Outdoor Educator

Airfield 4-H Educational Center

Working Title: Outdoor Educator

Annual Salary: $17.00/hr

Hours: Full Time / 40 hours per week

Announcement Type: Open competitive

Closing Date: February 28, 2025

Location: Southeast 4-H Educational Center, Wakefield, VA, Sussex County

SECURITY CHECK: Employment contingent upon results of background and fingerprint search.

Airfield is seeking a self-motivated, energetic, outcome-oriented individual to assist with the expansion of educational programming opportunities. Interested individuals must be passionate about getting youth outside and positive youth development according to the 4-H and Airfield missions. The incumbent will work with a diverse audience to align and leverage a public and non-profit vision of bold intent and regional scope that will result in building youth and families being more connected to the outdoors and equipped with new life skills.

Applicants will be responsible for assisting with and leading hands-on, outdoor and environmental education programs year-round at the Southeast 4-H Educational Center in Wakefield, VA. This includes preparation and clean-up for educational activities and events throughout the school year, organizing and leading field trips, and assistance with 4-H summer camp programs, specialty camps, day camps, and Special Interest Clubs.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Assist with design and implementation of site-specific outdoor education programs, displays and informational material for Airfield

• Integrate Airfield’s and the 4-H educational curricula, family activities, and programs into Airfield offerings
• Assist with environmental educational activities and outdoor programs
• Assist with outreach and recruitment strategies for field trips and school visits
• Maintain educational supplies and equipment to keep them stocked, clean, organized and in working order

Ensure camps and educational field experiences are in compliance with and operate according to 4-H and American Camp Association (ACA) standards

• Enforce camp code of conduct for campers and staff
• Complete all required training related to ACA standards, risk management, and child protection policy
• Assist Program Director with camp administration

Communicate with stakeholders, constituents and partners

• Promote Airfield programs and facilities to the general public, specialty groups and site visitors to gain support of the facility and increase usage
• Communicate effectively to visitors about Airfield through in-person, telephone and program/event interactions

Administrative Duties: Attend staff meetings, complete and submit required reports, participate in professional development courses, and complete paperwork in a timely and thorough manner. Assure that files and documentation are complete, accurate and confidentially maintained; and perform other duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience

Two years of experience in outdoor, environmental, or conservation education programming; Applicants with experience in beekeeping, fishing and/or canoe kayaking and/or shooting sports and/or high ropes training may be given preference. Regardless, all training/certifications for “high risk” programming will be paid for and provided by the Airfield 4-H Center. A Bachelor’s degree with a major course of study in education or natural science is required.

Job Licensure/Registration/Certification Requirements

Valid Driver’s License

Within four months of employment, successful completion and certification in First Aid/CPR/AED, ACA Level 1 Canoe Instructor, Lifeguard Certification, 4-H Archery Level 1 Instructor.

Within a year of employment, successful completion and certification in rifle and/or shotgun instruction, high ropes, and fishing skills.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Experience in education program implementation and assessment;

Knowledge of field biology, botany, forestry, and marine science

Knowledge of bees, fishing, boating, and shooting sports;

Experience with maintaining outdoor educational equipment;

Skilled in operational planning, delegation and collaborative team building, public speaking, in using Microsoft Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint;

Ability to use abstract reasoning, problem solving, planning, and analytical skills in training, evaluation, and program development;

Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments;

Ability to be a team player and work integrally with various stakeholders, partners and local agencies and businesses;

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; work independently, to take initiative and work creatively;

Ability to communicate clearly, verbally and in writing;

Ability to deal professionally and sensitively with a diverse audience and a wide range of contacts at different levels;

Ability to adjust to and use new approaches in the performance of his/her duties;

Ability to swim;

Ability to enter and exit a vehicle or/and vessel without assistance, lift 55 pounds, and withstand exposure to adverse weather conditions.

Other job-related requirements for this position: Travel required; program activities may occasionally require hours in excess of 8 hours per day, and working weekends and evenings.

Working hours: (A) hours will vary, but a typical work day is 8AM to 5PM, Monday through Friday. (B) Total hours in workweek (C) Explain any variation in work (split shift, weekends, etc.) (D) Any overtime MUST be pre-approved.

To Apply

Applicants shall submit a cover letter, resume, and a list of three references and their contact information to Joey Patterson, Program Director at jpatt024@vt.edu. Notification will be made to those individuals following the closing date. For questions about the position, contact Joey Patterson, Program Director at jpatt024@vt.edu.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $17.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person

Salary : $17