Join the Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory as we work to inspire present and future generations to cherish and understand our natural world. We are seeking someone passionate about environmental education to lead a variety of programs with the local community. The Education Programs Specialist will assist with outdoor summer nature and observatory camps, children and family programs, themed special events, and animal ambassador programs.

This position is responsible for assisting the Education Programs Manager with all education programs. This includes outdoor summer nature and observatory camps, children and family programs, themed special events, and animal ambassador programs. This is a highly cross trained position and serves as an integral member of the daytime team by also assisting with daily operations, including visitor services and animal husbandry.

This is a year-round position averaging 30 hours per week at a rate of $15.50 per hour. Summer hours (May-September) average 40 hours per week, while fall, winter, and spring hours average 25 hours per week. This position qualifies for health insurance benefits and PTO accrual.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

•  Assist with the delivery of K-12 programming curriculum in alignment with state and school district standards.
• Assist with the delivery of on and off-site educational programming such as homeschool programs, afterschool programs, family programs, and other programs as needed.
• Deliver interactive activities such as games, experiments, hikes, crafts, etc. with the natural world in mind.
• Participation in the delivery of on-site visitor experiences such as presentations, tours, guided hikes, animal ambassador encounters, and other interpretive programs.
• Provide support for daily visitor service operations including fielding visitor inquiries and staffing the front desk.
• Provide support in animal husbandry, training, and delivering live animal presentations as needed.
• Participate in the delivery of organization-wide special events including the annual Wildflower Show & Pollinator Festival and FungiFest.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience

• High School Diploma.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying terrain and weather conditions.
• Interest in working with children and a wide variety of people.
• Must exercise patience in stressful situations.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Oregon state driver’s license.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Experience working with children and/or in environmental science, ecology, astronomy, or similar background.
• Elementary level knowledge base on astronomy, ecology, and/or animal biology; or excitement to fill any knowledge gaps.
• First Aid/CPR certification