Assistant Naturalist / Environmental Educator

~ The Center for Environmental Education is a non-residential environmental education program which serves approximately 42,000 students in 36 school districts. ~

During the school year, instruction takes place Monday - Friday at our nature center, local schools or other outreach sites. There will be occasional weekend programs. During the summer, CEE operates a 6-week camp program.

Our program offerings include: ecosystem studies, sustainability programs, wildlife, team building programs, history programs and unique programs such as our Monster Storms and Climate Change, the Earth Portable Classroom and our collaborative predator program with a local wolf center.

Position Overview

Putnam|Northern Westchester BOCES has a full time vacancy for an Assistant Naturalist with the Center for Environmental Education (CEE) to support CEE's nonresidential environmental education program.

Responsibilities

• During the school year this individual provides instruction at the Yorktown Heights BOCES Campus, local schools, other outreach sites, and occasional after school and weekend programs.
• During the summer, staff provides instruction for a camp program.
• There may also be opportunities to support or lead multi-day wilderness or historical excursions.
• Naturalists are also responsible for the development of environmental education programs and curriculum to support core content areas.
• Additionally, naturalists are the primary caretakers for our wide range of animal ambassadors.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of the Next Generation Science Standards, the NYS Science Learning Standards, and the NYS Social Emotional Learning Benchmarks is preferred.
• Experience in standards-based curriculum and program development is preferred.
• Must have experience with animal care for a wide variety of local and exotic animals (e.g. reptiles, raptors, hedgehogs).
• Experience working with a raptor on-glove is preferred.

Must have a strong background in environmental science and ecology and be able to teach about:

• Sustainability (e.g. climate change, ecological resources, The Lorax, etc.)
• Ecosystem Studies (e.g. pond study, forest ecology, the Hudson River, etc.)
• Earth Science (e.g. water systems, erosion, forces and interactions, etc.)
• Living Things/Wildlife (e.g. food webs, family groups, butterflies, etc.)
• Agriculture and Gardening (e.g. seed study, composting, plant cycles, etc.)
• Social Studies (e.g. Native American Studies, the Commons, food history, etc.)
• Team Building on a low-ropes challenge course and in flexible settings

Training and Experience:

• HS Graduation and 4 years of work experience in a nature center, zoo, school or camp which involved conservation and/or environmental education, outdoor interpretation, or other natural science work or a Bachelor’s Degree* in Environmental Science, Natural Science, Ecology, Biology, Conservation.
• At time of appointment, possession of a valid license, appropriate for the vehicle to be operated and issued by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles. 

To Apply

• Please email a cover letter (optional) and current resume to Daniel Novak, the Regional Coordinator of Environmental Education with the Center for Environmental Education.
• We are interested in finding someone who can start in mid-August to allow time for animal and lesson training before the busy September teaching season begins.