Saint John's University invites applications for a full-time, benefit-eligible Environmental Education Fellowship. The position is one year, beginning August 2, 2021 (negotiable) through August 31, 2022.

The Fellow is responsible for assisting the Outdoor University (Outdoor U) team in the direction and coordination of the environmental education programming for preK-12 students, College of Saint Benedict (CSB) and Saint John’s University (SJU) students, and the general public. This position will assist in teaching the environmental education curriculum and assist in developing new programming and curriculum. Other aspects of the position include training and teaching other Outdoor U student staff and volunteers, teaching public programs, outreach to the CSB/SJU community, adventure programming, land stewardship, and equipment maintenance.

The position features advanced development of environmental interpretation skills, teaching techniques, and natural history knowledge through hands-on training and through participation in seminars, workshops, and continuing education. The Fellow will work as part of a team consisting of five full time staff members plus numerous college students committed to providing environmental education and outdoor recreation opportunities to diverse audiences. Opportunities for collaboration with CSB/SJU professors and as well as professionals working in multiple fields will also be provided.

Outdoor U provides environmental education through classes, events and initiatives with the Abbey Arboretum and CSB/SJU. The Abbey Arboretum is a 2,944 acre natural arboretum made up of forest, prairie, wetlands and oak savanna owned by Saint John's Abbey and surrounding Saint John's University. The collaboration between Saint John’s Outdoor U Saint John’s Abbey Arboretum creates a dynamic commitment to land stewardship, environmental respect, and education of all ages, abilities, backgrounds, and experience levels.

Saint John's University is a liberal arts college for men and a graduate School of Theology for both men and women and is also the home of the Hill Museum & Manuscript Library and the Collegeville Institute for Ecumenical and Cultural Research. The campuses are located in the central lakes area of Minnesota, surrounded by more than 3,000 acres of pristine forests, prairies, and lakes. The campus is minutes away from St. Cloud, an increasingly diverse regional center with a population of over 100,000, and 70 miles from Minneapolis and St. Paul. Some SJU faculty and staff choose to reside locally, while others commute from the Twin Cities. Both St. Cloud and the Twin Cities offer a wide range of fine arts, cultural, dining, recreational, and sporting opportunities.
 
SJU is a Catholic college in the Benedictine tradition enlivened by values of community, hospitality, stewardship, and justice.  The university is dedicated to cultivating an equitable, inclusive community founded on respect for all persons. Students, staff and faculty from many diverse belief systems and backgrounds collectively bring a rich dimension to the academic, cultural, and religious experience at SJU. Learn more in our Institutional Statement on Diversity and in our brochure regarding Higher Education in the Catholic and Benedictine Tradition.
 
With a total enrollment of approximately 1,600 students, SJU has a unique coordinate partnership with the College of Saint Benedict (CSB), a liberal arts college for women. SJU and CSB are committed to the holistic transformational development of men and women within the context of a unified, coeducational experience. All students, faculty, and staff have the opportunity to experience and engage with the two institutions. For further information, see http://www.csbsju.edu/about.
 
SJU offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits program.
 Responsibilities:

Participate in the fellowship aspect of the position, including goal setting, evaluations, training, and networking opportunities.
Instruct environmental education curriculum to visiting students, including school year programming and summer day camps.
Participate in the instruction of CSB/SJU students through established connections with academic departments.
Offer informational, seasonal programming on topics of local natural history for Outdoor U members and interested community members.
Assist Environmental Education Coordinator with expanding existing curriculum and developing new programming.
Maintain the equipment, and supplies for educational, scientific, and environmental activities. Participate in land stewardship activities.
Provide direction to student employees and volunteers assisting with the education programs.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Outdoor U director.

 Qualifications:
Required:

Bachelor of Arts or Sciences degree completion by May 2021, with preferred major in a related field (e.g. environmental studies, education, natural sciences).
Demonstrated enthusiasm and ability to teach environmental education to diverse audiences on a daily basis.
Experience teaching youth.
Commitment to inclusive teaching practices and to working with students and colleagues from diverse backgrounds.
Commitment to increase skills and knowledge of environmental education through workshops, seminars, classes, and on-the-job training as provided during the Fellowship.
Strong communication and presentation skills
Interpersonal relations skills to build collaborative relationships and work effectively as part of the Outdoor U team in providing a high level of customer service.
Ability to work independently.
Strong computer skills with ability to utilize multiple programs and applications.
Ability to meet the physical requirements of the position, including: working indoors and outdoors in variable weather conditions and on variable terrain, walking for extended distances and lifting/moving equipment up to 40 lbs.
Ability to drive a school vehicle which requires possession of a valid driver’s license and completion of the University's defensive driving program.
Ability to work a flexible schedule, including occasional nights and weekends.

Preferred:

Working knowledge of or willingness to learn regional flora, fauna, and ecosystems.
Experience teaching preK-5th grade.