Ecology Program Instructor (Year Round)

Kestrel Educational Adventures Published: June 16, 2017
Skill Level
Mid Level
Job Type
Part-time
Categories
Education

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Description

~ Located in Gloucester, Massachusetts, Kestrel Educational Adventures is a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring wonder, understanding and connection to the natural world through outdoor, playful, scientific inquiry. ~

Through our unique "adventures," we inspire and empower participants to develop their own relationship with the natural world - and each other.

Our instructors are passionate, knowledgeable, creative, empathic, flexible and collaborative mentors. Safety is our top priority. Equally important is our commitment to the constructivist model of education and a deep sense of respect for all people, especially children. 

Position Overview

The year round instructor position has the possibility of becoming salaried after an initial season. Flexible schedule, supportive work environment, unique programming, time outdoors, and dedicated, passionate colleagues. The Kestrel office is located in downtown Gloucester, Massachusetts. We travel throughout Cape Ann and North Shore.

Local candidates or those who will become local for the position, are preferred. Kestrel is a small organization with an excellent and dedicated group of staff and volunteers. Because of our small size, we cannot offer permanent full time positions, health benefits, or housing at this time. We do offer fun, fresh air, adventure, camaraderie, and chocolate.

Responsibilities

  • Collaborate with other education staff to custom -build experiential science programs for schools
  • Develop and present indoor and outdoor ecology programs for students in preschool through middle school, and occasional high school programs, including after-school series programs
  • Cultivate students’ science process skills and ecological literacy
  • Travel to school sites to instruct programs
  • Participate in maintaining the Get Outside Center as a functioning and welcoming facility, including routine organizing, and occasional animal care or simple maintenance tasks, and welcoming guests to the center
  • Participate as a core team member in a small non profit; help the smooth functioning of the organization and day to day routines, participate in planning for the future and generating new ideas and programs
  • Other relevant tasks as needed

Qualifications

  • Undergraduate or advanced degree in education or environmental field, or equivalent experience
  • 2 or more years experience teaching children in classroom and/or field settings, or experience as a field naturalist or biologist along with a natural affinity for education
  • Experience teaching in depth, cumulative science skills and natural history, ideally using essential questions and adapting lessons to students’ ideas, interests, skills, and spontaneous events in nature
  • Willingness to relinquish some predictability and control in favor of authentic student voice and genuine inquiry
  • Trust in children’s ability to construct learning and meaning for themselves with guidance, and ability to provide flexible enough learning experiences to allow them to do so
  • Comfort handling small, harmless wildlife, including insects, reptiles, and amphibians, including snakes
  • Strong interest or background in New England natural history
  • Excellent ability to manage groups in a supportive, compassionate manner
  • Ability to carry up to 30 pounds, and to walk uphill on or off trails up to 4 miles a day, in all weather
  • Willingness to work flexible hours, including some early days, beginning as early as 7am upon occasion, and some long days (up to 12 hours on occasion)
  • Strong concern for the natural environment and an interest in working towards its protection by educating young people
  • Reliable vehicle with ample empty space for transporting teaching equipment, and a clean driver's license
  • Ability to complete tasks effectively independently
  • Ability to teach and make decisions as part of a collaborative teams
  • Enthusiasm for the process of teaching and willingness to be a reflective educator, constantly fine tuning your skills and lesson plans and working with colleagues to give and receive honest feedback
  • Current First Aid / CPR (required) and Lifeguard (preferred) certifications or willingness to acquire these at own expense

Additional Information

  • Dates: Begins September, 2017, Continues throughout the year
  • Hours Per Week: 20-40 depending on season
  • Type: Per diem, year round
  • Restriction: Candidate must be available to work the entire season
  • We generally provide a 20-30 hour instructor training and ongoing support and mentoring

To Apply

Please click "Apply" below to upload your cover letter explaining what interests you about working at Kestrel specifically, resume, and contact information for 3 references, or mail to 186 Main St, Gloucester, MA 01930.

When you apply for this position, please say you saw this job on Green Dream Jobs!!

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