Full time job as an environmental educator on a college campus in central Minnesota. Teach outdoor preK-12th grade field trips, high school classes, college students, and community members.

JOB TITLE: Environmental Educator
DEPARTMENT:  Saint John’s Outdoor University
FUNCTION OF JOB: 

Saint John's Outdoor University (Outdoor U) invites applications for an Environmental Educator. This is a full-time, benefit-eligible position commencing on mid to late May 2022. Time will be managed to 40 hours per week and will require a flexible schedule. 

The Environmental Educator will assist in the direction and coordination of the environmental education programming for preK-12 students, College of Saint Benedict/Saint John's University (CSB/SJU) students, Saint John’s Preparatory students, and the general public. This position will assist in teaching the environmental education curriculum and assist in developing new programming and curriculum. This position will also work towards Outdoor U inclusion and diversity goals to promote the understanding, use and enjoyment of the natural world by all participants, especially those from historically underrepresented and marginalized communities. Other aspects of the position include training and teaching other Outdoor U student staff and volunteers, assisting the Adventure Education program, teaching public programs, outreach to the CSB/SJU community, land stewardship, and equipment maintenance.

Outdoor U provides environmental and outdoor 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.

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Instruct environmental education curriculum to visiting students, including school year programming and summer day camps.
• Instruct environmental education curriculum to Saint John’s Preparatory 6th-12th grade students and provide programming support to Prep faculty and staff. Includes instructing daily semester long classes to 9th-12th graders on natural history and outdoor recreation topics using established curriculum and collaborating on new curriculum development.
• 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 in providing Adventure Programming opportunities for CSB/SJU students, both on and off campus.
• Offer programs and build relationships to increase the involvement of historically marginalized and underrepresented audiences in outdoor education and recreation and participate in continuing education regarding the history of racism, access, and inclusion in the outdoors.
• 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.

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Bachelor of Arts or Sciences, in fields such as environmental studies, education, natural sciences, or related areas.
• Demonstrated enthusiasm and ability to teach environmental education to audiences of all ages on a daily basis
• Ability to work with culturally and economically diverse audiences.
• Commitment to having cultural agility – possessing the skills, knowledge, and abilities necessary to provide leadership in a diverse community.
• Working knowledge of or willingness to learn regional flora, fauna, and ecosystems.
• Strong oral and written communication 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 college vehicle, which requires possession of a valid driver’s license and completion of college defensive driving program.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including occasional nights and weekends.
   

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• 3-5 years’ experience teaching environmental education.
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• Experience with adventure education and/or outdoor recreation programs.
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• Experience collaborating with teachers, including leading workshops, providing resources, and writing curriculum.
   

APPOINTMENT: 

This is a full-time, annual renewable, benefit-eligible position commencing on mid to late May 2022. Time will be managed to 40 hours per week and will require a flexible schedule.  This position reports to the Outdoor U Director.  A pre-employment background check is required, and the offer of employment will be contingent upon a successful background check.