Environmental Educators

~ Living Classrooms of the National Capital Region (LC-NCR) is an affiliate non-profit of the Living Classrooms Foundation. LC-NCR is responsible for the operation of educational and workforce development programs in the D.C. Metropolitan area. ~

LC-NCR is operated for the benefit of the community at-large, providing hands-on education and job training programs for students from diverse backgrounds, with a special emphasis on at-risk youth.

Utilizing challenging settings, community revitalization, and a small staff-to-student ration, LC-NCR provides experience-based educational programs emphasizing the applied learning of math, science, language arts, history, economics and ecology. Key objectives of all Living Classrooms programs are career development, cooperative learning, elevating self-esteem and fostering multicultural exchange. 

Position Overview  

Living Classrooms is seeking educator(s) to provide overnight outdoor education programming for 5th grade students at Camp Fraser in Great Falls, VA. 

About Camp Fraser 

Camp Fraser lies on approximately 76 acres of wooded land, surrounded by more than 230 acres of Fraser Preserve, an undeveloped area managed by the Nature Conservancy. Located a few miles from Great Falls, Virginia and just a 45-minute ride from downtown DC, Camp Fraser provides campers with opportunities to grow physically, mentally, and socially in nature.

Program Goals for the "Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience"  

• Develop a comprehensive, overnight Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience (MWEE) program that connects students to their local watershed and the Chesapeake Bay.
• Provide three day/two night overnight experiences (MWEEs), to include in-classroom preparatory lessons, field experiences, and post-trip reflection activities, for 1500 fifth grade students from District of Columbia schools.
• Engage students in outdoor educational programming through nature hikes, leadership and teambuilding activities, and adventure courses (climbing wall, high/low ropes courses). 

Responsibilities 

• Provide instruction and programming at Camp Fraser for classrooms that will be staying 2 nights and 3 days.
• Prepare for the class and breakdown/clean up after programming is completed. Cleaning duties include laundry, cleaning and preparing the lodge for classes, and restrooms.
• Lead hands-on activities that include: interpretive hikes in the woods and educational programs, specifically science based programming that is hands-on and engaging.
• Engage and lead groups of students in all-day programming; serve as "on-duty" camp counselor during all time periods students are present.
• Assist with the maintenance of Camp Fraser in coordination with the Facilities Manager who resides on-site. This is includes assisting with turning the site over for new groups and reporting any facilities challenges and concerns.
• Work directly with the education team in the creation of engaging educational lessons and activities.
• Oversee all program supplies, ensuring quality is of the right standard and that supplies are re-ordered in time.
• Attends all trainings and staff meetings as assigned.
• Handling of funding for purchasing of programming materials; this includes money management of cash and credit card purchases.
• Experience and ability to work with various schools and school administrative staff. Educators will coordinate with the lead educator on communication with teachers and programming.
• Facilitate high/low ropes and climbing wall. 

Qualifications  

Primary Qualifications / Skills 

• Excellent communication and public speaking skills.
• A passion for nature and working with children in an informal setting.
• Previous experience working with youth in and out of the classroom, with an emphasis on youth development for under-served communities.
• Must have experience in youth development best practices.
• A friendly and engaging personality.
• Ability to work with large groups of students and teachers.
• Good time management skills.
• Science and Environmental Science background a plus.
• Experience facilitating high/low ropes course and climbing wall, or willingness to be trained to do so. 

Additional Information 

• Spring program runs March 1st - June 17th ; Seasonal, stipend position ($400 per programming week); option for free room and board; meals provided during program sessions.
• Educators are required to attend a one week training that will take place at Camp Fraser and the DC office during the last week of February.
• During programming, educators will be "on-call" while schools are on-site.
• Must be willing to stay at Camp Fraser when program is occurring, living on-site and/or reside in the lodge with students.
• Will be expected to lift moderately heavy objects and participate in outdoor exercise (such as hiking, biking, climbing, etc.).
• Must be prepared to work outside in a variety of weather conditions including light to moderate rain, warm and cool weather.
• Background checks will be conducted; all employees will undergo federal and state background checks; including finger printing and TB testing.

To Apply 

• Please click below: "Apply Now Online!" to email a résumé and cover letter to Adam Procell, Camp Fraser Manager. 
• No Phone Calls Please.