Posted on September 12, 2012

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Seasonal Environmental Educator (Part-Time)

Job Type: Part-Time, Hourly Employee, Non-Exempt

Positions: 1-2 Positions Open

Job Status: Seasonal, 10-25 hours/week, primarily between 9am-3pm, September- November 30, 2012, with the possibility of extending to spring season

General Description: The Nature Center at Shaker Lakes (NCSL), a 501(c)(3) non-profit founded in 1966 and located in the historic Shaker Parklands of Cleveland’s eastern inner-ring suburbs, seeks a creative and committed Environmental Educator to work with the Education Director and staff to carry out its educational program goals. The Nature Center’s mission, vision, programs, staff, board, and history can be found at www.shakerlakes.org.

Overall Responsibilities: The successful candidate will work with fellow environmental educators to present NCSL-designed curricula and hands-on outdoor experiences to school children attending field trips (pre-K-12th grade), outdoor adventure camps and classes for children, nature-themed programs including nature walks and informal lectures for families and adults, and other community programming as needed and scheduled.

Primary Duties:

1. Present Nature Center education programs to key audiences, including area schoolchildren, families, adults, preschool children and campers.
2. Prepare and execute quality environmental education programs.
3. Stay current and work collaboratively with all Nature Center staff to ensure excellence and maintain continuous improvement of NCSL curricula and programs.
4. Work effectively with teachers and other clients, volunteers and the public in the presentation of Nature Center programs and events.
5. Maintain good humor and apply professional, common-sense solutions to everyday challenges.
6. Attend Board and Staff meetings, Signature Events, and Family Programs as required.
7. Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Minimum1year lead teaching experience with children and effective public speaking skills
• Four-year college degree in Environmental Education, Environmental Studies or related science/natural resource field
• Ability to manage children in the outdoors; must possess visual and auditory abilities to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to outdoor activities
• Must be able to observe student/camper behavior, evaluate its appropriateness, and enforce and implement appropriate behavior management techniques
• Knowledge of developmentally appropriate activities and ability to design age-appropriate environmental education curricula and activities for a wide variety of audiences
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Effective public speaking skills; ability to communicate in an outdoor urban setting
• Love of the outdoors; knowledge of natural history/ecology, local flora and fauna
• Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to work effectively with a wide variety of audiences; ability to interact with the public, parents/guardians, teachers and staff with tact, courtesy, and diplomacy
• Strong organizational skills, ability to multi-task, adapt to change, work independently, and to prioritize effectively
• Excellent computer skills; must be familiar with Microsoft Office applications
• Willingness to work as a team and with other staff and volunteers
• CPR/1st Aid Certification required (can be arranged)
• Wilderness First Responder, Lifeguard Training and/or Leave No Trace Training preferred
• Prior experience conducting teacher workshops a plus
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends, as needed
• Ability to hike 3-5 miles with a 10 pound backpack
• Valid driver’s license and good driving record are required
• Enthusiasm, poise, flexibility, dependability, good sense of humor, and positive attitude
• Commitment to NCSL mission, principles and values

Application Instructions

Email: Nicole Born-Crow, Office Manager at: borncrow@shakerlakes.org

Subject: Seasonal Environmental Educator

Include: Cover letter, resume, and three references

DEADLINE: September 21, 2012, or until filled.