Lead Environmental Educator

Job Summary: Under the guidance of the Associate Director, this position advances science-based education through outreach lessons, onsite curriculum-based field trips, virtual programming, community events, and teacher trainings. This position is the lead educator for all education programs, supported by the other twelve members of The Shangri La Gardens’ Education Team.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Facilitate programming in a variety of settings, including Shangri La Gardens and other outdoor spaces, in classrooms/labs, and virtually when appropriate
• Under the direction of the Associate Director, plan, develop, and implement educational and interpretive programs and services to meet the changing needs of diverse audiences.
• Facilitate the design and implementation of programs using best practices in youth development and education pedagogies
• Assist the Associate Director with evaluating and assessing program effectiveness
• Help plan, develop, and manage budgets and budget projections for education and public programs
• Monitor and assess the effectiveness of all educational programming
• Act as a liaison with schools and community groups to coordinate educational programs
• Support the planning and execution of activities for annual events, including Trash-Off, Eco-Fest, Autumn Fair, and Dreaming of a Green Christmas
• Provide guidance and support to education staff, ensuring they meet professional and ethical standards in their work
• Ensure that work undertaken by the education staff meets the highest ethical and professional standards
• Develop and support the capabilities of education staff members, enhancing exceptional ability and maintaining accountability
• Collaborate with other Shangri La departments as well as colleagues at other Stark Cultural Venues for event and program planning, contributing to a cooperative and efficient working environment
• Serve as Manager on Duty on a regularly scheduled basis
• Other duties as may be assigned

Supervisory Responsibilities:

As a working supervisor, the Lead Educator supervises and oversees employees within the Education Department, ensuring compliance with the Stark Foundation’s policies, procedures, and relevant State and Federal regulations. Key responsibilities include interviewing and training staff, planning and assigning tasks, monitoring and directing daily work activities, providing coaching and feedback, and addressing any employee concerns or complaints. Effectively manages performance-related issues and resolves conflicts in a timely and appropriate manner.

Expectations:

• Contribute to creating high quality environmental education program at Shangri La Gardens
• Support Foundation’s goals and values; display passion and optimism; inspire others to fulfill the vision of Shangri La Gardens
• Assist in the development and training of staff and volunteers to help them meet expectations.
• Provide friendly, professional, and timely service to visitors, vendors, volunteers and co-workers
• Engage in open communication, contributing to a positive team spirit and fostering group commitment to shared goals
• Stay within approved budget and follow policies and procedures for administrative tasks
• Adhere to safety procedures and report any unsafe conditions to ensure a safe working environment for all

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Qualifications:

Experience: Five years of environmental education experience with an emphasis on environmental education, preferably at a nature center or botanical garden. Experience in developing, coordinating, implementing and evaluating educational programming; including training and retention

Education: Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) in Environmental Education or similar field is required; Current Texas or Louisiana teaching certification required; Master’s degree (M.S.) in education or science field preferred.

Interpersonal Skills: Ability to work with diverse groups of individuals. Must be a team player able to work comfortably and effectively in cross-functional teams. Must demonstrate good clear communication skills, both verbally and written, in English and must able to understand spoken communications.

Other Skills:

• Valid Driver’s License and good driving record
• Ability to devise and carry out education programs, including preparation and use of publications and exhibits
• Ability to apply environmental education techniques and resources as appropriate
• Knowledge of pedagogy and practical applications, including, but not limited to:
  • the learning characteristics of students and adults
  • knowledge of the objectives, curricula, and operation of schools and other educational institutions
  • knowledge of education (specifically outdoor science education) and evaluation methods
• Skill in oral and written communication techniques for appropriate education levels and objectives
• Skill in using research techniques
• Ability to keep accurate and detailed records
• Ability to enter data into the computer and be able to retrieve information by computer.
• Ability to manage a variety of tasks and to plan, implement and prioritize workloads
• Knowledge of emergency evacuation; First Aid training
• Strong computer skills in Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Office Applications, the internet, and desktop publishing

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use both hands to handle objects and items and, also, to feel and reach with both hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch and talk and hear. The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally up to 50 pounds. The ability to see and hear is essential. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision and ability to adjust focus. The employee must possess the ability to transport self at least three miles per day in an outdoor situation. The ability to handle a variety of living creatures is also required in this position. The ability to move on and off boats and move on boardwalks within swamps is required.

Work Environment:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee will work with students and teachers in class size groups under a variety of conditions including inside in museums and theaters, outdoors, and outside in natural ecosystems. Approximately 80% of time is spent outside in a swamp ecosystem in both hot and cold weather. These areas are commonly wet, humid, extremely hot or cold. Noise levels are generally quiet. Environment includes blooming plants, plant saps, fertilizers, and other possible allergens. Tasks may require exposure to insects, snakes, and other wildlife according to prevailing habitat conditions.

This Job Description does not necessarily constitute a complete statement of all duties and responsibilities comprising this position nor does it constitute a contract for employment.