Columbia Springs Environmental Educator

Columbia Springs Environmental Educator

Posted March 29^th, 2019 – Position open until filled

Apply today! Position is open until filled. Position description below or you can find it online here.

Do you remember the first time you saw a banana slug? Did you spend your childhood outside, exploring moss-covered forests or turning over rocks in the stream to see what lives underneath? Join our fun and passionate team of Columbia Springs Educators and guide the next generation of nature explorers! If you want to make a lasting impact on kids in our community, this is the job for you. Columbia Springs is a non-profit dedicated to connecting people with nature and inspiring stewardship. See website for more info: www.columbiasprings.org

Columbia Springs Environmental Educators support our education programs in a diversity of ways and should be enthusiastic about filing a variety of roles and learning new tasks quickly. A week in the life of an educator might include leading an ecosystem field trip for fifth graders at our 100 acre natural area, driving to a school the next day to lead a fish dissection for third graders and the next day leading a bug program for 1^st graders! Educators also lead summer day camp groups, provide educational activities at community outreach events, and support our education programs in a variety of ways throughout the year.

Duties and Responsibilities:

–      Lead a full class of elementary students (20-30 students) through 2-4hr science and nature field trip programs on-site at our 100 acre natural area and trout hatchery.

–      Guide groups of up to 12 elementary students during our week-long summer nature day camp programs.

–      Support our Salmon in the Classroom program (which raises thousands of Coho Salmon with in-school tanks all over Clark County!) by providing program support, leading in-class activities and field trips.

–      Conduct outdoor activities in all kinds of weather on earthed trails and uneven terrain with a positive attitude.

–      Manage the behavior of students through positive feedback and excellent classroom management skills.

–      Set-up and clean-up all educational activities each day.

–      Assist education program coordinators with tasks as needed.

Hours:

–      This position is year-round, but work will vary (10-35hrs/week) based on season, school holidays and program needs.

–      Generally 5-6 hours per shift (usually between 9am-2pm), 2-5 shifts per week.

–      Must be available to lead summer camp groups July 8^th-12 & 22^nd-26^th (~35 hrs/week). 

–      Planned work dates and times will be provided by the Education Coordinator in advance and are subject to change based on mutual agreement. Schedule can be flexible when planned in advance.

Compensation: $14/hr with accrued paid sick leave.

Desired Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:

–      Availability to start working a few shifts a week beginning May 1^st, 2019 (this can be flexible, but early may start date is highly desirable)

–      A bachelors degree in education or natural sciences OR 2-3 years relevant work and/or academic achievement

–      Demonstrated ability to lead exemplary educational programs

–      Experience with inquiry-based environmental education and class management

–      Basic understanding of PNW forest ecology, natural history subjects, and environmental stewardship

–      Outstanding verbal communication, interpersonal, and customer service skills

–      Demonstrated ability to take direction and follow through on assignments

–      Possess a positive, ‘Can-Do’ attitude and curiosity of the natural world

–      Ability to lift 50lbs and travel 3-4 miles over uneven trails / stairs

–      Ability to work independently and also contribute to a strong team

–      Strong problem-solving and “tinkering” skills

–      Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation for getting to schools for in-class lessons (mileage will be reimbursed)

To Apply:

Applicants will be reviewed until position is filled. Submit a cover letter stating why you are interested in this position, resume and two (2) references, preferably past supervisors, to Jenna Kallestad, Education Coordinator by by email. If you are selected for an interview you will be asked to complete a background check.

Email: schoolprograms@columbiasprings.org