Environmental Educator

The Wildlife Center of Virginia was formed in 1982 to provide quality health care, often on an emergency basis, to native wildlife.

Since 1982, the Wildlife Center has:

• treated more than 50,000 wild animals, representing 200 species of native birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians
• shared the lessons learned from these cases with some 1.4 million school-children and adults across Virginia
• trained a corps of wildlife medicine practitioners, including veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and volunteer wildlife rehabilitators. Those who have benefited from the professional training programs offered by the Center may now be found on the cutting-edge of wildlife veterinary medicine around the world.

Position Overview: 

Primary responsibility for educating the public about wildlife and conservation issues with the goal of reducing human impacts on wildlife and the environment. Present environmental education programs for schools groups [principally elementary and middle-school students] as well as community organizations and other groups.

Excellent public speaking skills and the ability to interact well with the public are a must for this position. Must be able to meet the physical demands of the position and be able to accommodate an often irregular work schedule.

This position will be open in April 2010.

Responsibilities:

Outreach Programs:

Present environmentally themed programs, each 45-60 minutes in length, generally in classroom or school-assembly settings. Presentations must be interactive and tailored to be appropriate for various age groups. Integral to the Center's programs are non-releasable wild animals [up to 3 per program] - generally opossums, snakes, and raptors. Programs for school groups must complement the Virginia Standards of Learning. Develop, plan, and promote new programs. Develop any supporting activities, props, or PowerPoint presentations to complement each program. Help to expand Center programs to reach additional non-school audiences and to increase the utilization of technology, especially the internet, to deliver information. Assist in the training of other outreach educators.

On-site and Outdoor Education:

Coordinate and conduct large and small group programming at the Wildlife Center and the outdoor Bear Oak Environmental Education Center. Lead groups on nature hikes through the forest. Recruit, train, and manage docents for programs. Maintain and restock program materials and equipment. Update and distribute teacher packet with trip information and support materials.

Educational Animal Management:

Assist veterinary staff with the housing, feeding, and health of the education animals. Supervise the animals' training, handling, maintenance (trimming beaks and talons), falconry hardware, and traveling cages. Monitor and evaluate usage of the animals. Maintain records on animals' health, maintenance, and usage. Supervise the training of staff members and volunteers to handle the animals for programs or exhibits.

Miscellaneous:

Participate in all aspects of marketing education services. Supervise and coordinate volunteer projects such as new cage construction. Assist with scheduling education programs and record keeping. Assist Wildlife Center staff in answering phones, letters, e-mail, and with visits from the public. Arrange for routine maintenance of Center vehicles. Other duties as required.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or higher required, preferably in environmental education, natural science, biology, or a related field. Other majors will be considered with sufficient experience or additional qualifications.
• Must be outgoing, enthusiastic, articulate, have excellent public speaking skills, and a good command of English.
• Experience teaching children and/or handling animals highly desirable.
• Strong interest in wildlife and working with animals.
• Experience using the internet and social networking tools for educational or outreach applications is desirable.
• Professional appearance and demeanor.
• Demonstrated ability to handle diverse, complex tasks independently, efficiently, accurately, and under time constraints.
• Must be reliable, responsible, flexible, and have excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to present live animals professionally, comfortably, and safely.
• Ability to lift and carry animal cages and props, and to set up exhibits and presentations [may require lifting and moving of boxes and tables].
• Ability to lead 1 mile outdoor hikes over varying woodland terrain.
• Position requires extensive travel throughout Virginia and neighboring states; scheduled work hours include days, evenings, weekends, and occasional overnight stays.
• Must have a valid driver's license, clean driving record, and be free of convictions on any charge directly or indirectly related to the position requirements or the mission or activities of the Wildlife Center. Must be willing to undergo criminal background check and examination of driving record.
• Pre-exposure rabies vaccination required and will be provided.

Compensation: Commensurate with experience and credentials, within approved range.

To Apply:

Please send a cover letter, résumé, and salary expectations.

Director of Environmental Education
Wildlife Center of Virginia
Post Office Box 1557
Waynesboro, VA 22980

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
Position start date: April 2010.