Multi-Campus Environmental Science Educator NatureBridge

MAEOE; California; On-site; USD 22,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing

Benefits

Campus transfer assistance

Job summary

NatureBridge is seeking a Multi-Campus Environmental Science Educator to join our field-based programs across Prince William Forest Park (VA) and Golden Gate Coastal Camp (CA). This role runs spring to fall with housing provided and opportunities for campus transfer.

You will design hands-on outdoor science experiences for diverse student groups, supervise safety, mentor staff, and collaborate with camp teams to deliver high-quality environmental education.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in science, environmental or interdisciplinary studies, or related field.
• Minimum two years teaching experience, outdoors preferred.
• Wilderness First Aid and CPR certification or willingness to obtain before start date.
• Ability to maintain safe outdoor learning environments per risk policies.
• Able to work on uneven terrain in all weather.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in teaching and community.
• Willing to be coached and open to feedback.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Flexible hours including evenings.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Background check and TB test required.

Responsibilities

• Lead multi-day, hands-on outdoor learning experiences.
• Design and implement student-centered programming that is age appropriate, culturally responsive, and reflects the NatureBridge Core Educational Framework.
• Use scientific inquiry and lead by example to demonstrate positive and responsible environmental literacy and behavior.
• Cultivate a culturally responsive learning community; bring relevance to program content and community relationships.
• Manage participant safety in outdoor settings using sound judgment and application of NatureBridge risk management policies and guidelines, administer and document first aid as needed.
• Actively participate in staff community by participating in meetings, support activities, and trainings as assigned.
• Provide weekly evaluations and assessments of program success and participant growth and learning.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Lead rotating meal shifts and provide program support at Prince William Forest Park; supervise evening programs and on-call overnight duties; work with 5th/7th grade students; plan activities for Coastal Camp and Golden Gate cohorts.

Skills

Wilderness First Aid CPR

Risk management

Outdoor teaching

Diversity, equity, inclusion

Communication skills

Evening flexibility

Driver’s license

Background check/TB test ready

Education

Bachelor’s degree in science or related field

Job description

Multi-Campus Environmental Science Educator

BOUT NATUREBRIDGE
Founded in 1971, NatureBridge provides environmental science programs for students in the world’s best classrooms—our national parks. Our mission is to foster environmental literacy to sustain our planet. Our programs do so by exposing students to the wonder and science of nature and inspiring the stewards of tomorrow. As the largest residential education partner of the National Park Service, NatureBridge serves more than 30,000 students and their teachers each year and offers programs in seven national parks: Yosemite National Park, Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Olympic National Park, Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, Channel Islands National Park, Shenandoah National Park, and Prince William Forest Park. In order to further our mission, NatureBridge is committed to supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion and to promoting equal opportunity for students and staff in the field of environmental education. We strive to diversify our workforce and seek applications by individuals from all backgrounds, abilities, cultures, orientations, identities, and communities. For more information, visit: naturebridge.org

SUMMARY
This is a multi-campus Environmental Science Educator position beginning in April 2017, ending in November 2017. Selected applicants will work the spring season at Prince William Forest Park in Virginia, transfer to the Golden Gate campus in California for the summer, then return to Prince William Forest Park for the fall season. There may also be the opportunity to extend employment at the Golden Gate campus. This is an ideal position for applicants wishing to expand their knowledge and skill set, work and live in two culturally and ecologically different places, and gain experience with one of the most well respected outdoor education organizations in the country. Compensation includes housing, some meals, financial assistance in transferring campuses, and benefits.

NatureBridge environmental science educators are skilled professionals with significant post-undergraduate experience and training in environmental education content, curricula, and pedagogy. At Prince William Forest park, educators teach 3-day, hands-on outdoor science education programs to students from Virginia and Washington DC. At Golden Gate Coastal Camp, educators teach 5-day day camp sessions combining marine and coastal ecology themes with hands-on educational activities and games.
Position dates are as follows:
Spring season (Prince William): early April-early June
Summer season (Golden Gate): June 5th-August 18th
Fall season (Prince William): September 5th-early November

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Both campuses:

• Lead participants through multi-day, hands-on, experiential learning experiences in an outdoor setting
• Design and implement group-specific, student-centered programming that is age appropriate, culturally responsive, and reflects the NatureBridge Core Educational Framework
• Use scientific inquiry and lead by example to demonstrate positive and responsible environmental literacy and behavior
• Cultivate a culturally responsive learning community; bring relevance to program content and community relationships
• Manage participant safety in outdoor settings using sound judgment and application of NatureBridge risk management policies and guidelines, administer and document first aid as needed
• Actively participate in staff community by participating in meetings, support activities, and trainings as assigned
• Provide weekly evaluations and assessments of program success and participant growth and learning
• Other duties as assigned

Prince William Forest Park

• Fulfill rotating responsibilities to facilitate meal shifts and provide program support
• Lead multiple evening programs per week, and occasionally stay on campus overnight as an on-call staff member
• Work primarily with 5th and 7th grade students

Golden Gate

• Plan camp friendly games, lessons and activities that highlight fun and adventure
• Work closely with camp counselors (1 per week) to implement camp days and informally mentor them.
• Help counselors gain knowledge and skills of an environmental educator and encourage them to lead games and activities when appropriate.
• Coastal Camp primarily serves 1st-3rd grade campers with capacity for five groups of 12 campers.
• Additionally, Coastal Camp has capacity for three 4th – 6th grade groups of 16 campers each week.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in science, environmental or interdisciplinary studies, or a related field
• Minimum two years relevant teaching experience (preferably outdoors), and a working knowledge of inquiry-based, multi-disciplinary science and natural history
• Current Wilderness First Aid and CPR certification, or willingness to obtain before start date
• Ability to implement and model excellent risk management practices and maintain a safe environment for all students
• Ability to perform physically challenging work in the outdoors and in all weather conditions on uneven terrain
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion within your teaching and our community
• A willingness to be coached and openness to feedback
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills
• Flexibility and enthusiasm, problem-solving skills, and excellent work ethic
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings
• Valid driver’s license
• Employment is contingent upon employee background check and TB test

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• Advanced degree and/or teaching credential
• Experience with English Language Learners or urban youth
• Ability to speak and/or teach in a second language
• Wilderness First Responder certification
• Ability to infuse arts, music, and interdisciplinary activities with outdoor, experiential learning

COMPENSATION
This position is considered exempt in Virginia, and paid on a daily rate basis, with additional compensation for working evening programs and being on-call overnight. It is considered non-exempt in California, and paid on an hourly basis. This position includes housing, benefits, and financial assistance in transferring between campuses.