Job Title: Environmental Educator, Washington Park

Reports To: Neighborhood Environmental Education Manager

Status: Exempt, Full-time
Work Location: 100% in-person, on site

Start Date: mid to late August 2024

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Position Summary: As an Environmental Educator you will engage school-age children in learning about nature and environmental science. During the school year, you will align teaching with school district and classroom curriculum requirements. This program requires creative design, a passion for working with kids, and the implementation of innovative, inquiry-based programs about natural history, science, ecology and environmental issues for school children K-12. During the summer, the educator will develop and lead camper-centered and nature-based activities for summer day camps with a focus on outdoor recreation and ecological sustainability. You will assist with the daily operations of the Urban Ecology Center, as well as with program development, intern coaching, and volunteer recruitment

and training. 

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

NEIGHBORHOOD ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION PROJECT (NEEP)

• Plan and teach outdoor, nature-based, environmental science programs for school groups. 
• Present programs on natural history, natural science, ecology, STEM, and environmental issues to urban youth in kindergarten through 12th grades.
• Communicate with school liaisons and teachers about scheduling and program logistics.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to design and implement innovative new programming for the Center.
• Develop field trip materials for schools.
• Drive 14 and 28-passenger buses to transport students.

SUMMER PROGRAMS 

• Develop and co-teach camper-centered, inquiry-based experiences for summer camp students, including potential overnight experiences.
• Mentor college and high school interns serving as camp counselors.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to prepare all materials for summer educational activities.
• Drive 14 and 28-passenger buses to transport program participants.
• Perform the role of assistant camp director as scheduled to represent the UEC summer camp program.

OTHER ACTIVITIES 

• Work in collaboration with other educators to organize and maintain all educational equipment and classroom spaces; prepare and maintain program materials.
• Contribute content to the Center’s website, social media or newsletter, as needed.
• Assist with training and working with volunteers.
• Assist with publicity for the Urban Ecology Center programs.

TEAM AND SUPERVISION

• You will be a member of the Environmental Education team and be managed by the Washington Park Neighborhood Environmental Education Manager. You will be responsible for the safety and well-being of students, interns, and volunteers and also coach/mentor our interns, students, and volunteers.
• Though all of our teams work together in some capacity, you will most frequently collaborate with the Educators and Branch leadership team.
• In this role, you may participate in UEC circles and committees as your work requires or as your schedule and interests allow.
• All UEC team members should expect interaction with volunteers, members, and youth participants.

ORGANIZATIONAL SUPPORT

• All team members of the Urban Ecology Center work a minimum of 1-2 weekend or evening events each year. Our events are a great way to engage with our communities and see our mission in action; examples include Urban Candlelight Hike, Autumn Celebration, and HKE MKE. Some roles may have increased responsibility for event leadership.
• Most team members are asked to support our building hours by providing building coverage, which may include opening/closing the building, communicating with staff on-site, and welcoming visitors or guests. You may sign-up for an ongoing shift or provide backup support.

OUR EMPLOYEE EXPERIENCE

• We nurture an inclusive, supportive, and collaborative workplace culture. Many of our staff serve on cross-departmental committees for internal and external events, employee engagement, our equity, dignity, and justice (EDJ) focus, and safety initiatives, to name a few.
• We host a 2-day all-staff retreat each fall, with quarterly all-staff meetings, regular department meetings, and ongoing communication in between. We make frequent use of Slack and utilize the Google platform for email and cloud computing.
• All UEC staff work on-site a minimum of twice per week at one of our 3 branches, though many choose to work in person more frequently. Several of our roles do not have remote capabilities by the nature of their responsibilities.
• Urban Ecology Center staff can attend all programs and events at a low or no cost. Children of staff members attend programming, including summer camps, at reduced rates.

• Full-time staff at the Urban Ecology Center are offered competitive medical, dental, and vision insurance rates, a 3% 403(b) matching contribution, 24 days of PTO in year 1 (29 in year 2), 7 additional paid holidays, discounted UEC merchandise, and other great benefits.
• The expected starting compensation for this role is $40,685 to $43,940 annually.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES 

Skills and Abilities

• Effective Communicator: you can articulate thoughts and express ideas effectively using oral, written, visual, and non-verbal communication skills, as well as listening skills to gain understanding. The ability to deliver information in person, in writing, and in a digital world.
• Collaboration : You have a strong ability to collaborate and share responsibilities with peers while following organizational processes.
• Conflict Management: you can navigate interpersonal challenges with a high degree of empathy and a commitment to resolution.
• Growth Mindset: You have a demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional development and incorporating feedback; you are optimistic about future opportunities. 
• Resilient under pressure: you have the ability to handle crisis or high-stress, immediate response situations in a calm, direct manner.
• You have the ability to teach science and nature-based programs with an exceptional grasp on group management and youth engagement strategies.
• You can develop, present virtual programming utilizing Zoom and Google Classroom.
• Strong cultural competency and commitment to equity, dignity, and justice.
• Affinity to the Urban Ecology Center's mission, vision, and values.

Experience, Education, and Certifications

• You have a minimum of two years teaching a broad range of ages in a formal or non-formal setting; experience teaching urban youth in grades kindergarten through 12th is preferred.
• BS or BA in natural sciences, environmental education or related field is preferred; related experience will be considered.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and the ability to meet requirements of insurability under Urban Ecology Center’s commercial vehicle insurance policy.
• Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) or ability to obtain CDL is required within first six months of employment; UEC can assist in obtainment.
• Lifeguard certification or the ability to gain certification within 1 year is required.
• Canoe training and/or water safety certification or the ability to gain certification is preferred.
• Ability to complete annual belay certification preferred. 

WORKING CONDITIONS, LOCATIONS, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Condition & Location: Majority of time is spent outdoors in all weather conditions on land and water throughout the year.
• Physical Requirements: Lifting bikes 3 feet out of bike rack; belaying people on the rock wall; team-lifting canoes from storage racks to activity locations; hiking, biking, walking or paddling for a full day, lifting up to 50 pounds with or without accommodation.
• Equipment Used: 14 and 28 passenger buses, trailers canoes, kayaks, bikes, snow gear, various rock climbing equipment, computer equipment and Google software.
• Schedule: Standard school and business hours with occasional evening and weekend events. Educators will teach an average of 4 days/week through the school year and 5 days/week in the summer.

The Urban Ecology Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is our policy to make all personnel decisions without discriminating on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sex, physical disability, mental disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, national or ethnic origin, and any other protected status.