Additional Requirements

• MA drivers’ license and reliable transportation
• Must complete all training requirements offered by the Y, including CPR/FIRST AID and child protection.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is often required to: climb stairs, bend, stoop, kneel, twist, reach with hands, sit or stand for an extended period, walk, lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, have finger dexterity, grasp, perform repetitive motions, talk, hear and have visual acuity.