Environmental Science Educator

~ Founded in 1971, NatureBridge provides environmental science programs for students in the world’s best classrooms—our national parks. ~

Our mission is to foster environmental literacy to sustain our planet. Our programs do so by exposing students to the wonder and science of nature and inspiring the stewards of tomorrow. In order to further our mission, NatureBridge is committed to supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion and to promoting equal opportunity for students and staff in the field of environmental education. We strive to diversify our workforce and seek applications by individuals from all backgrounds, abilities, cultures, orientations, identities, and communities. For more information, visit our website.

Position Overview

NatureBridge in the Mid-Atlantic region is currently seeking Environmental Science Educators to lead a summer program based in Shenandoah National Park, VA. Educators teach and facilitate a 13-day program for a diverse group of international high school students, including a 7-day backpacking trip, individual science research projects, and several days in Washington DC.

This is an intensive program requiring evening work and being on-call overnight. The position runs from July 6th-July 30th 2018, with paid training days included. Top candidates will possess a passion for working with high school students and teaching environmental science, experience leading backpacking trips, and be highly skilled in outdoor leadership and risk management. There is also the possibility of extending employment into the fall season; please inquire if interested.

July 6th-July 30th, 2018

Responsibilities

• Lead participants through multi-day, hands-on, experiential learning experiences in an outdoor setting
• Facilitate community-building activities for a diverse participant group, and opportunities for social and emotional growth throughout the program 
• With a co-instructor, facilitate and manage all aspects of a 7-day backpacking trip with 8 high school students 
• Guide participants through all aspects of a field science research project, including teaching the process of science and science skills, using science equipment, and preparing students to present their research at an event 
• Chaperone participants in a variety of settings, including a hotel, a campground, and the backcountry 
• Lead a day-long field trip into Washington DC 
• Manage participants’ physical, social, and emotional safety by applying sound judgment, adhering to NatureBridge risk management policies, administering and documenting first aid, and responding to emergencies 
• Cultivate an inclusive and culturally relevant learning community among participants 
• Lead by example to demonstrate positive and responsible environmental literacy and behavior
• Assist with various pre- and post-trip duties 
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Required Experience and Education:

• Bachelor's degree in science, environmental or multidisciplinary studies, or a related field; or equivalent experience 
• Current Wilderness First Responder and CPR certification, or a willingness to obtain at your own expense prior to start date 
• Relevant formal or informal teaching experience 
• Experience leading backpacking and/or wilderness trips 
• Ability to perform physically challenging work in the outdoors and in all weather conditions on uneven terrain, including hiking 10+ miles and carrying a 50+ lb backpack 
• Commitment to equity and inclusion within your teaching and in the staff community 
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills 
• A willingness to be coached and openness to feedback 
• Ability to work flexible hours, and ability to work extended hours in challenging conditions as necessary

Desirable Qualifications:

• Working experience with racial and ethnic minority groups, english language learners, urban youth, low-income communities, immigrant communities, LGBTQ communities, people with special needs, and other groups that are underrepresented in the field of environmental education 
• Involvement in community service projects, leadership, social and environmental justice, and activism 
• Ability to speak and teach in a language other than English relevant to our participants 
• Working experience with environmental education, science education, or residential outdoor education 
• Working knowledge of inquiry-based, multi-disciplinary science, and natural history 
• Advanced degree or teaching credential

Compensation

• Educators are considered exempt and paid on a competitive daily rate basis
• Paid training days 
• Space in a furnished, shared house provided from July 5th-July 31st for accommodation during training and storage of personal belongings during program