Environmental Educator

~ The Stamford Museum & Nature Center is dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of art and popular culture, the natural and agricultural sciences, and history. ~

The Museum is a vital cultural and educational resource for the community, and a focal point for family activity and interaction. We seek to inspire creativity, foster self-discovery, promote environmental stewardship, and nurture an appreciation for lifelong learning through exhibitions, educational programs, and special events that enhance the visitor's experience of our unique site.

Position Overview

Reporting to the Education Programs Manager, the Environmental Educator position is a full-time, exempt position working primarily Sunday-Thursday from 9-5, although some early/evening hours and weekend days per month (outside of regularly scheduled special events) will be required. This position will be responsible for teaching a variety of natural history and farm-themed school and after school programs for groups, primarily aged preK-5th grade.

The Environmental Educator will also be responsible for overseeing all self-guided educational components of the nature center and for the compiling of weather station data on a monthly basis. The Environmental Educator will work with the Assistant Director of Education to create our seasonal Home School programs and will be responsible for registration and records for these programs.

This position will also be aiding in the teaching and development of our after school programs, scout offerings and public programming and will serve as a full member of the Environmental Education team. 

Responsibilities

Specifically, the Environmental Educator (Full-Time) will:

• Teach educational programs for predominantly preK-5th grade students on a variety of natural history, astronomy, and farm-based topics, both onsite and as a part of SMNC in the Schools, including live animal programs.
• Teach after school programs on natural history/farm/science topics, both onsite and as a part of SMNC in the Schools and keep curriculum records on these programs
• Teach scout and public programs, including but not limited to Vacation Break Out Days, Vacation Drop Off Days, Take a Hike Week, and Outdoor Adventurers programs.
• Serve in some capacity with our Summer Camp which may include being responsible for camper health forms, parent communication, curriculum, and materials.
• Staff and support special event weekends, such as Harvest Festival and Spring on the Farm.
• Compile and submit SMNC weather station data to NOAA on a monthly basis.
• Manage and maintain self-guided public offerings including letterbox trails, Explorer's backpacks, and Farm Field guides; maintain and update Overbrook outdoor display boards and signs.
• Work with Environmental Education department to develop and strengthen school, after school, scout and public programs that make use of SM&NC resources, including the farm, organic garden, forest and wetland habitats, and collections, and tie to curriculum standards and goals.
• Help to ensure that programs promote responsible environmental education and support SM&NC mission.
• Aid in care and feeding of reptile, mammal, amphibian, and invertebrate teaching animals.
• Provide interpretation and animal care in our Heckscher WILD! live animal exhibit.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years relevant, professional related experience.
• Minimum B.S. in biology, environmental science, education or related field.
• Must possess a maturity to have professional, respectful demeanor with Board, major donors, and other key business contacts acting with discretion and a keen understanding of confidentiality.
• The position requires excellent communications skills, oral and written, as well as the ability to multitask and think creatively on program development and implementation.
• Able to lift 50 lbs, bend, stretch, stand for extended periods of time, climb stairs, twist, sit, walk, and/or run.
• Interest in variety of natural history, farm, and/or physical science topics.
• Experience handling, caring for, and teaching with a variety of animals including reptiles, birds, and mammals or willingness to learn.
• Excellent interactions with the public and use of exhibits and components as a teaching tool.
• Excellent Internet and research skills. Must be well-organized and detail-diligent with ability to perform your own administrative work.

To Apply

Please click below: "Apply Now Online!" to email your cover letter, resume and 3 references with "Environmental Educator" indicated in the subject line.