Camp and Public Programs Coordinator

As a member of the Norman Bird Sanctuary education team, the Camp and Public Programs Coordinator will help to oversee summer and vacation camps and all public and scout programming. S/he will serve as the primary contact for parents and community groups, and will promote and market NBS programs within the community.

This position also involves teaching and preparing and developing educational materials and standards-based curricula. All educators are expected to provide enthusiastic and innovative instruction, teaching through hands-on and inquiry-based methods that encourage exploration, appreciation, and stewardship of the natural world. The position reports to the Director of Education.

Approximately 60% Teaching and 40% Management

NBS seeks a candidate that is able to work independently, is self-motivated, and shares a passion for the environment and the conservation of our natural resources.

Responsibilities:

The Camp and Public Program Coordinator's responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Teaching on-site education programs (field-trips) and off-site courses (outreach) for students in grades PreK-12. The Coordinator should expect to teach at least 2-3 field trips per week during the academic year.
• Helping to teach night and weekend education programs as needed (Friday Family Nature Nights, Saturday Explorers Club, special events, overnights, etc.)
• Facilitating all day-to-day logistics of public and camp programs, including scheduling and training staff, writing press releases, and other marketing
• Developing inquiry-based public, camp, and scout programs
• Overseeing summer camp registration process and managing camp database
• Overseeing the day-to-day logistics of camp and public programs, including the weekly teaching schedule, camp rosters, evaluation, and forms
• Coordinating field trips and special programs for camp and public programs
• Ensuring that all American Camping Association accreditation standards are met and documented prior to the beginning of summer camp season
• Recruiting, training, and supervising up to 18 Teacher/Naturalists per summer
• Staffing drop-off and pick-up times to ensure smooth and safe transitions, and effective communication with parents
• Planning monthly public programs, including Wildlife Speaker Series, Family Nature Nights, Teaming with Nature, Green Team and Saturday Scout Days
• Developing partnerships with local school systems and community organizations to increase programming for underserved youth; overseeing camp scholarship program
• With the School Programs Coordinator and under the direction of the Director of Education, serving as Site Supervisor for the Ocean State Environmental Education Collaborative (OSEEC) AmeriCorps members and part-time Teacher/Naturalists; creating weekly teaching schedules; training staff on NBS programs; evaluating staff teaching performance; attending OSEEC Site Supervisor meetings as assigned
• Coordinating use of buildings and other NBS spaces
• Assisting with the development of camp and public program budgets; helping to track and meet budget goals through marketing of programs and other strategies
• Inventorying materials and equipment; ordering and purchasing new supplies as needed; ensuring that expenses do not exceed budgeted amounts
• Creating educational materials and teaching tools; helping to develop interpretive exhibits, displays, and publications; contributing to the NBS newsletter and website
• Helping to evaluate all camp and public programming; compiling data and creating assessment tools as needed
• Serving on the NBS Education Committee; leading Committee projects as assigned
• Meeting regularly with the Director of Education to communicate concerns, ideas, and other education strategies
• Handling, caring for, and teaching with NBS education animals (to include mammals, reptiles and amphibians, fish, marine invertebrates, and birds of prey)
• Assisting with all areas of animal husbandry, including diet preparation and feeding, behavioral observation, and other miscellaneous projects as required; Following all animal care protocols as set forth by the Director of Education
• Supervising education volunteers and interns as assigned
• Other projects as assigned

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Education, Environmental Science, or related field preferred
• 3-4 years experience working with children in a responsible and professional setting; Demonstrated experience in formal and/or informal teaching, or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience is required
• Must be a skilled and effective communicator (oral, written, and visual) and comfortable speaking in front of groups of all ages
• Knowledge of (or strong interest in) the natural sciences and environmental education
• Enthusiasm for working with children and interacting with the public
• Experience working with and caring for captive wildlife preferred
• Proficient with word processing and other computer software (Microsoft Office suite, etc.)
• Self-motivated and able to work independently and with a team
• Ability to lift 50 pounds and work actively throughout the property in a variety of weather conditions
• Positive attitude and a sense of humor are a must!
• Must pass mandatory state and national criminal background checks
• Minimum of Basic CPR and First Aid certifications required (or willingness to obtain)

Schedule: Work schedule will include 1 weekend day (i.e., Tuesday-Saturday) and may rotate seasonally or as needed. This is a full-time, 40 hour a week position with benefits.

Closing Date: The review of applications will begin on February 1, 2010, and will continue until filled.

To Apply:

Please send a letter of interest, current résumé, writing sample, and list of 3 professional references. E-mail applications are preferred. All requested materials must be complete in order to be considered.

Catherine Arning, Director of Education
Norman Bird Sanctuary
583 3rd Beach Rd
Middletown RI  02842-5700

The Norman Bird Sanctuary is an Equal Opportunity Employer.