What are the responsibilities and job description for the Seasonal Environmental Educator position at Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education?
Seasonal Environmental Educator, After School Program
The Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education, a leading environmental education provider for the Philadelphia region, seeks a passionate and energetic naturalist/educator to engage students and the public in meaningful and innovative learning experiences in nature. The position reports to the Manager of School Programs.
Position Summary
The Seasonal Environmental Educator primarily serves in our after-school program, providing supervision and support for children, and engaging children ages 5-12 years old in nature-based play at the Center. The Seasonal Environmental Educator may also staff other programs and special events as needed. The core schedule for this position is Monday – Friday, 2:00 – 6:00 pm.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education, a leading environmental education provider for the Philadelphia region, seeks a passionate and energetic naturalist/educator to engage students and the public in meaningful and innovative learning experiences in nature. The position reports to the Manager of School Programs.
Position Summary
The Seasonal Environmental Educator primarily serves in our after-school program, providing supervision and support for children, and engaging children ages 5-12 years old in nature-based play at the Center. The Seasonal Environmental Educator may also staff other programs and special events as needed. The core schedule for this position is Monday – Friday, 2:00 – 6:00 pm.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Interact with children outdoors for extended periods of time.
- Supervise children at all times. Be aware of a small group of children while working with a larger group, maintaining proper ratios at all times.
- Provide mentorship and guidance to children, supporting their social-emotional, physical, and intellectual development, health risk assessment, and community building.
- Respect and observe children’s interests. Intervene when needed to maintain safety.
- Interact with children frequently, affectionately and respectfully.
- Planning and implementing games and activities to encourage outdoor play
- Acknowledge feelings with sensitivity, and model appropriate social behavior.
- Work together with other educators to figure out creative solutions to behavioral challenges
- Support the Schuylkill Center’s mission, philosophies, values, goals and policies to parents, co-workers and the community.
- Assist with other projects in the education department as requested.
Expected Competencies
- A background in early childhood education, elementary education, social work or related areas is preferred.
- Interest in the natural sciences, local flora and fauna, and outdoor-based education.
- Desire and ability to engage youth in learning experiences using developmentally-appropriate pedagogy and group management techniques
- An understanding of childhood development, the different stages of growth, and an awareness of young children’s needs
- Desire and ability to employ redirection and positive behavior modification strategies when confronted with challenging behaviors among children we serve
- Adapt and be flexible with quickly changing environments
- Team-oriented with strong interpersonal skills; work collaboratively with fellow staff and ability to communicate in a timely and respectful manner
Physical Demands/Work Environment
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
During most of the year, the Seasonal Environmental Educator spends the better part of their day outdoors. The employee must be able to:
- Spend multiple hours outdoors in all weather (heat, cold, rain, snow)
- Hike 2 or more miles a day on rough terrain, keeping pace with the children in their care
- Engage in sustained physical activity throughout the day
- Lift up to 50 pounds (size of a small child)
- Hear children that might be out of direct sight-line
- Have 20:20 vision (with corrective lenses) to provide oversight during outdoor play
Background Clearances: If hired, employees are responsible for providing a valid Pennsylvania child abuse clearance, state criminal background check, FBI criminal background check, Mandated Reporter training, and other background checks that the Schuylkill Center requires based on the applicant’s state residency. First Aid/CPR training will be provided to applicants who don’t currently have it. Additionally, as of September 2021, all hires are required to provide proof of vaccination.
Dates of Employment: The position begins in early April and ends on June 9, 2023. The position will resume in September 2023 for the entire academic year. There will be an option to continue the position through the summer with summer camp aftercare.
Compensation: $15/hr, paid biweekly
To Apply: Please send a resume and letter of interest to Margaret Clarkson, Manager of School Programs, at margaret@schuylkillcenter.org or Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education, 8480 Hagy’s Mill Road, Philadelphia, PA 19128. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
The Schuylkill Center is an Equal Opportunity employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, ancestry, national origin, citizenship, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, and pregnancy-related conditions), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, genetic information, service in the military, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances.
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