Hiring a Nature-based Learning Educator

Position Summary

The Nature-based Learning Educator is responsible for leading nature-based learning (NBL) lessons in a variety of environments in collaboration with Rochester Ecology Partners team members and community partners. This includes NBL with schools and Neighborhood Nature free time programming. Nature-based learning occurs when education is connected to the natural world. This includes outdoor experiences that complement and enhance the curriculum, or bringing outdoor artifacts and ideas into their classrooms, to create more robust educational opportunities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:

• lead and support nature-based learning activities for 3-18 year olds
  • ensure the safety of youth participants
  • lead lessons in school
  • plan field studies for classes
  • coaching and planning with educators
  • create an environment of joy and excitement about nature-based learning
  • collaboratively plan, organize, and facilitate NBL lessons in schools, on school grounds and on field studies
  • write NBL lesson plans for school and Neighborhood Nature programming
  • act as site coordinator on a field study for a class of up to 30 children
  • act as site coordinator for Neighborhood Nature programming
• administrative and program management
  • assist in the management of materials
  • data management
  • communicate with collaborators (school and community partners)
  • communicate with parents in Neighborhood Nature programs
  • participate in training programs
• support the facilitation of professional development for educators

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by the Program Development Manager and Executive Director to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

Desired Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

The following qualifications are desired but optional. The position will be filled by someone who is the best fit for the position.

• a background in nature-based learning, education, environmental science, or a similar field
• experience working with youth in outdoor settings
• environmental education training
• Bachelor’s degree OR at least 4 years of related experience OR a comparable combination of education and experience
• cultural competence and the ability to work with people from a variety of backgrounds and experiences
• experience developing and delivering educational and engaging curriculum and/or informal educational programs for diverse audiences
• ability to manage a variety of tasks
• flexibility and creativity when faced with challenges
• the ability to work collaboratively in person and digitally with members of a team
• experience coordinating logistics and managing multiple schedules
• CPR / First Aid certification

Work Environment / Expectations

• Approximately 35-40 hours per week
• General working hours of 8AM to 4PM with flexible scheduling
• Position requires outdoor physical activity in all seasons for multiple hours at a time with groups of children
• Working in multiple locations in Greater Rochester, mostly in the City of Rochester
• Schools, parks, and natural areas are the most common working locations
• All staff working with children must consent to a fingerprint background check

Compensation

• $20.00 / hr
• Paid Time Off
• Health Insurance

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands or fingers, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate. To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.