Substitute Naturalist

Nassau BOCES; New York (NY); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Nassau BOCES in New York State seeks an educator to conduct outdoor and environmental education programs at woodland, parkland or seashore locations, guiding students through nature topics. The role emphasizes collaboration with teachers to meet educational objectives and safe, engaging field experiences.

You will maintain supplies, plan new programs, enforce site rules, and help in researching and presenting information on nature.

Qualifications

• 60 credits at regionally accredited college or NYS registered university, with 12 credits in sciences or related fields.
• Experience in nature study work may substitute for education year-for-year up to two years.
• Ability to work effectively with teachers, students and diverse pupil populations.
• Ability to evaluate program effectiveness and implement revisions.

Responsibilities

• Conduct tours at outdoor locations and explain environments to students.
• Consult with teachers to set outdoor education objectives.
• Maintain program supplies and ensure site facilities are clean and safe.
• Assist in planning new programs according to student needs.
• Enforce site rules and supervise student conduct.
• Advise students on nature information sources.
• Assist in collecting and analyzing research data on nature study.

Skills

Outdoor education

Public speaking

Writing

Team collaboration

Education

60 college credits including science courses

Substitution: 2 years experience in nature study

Job description

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES

Conducts outdoor and environmental education programs at woodland, parkland or seashore locations; performs related duties as required.

COMPLEXITY OF DUTIES

Under general supervision, the duties require the use of judgment in planning and conducting programs to inform students of the natural, ecological or historical features at various sites.

TYPICAL DUTIES

• 1. Conducts students on tours at various outdoor locations and explains and lectures on points of interest related to the environment.
• 2. Confers with teachers to assist in determining outdoor and environmental educational objectives and the subject matter to be presented to meet these objectives.
• 3. Maintains program supplies and equipment; checks general maintenance of study areas and facilities.
• 4. Assists in planning new programs according to students' needs.
• 5. Enforces rules and regulations governing students' conduct at the sites.
• 6. Advises students on sources of information related to subjects of nature.
• 7. Assists in conducting and compiling research data on specific areas of nature study.

ADA ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Considerable knowledge of outdoor life related to wildlife, birds, fish, insects and flora.
• Knowledge of the methods and techniques of nature study.
• Ability to work effectively with teachers, students and special pupil populations.
• Ability to evaluate the effectiveness of the program and prepare changes and revisions, as necessary.
• Ability to express oneself effectively, both orally and in writing.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Completion of 60 credits at a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university, including or supplemented by 12 credits in any combination of the following disciplines: Anthropology, Archaeology, Biology, Botany, Chemistry, Earth Science, Long Island History, Natural Sciences, Nature Recreation, New York State History, Physics, Wilderness Training, Zoology or Recreational Education or satisfactory related course work. Satisfactory experience in nature study work may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis up to a maximum of two years.

SALARY: As per contract

Non-Discrimination Statement The Nassau BOCES offers employment and educational opportunities without regard to age, color, creed, disability, familial status, gender, gender expression, gender identity, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, predisposing genetic characteristics, race, religion (including religious practice and/or expression), sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition), sexual orientation, victim of domestic violence status or any other characteristic or status protected by applicable law. In accordance with Federal law, the Nassau BOCES shall provide equal facility access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The Nassau BOCES does not discriminate or take any retaliatory action against an employee with respect to compensation, terms, conditions or privileges of employment because of the employee's or dependent's reproductive health decision-making. Additional information is available by contacting the following individuals: Sammy Gergis, Assistant Superintendent - Human Resources, Department of Human Resources at 516-396-2358, [e-mail] and/or Mark Raimondi - Acting Director, Department of Human Resources at 516-396-2347, [e-mail]. For further information, please see Policies 0100 Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination; 0110 Sexual Harassment and 0115 Dignity for All Students Act. A complete version of the Non-Discrimination Statement and the Policy Manual are available on the Nassau BOCES website at www.nassauboces.org.