Seasonal Tifft Facilitator of Learning

JOB POSTING

Position Title: Seasonal Tifft Facilitator of Learning

Department/Division: Tifft Nature Preserve

Schedule: see Summary of Position for details

Reports To: Tifft Program and Experience Manager

Status: Part-time/non-exempt. Seasonal/temporary.

Overview:

The Buffalo Society of Natural Sciences, which comprises the Buffalo Museum of Science and Tifft Nature Preserve, is a highly valued and historied organization in the Buffalo community dedicated to inspiring joyful exploration of science and nature through engaging experiences, unique resources, and exceptional staff. We believe that science creates opportunities and shapes our world. We take pride in providing an environment that inspires curiosity, self-directed learning, and fun for our guests of all ages.

Summary of Position:

As the premier environmental education/interpretation and passive recreation destination in the region, Tifft Nature Preserve offers high quality, engaging programs for audiences of all ages that highlight the living collection of the Buffalo Society of Natural Sciences and inspire the environmental stewards of today and tomorrow.

The Seasonal Tifft Facilitator of Learning will work with a dedicated team of staff and volunteers to provide exceptional visitor experiences to inspire lifelong learners and create lasting memories. This multi-faceted position requires a motivated, outgoing, and creative individual who is effective in facilitating engaging STEM-themed activities in a variety of settings including the outdoors. To begin, the incumbent will facilitate school, group, scout, and public programming throughout the spring and transition to facilitating Discovery Camp for children ages 3-10 as a Camp Counselor in July and August. The successful candidate will demonstrate a passion for sharing the natural world with individuals of all ages through environmental education, strong planning and program delivery skills, and an ability to think and respond quickly to a fast-paced, changing environment. The individual in this role needs to be equally successful in their ability to work independently to move projects forward that support the overall mission, vision, and values of the organization while also being able to provide and take direction to/from other members of the team.

This position will begin as soon as the position is filled and end no later than Friday, August 29, 2025. From the date of hire through June, this position will routinely be scheduled Tuesday - Saturday with evenings and alternative days scheduled as necessary. For July and August, this position will transition to a Monday – Friday schedule to meet the needs of the Discovery Camp programs.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Shares their enthusiasm for the natural world by implementing user-directed learning.
• Exhibits exceptional communication skills to reach diverse audiences.
• Develops and delivers programs at Tifft Nature Preserve, the Buffalo Museum of Science and off-site locations, with the main reporting responsibility being at Tifft Nature Preserve.
• Works independently and within a team to develop and deliver school and public programming including tours, workshops, birthday parties, and discovery camps.
• Serves as a welcoming public interface in the Darling Environmental Education Center and effectively answers in-person and telephone inquiries.
• Completes routine care and maintenance of facilities required to perform above functions.
• During Discovery Camp, serves as the main caretaker of their assigned campers, including direct supervision of campers, setting up and facilitating daily activities, and distributing camp snacks.
• Lead campers through activities by working individually and in groups with campers in a fun and engaging way.
• Introduce, role model, and enforce all rules for expected camper and counselor behavior.
• Provide mediation between campers and resolve minor issues as they arise.
• Maintain awareness of allergies, medical conditions, and special considerations of each camper (i.e., food/environmental allergies, asthma, ADHD, autism) and always keeps campers’ needs in mind.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Education, Experience, Skills, and Qualities Required:

• Minimum of bachelor’s degree in biology, environmental science, natural history/environmental interpretation, education or similar field. Equivalent experience may be considered in place of a bachelor’s degree.
• Experience in informal science education, education theory and interdisciplinary curriculum approaches preferred.
• Experience working in a day-camp, educational setting, or supervising groups of children required.
• General knowledge of WNY wildlife or strong interest and ability to learn.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work with groups of all ages and demographics.
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills.
• Basic computer knowledge and skills and ability to learn new programs quickly.
• Maintain a friendly and professional disposition with staff, volunteers, partners, visitors, and customers.
• Dress in branded, laundered, clean, or other supervisor approved clothing.
• Valid NYS Driving License required.
• Desire to work in a fast-paced setting and produce experiences and products of the highest quality.

Physical Demands:

• Able to communicate with small and large groups.
• Communicates and exchanges information in person, over the phone, via email, and by radio.
• Able to lead groups on a variety of trail types and conditions for up to 3 hours at a time in a variety of weather conditions.
• Lift and transport up to 20 pounds of materials with the assistance of a wheeled cart.

To Apply:

The hourly rate for this position is $19.00 per hour. Interested candidates should send cover letter and resume to careers@sciencebuff.org. Include "Tifft Seasonal Facilitator" in the subject line.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

The Buffalo Society of Natural Sciences is an equal opportunity employer, and strongly encourages expressions of interest from people of color, individuals living with disabilities, women, and the LGBTQ community. All qualified applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunities without discrimination because of race, color, creed, religion, sex, age, national origin, citizenship, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law.

Job Types: Part-time, Temporary

Pay: $19.00 per hour

Expected hours: No more than 37.5 per week

Work Location: In person

Salary : $19