Qualifications:

• At least 3 years of environmental education experience for grades pre-K through 8th grade
• Considerable experience (3 or more years) working with and caring for live animals, including birds-of-prey, amphibians, reptiles, small mammals, and a range of invertebrates
• Sense of humor, flexibility, and creative “think outside the box” solution-based mindset required
• Strong self-initiative and self-management, plus ability to work both in a team setting and solo
• Working knowledge of word processing, excel, and current technologies that relate to animal care
• Communication skills especially with visitors, volunteers and the general public
• Ability to coordinate and supervise volunteers and interns in a professional manner
• Organization skills and the ability to maintain records and a clean workspace
• Must pass mandatory state and national level CORI and SORI background checks
• Clean driving history
• College degree or equivalent work experience in biology, environmental education, or other related field preferred.

Working Hours:

The Nature Center’s regular operating hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday. This position will, on average, work approximately 22.5 hours per week, year-round. Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. are required. Availability during the mornings, evenings, and holidays may be and often is required.

Duties:

The Environmental Educator & Animal Care Technician will report to the Director of Environmental Education & the Director of Animal Care. Job responsibilities are:

Environmental Educator / Naturalist duties

• Teach and lead NCNC programs on a wide variety of natural science topics both on and off site, including programs that require travel to/from New York City metro area and special events throughout the school year
• Ability to teach programs with our live animal ambassadors, including Birds of Prey
• Prepare, teach and lead NCNC Nature Adventure Birthday Parties on a variety of themes
• Coordination of Birthday Program area logistics; includes pre-program client calls, set up and breakdown, and customer satisfaction
• Support the engaged visitor experience of Nature Center through informal education and public relations as well as upkeep of Visitor Center displays, activities and exhibits
• Assist with the support and training of Center intern(s) and volunteers

Animal Care Technician duties

• Responsible for the care and upkeep of teaching animals and their respective displays and enclosures
• Assists with maintaining and improving Animal Care conditions
• Helps maintain weekly check sheets and animal care logs to ensures all tasks are being completed
• Maintains overall cleanliness of the animal care facilities
• Provides support in maintaining and creating educational signage for animals on display
• Helps keep costs down by using supplies wisely and following guidelines set by the Director of Animal Care and NCNC Sustainability Policy
• Assists with pick up of supplies and animal food as needed
• Maintains great communication and coordination with volunteers and interns to optimize efficiency, ensure highest standard of animal care, and engage volunteers to have active and meaningful role at NCNC
• Check in weekly with Director of Animal Care, sharing needs and projects for animal care as well as developing action plans for old and new projects
• Pursue opportunities for professional development and self-study to stay up to date on animal care and upkeep

Other NCNC duties:

• Work with the Education team and special event coordinators to support special events such as Cider Saturday, Winter Wonderland, Night Hikes, Fall Fair, Harvest Fest, etc
• Attend all staff meetings and other pertinent staff meetings for both Education Department and organization as a whole
• Be a contributing team member to the betterment of the New Canaan Nature Center through all aspects of the organization
• Communicate needs and concerns to appropriate Administration staff when they arise
• Additional tasks as assigned by supervisors or executive director

Pay/Compensation:

Pay rate is between $13 and $15/hour and is commensurate based on experience and qualifications of the candidate. Payroll is paid according to normal payroll practices with employees paid twice a month.

Benefits and paid time off:

This position is a part time, full year position with personal and sick paid time off accrued at an hourly rate based on hours worked.

Start Date: ASAP