Seasonal Teacher/Naturalist

~ Ozark Natural Science center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, residential, environmental education and conference facility in the heart of the Arkansas Ozarks. ~

ONSC provides overnight programming for regional schools students, summer campers, and adult groups annually. Our campus is located on the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission’s Bear Hollow Natural Area. Programming includes experiential, field science, ecology and environmental education topics during activities such as hiking, arts, and more.

The mission of the Ozark Natural Science Center is to enhance the understanding, appreciation, and stewardship of the Ozark Natural Environment.

• Are you an environmentalist or outdoor enthusiast who wants to help shape the future and change the world one student at a time?
• Join the ONSC team of teacher/naturalists (TN's)!

Teacher/Naturalist's (TN) take students (mostly 5th graders from public schools) into the Ozarks for overnight wilderness immersion programs. For many students, this is the field trip that changes their life and opens their eyes to how the natural world is connected and essential for human survival. TN's help students understand nature through hands-on science, inspire appreciation of nature through explorative play, and teach stewardship through a love of the natural world.

Through this one-of-a-kind opportunity, TN's are not only paid and housed, but also given a professional development experience that exceeds a simple workshop or class. Each season begins with an intensive training including your First Aid, CPR and Wilderness First Aid Certification, followed by additional shadowing, coaching, and evaluations. Each TN is a wealth of knowledge, just like you, so the learning amongst the TN team members is ongoing and encouraged. Don’t pass up this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! Apply today and help us enhance the understanding, appreciation, and stewardship of the Ozark Natural Environment!

General Description

The Teacher Naturalist (TN) is the front-line educational staff for all ONSC programming and program-related operations. TN’s lead educational activities including interpretive hikes/field investigations on the trail, interactive classes in field and classroom and various other activities.

Programs range from one day to a full week for the duration of the season. Generally, programs include a one-night stay of students in onsite lodges and two days of educational programming led by TN’s. Work hours are determined based on program length. Teacher Naturalists are typically assigned to programs in their entirety. TN’s are required to stay onsite overnight during assigned programming (housing provided).

We are hiring 3 Teacher Naturalists for the 2019-2020 season. One of the positions could be part-time mostly Tuesday-Wednesday if a local person is interested.

Start/End Date: September through June

Responsibilities

Main Duties:

• Teach, manage, and lead groups of program participants of any age both in the field (guided hikes) and the classroom. Student program participants are generally in 5th Grade
• Participate in staff training/enrichment sessions for field staff and general ONSC staff training and information sessions
• Assist with the on-going development and refinement of current ONSC educational programs and the development of new programs as assigned
• Reside on-site during the overnight stays of students if they are scheduled for the programming of those students
• Console homesick student participants during overnight field trips and provide first-aid to injured/sick students
• Provide logistical and supervisory support for ONSC programs and participants, including during ONSC meals, student/guest orientation, and the maintenance of facilities and equipment
• Ensure, at all times, the safety of students and peers and other ONSC guests to the best of your ability
• Knowledgeably use, maintain, and return all teaching and safety equipment assigned at the time of your departure
• To be maintained in an appropriate manner, staff housing is provided for you during your time of employment at ONSC
• Provide on-call availability for emergencies during the entirety of your scheduled programming

Additional Duties:

• Actively participate in appropriate group briefing and debriefing meetings
• Organize personal equipment and supplies in preparation for field science instruction duties, including, but not limited to: backpack supplies, hand-held radios, water bottles, etc.
• Giving educational presentations to special interest groups, hosting and providing supplies and assistance for visiting groups and other duties as assigned.
• To be a professional representative of ONSC at all times
• Actively engage in self-improvement and self-education as a naturalist and informal science educator
• Maintain active communication with the Program Manager on issues of importance relating to programming and operations

Qualifications

Candidate Requirements:

• BS/BA degree required. Degrees in environmental or natural science (i.e. biology, geology, environmental science, ecology) preferred
• Passion for the ONSC mission and genuine appreciation for the natural world and conservation
• Demonstrated time management skills
• Great speaking and oral presentation skills
• Physical ability to hike long distances, over uneven terrain, in all seasons and varying weather conditions
• CPR & basic First Aid and Wilderness First Aid (provided onsite for no cost)
• Ability to work as a team
• Desire to continually develop as both an educator and a naturalist

Compensation

• $370.00 per 40 hour work week
• Staff housing provided
• Meals provided when programming is in session
• Training opportunities including certifications (CPR, WFA, and CIG) paid for entirely or partly by ONSC
• An opportunity to share your love of the natural world with an amazing and supportive team of naturalists while sparking and feeding the love of nature in the next generation - priceless.

To Apply

• Please click "Apply" below to email a cover letter, resume and three references to Renee Valentine.
• Or call 479-202-8340, extension 103 for more information.