Environmental Educator 8-Month Seasonal (Full-time)

Position ANNOUNCEMENT

313 Hudson Avenue   •   Tenafly, New Jersey  07670   •   201.568.6093   •   201.569.2266 fax  •  www.tenaflynaturecenter.org

201.568.6093 phone

201.569.2266 fax

Tenafly Nature Center is an independent non-profit member-supported 400 acre nature preserve, located in Tenafly, NJ, five miles north of the George Washington Bridge. With over seven miles of trails and a 3-acre pond, TNC is the largest privately-run nature center in Bergen County. Educators (report to the Education Director) are responsible for teaching our increasing demand of programs both on and off site throughout the year. Curriculum is hands-on and geared toward helping children and adults to develop awareness, appreciation and stewardship for the natural world.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Learn our environmental education curriculum and implement the purpose, goals and objectives of each program.
Teach programs for on and off site groups of Pre K-12th grade school children, scouts, birthday parties, families and adults including special needs individuals and groups, following best practices. This includes all aspects of programming, including set up, clean up, evaluation, and follow up.

Help to prepare and maintain program curriculum materials.
Learn and fully utilize Wild Apricot, TNC’s registration and membership database.
Support Education Director as needed to organize and administer program registrations. Process program and membership payments through online registration system, paper, and phone (PayPal, check, or cash).
Assist Education Director as needed by maintaining and providing program attendance and registration pages (paper versions).
Assist Education Director with program logistics and preparation, including program promotion, registration, pre-visit communication, preparation of teacher curriculum packets, development of props and materials, classroom maintenance, and curriculum development.
Acquire, create and maintain educational props, equipment and supplies. Duties may include researching, building, purchasing, maintaining, storing, collecting and caring for collections. When ordering, review costs prior to purchase with Education Director.
Support TNC events, staff tables, exhibits, and special programs as needed.
Prepare and maintain program curriculum materials including pre- & post-lessons.
Provide educational support including documenting program evaluations, database management, mass mailings, event planning and promotion, phone calls, etc.

Teach outdoor activities for different age groups for 10 week-long day camp sessions for students ranging in age from 4-14. This includes all aspects of programming on and off site, including set up, supervision, clean up, inventory, evaluation, and follow up.

Assist Camp Director with program logistics and preparation, including program promotion, registration, pre-visit communication, development of props and materials, classroom maintenance, and curriculum development.
Prepare and maintain camp program curriculum materials.
Conduct off-site activities as appropriate.
Complete post-camp evaluation, report, inventory and clean-up.

Create and maintain a safe, fun, learning atmosphere for children while projecting a knowledgeable & confident image to parents and teachers.
Work with other staff to supervise and provide support to both indoor and outdoor volunteers, as needed (ex. CIT’s).
Support Education Director in keeping meticulous records for the education department, so the information and organized records can be used as attendance sheets, seasonal use, budgeting, the annual audit, and archived records.
Assist with care of and handling of captive live education animals, including but not limited to: amphibians, reptiles, invertebrates, and birds of prey.
Greet and engage visitors; articulate TNC’s mission and project a helpful and positive attitude when interacting with the public, including TNC members, parents, teachers, and group leaders in person & on the phone.
Help coordinate and perform seasonal outdoor grounds and facilities maintenance and, with volunteers and other staff, in order to maintain safe, clean and inviting conditions (ex. recycling, leaf removal etc.)
Assist with answering phones, as needed, and answer questions about  programs including TNC’s scheduled presentations, camps, lectures, hikes; field natural history questions from the public, and direct questions to appropriate experts.
Provide or assist with first aid and emergency care as needed.
Maintain positive working relationships with other staff, volunteers and TNC board members.
Prepare for and participate in staff training and meetings.
Keep Education Director apprised of program feedback and written evaluations including verbal praise and complaints.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications (EES):

Currently enrolled in or have graduated from a college/university. With at least 2 years prior experience in environmental education, outdoor education or early childhood education.
Mastery of Microsoft Office and common office equipment. Able to learn new computer programs. E-mail and internet skills required. Experience with data entry/registration software a plus.
Knowledge of and passion for the natural world.
Enthusiastic, outgoing, patient, and flexible when working with children and adults.
Ability to work both independently and on a team with minimal supervision.
Comfortable handling or learning to handle reptiles, invertebrates and raptors (training provided).
Ability to communicate effectively and interact well on the phone and in writing.
Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
Ability to walk all the trails of TNC and climb one flight of stairs. Ability to lift and move up to 50 lbs.
Available for all 10 weeks of summer camp sessions with no vacation days.
Willingness to work outdoors in variable weather conditions and variable terrain.
Current first aid/CPR certification or ability to obtain certification prior to first day of solo-teaching.
Criminal history background checks will be required, consistent with all applicable laws.
Currently be eligible to work in the USA.
Valid Driver's license and personal transportation. Ability to drive to off-site programs may be required.

8-Month Seasonal Environmental Educator: Position starts March 15. Seasonal Full Time position (40 hours a week) March 15-June 15 and September 9-November 15 weekend and some evening availability required. Weekday commitment from June 18-September 7 required for summer camp. Competitive hourly pay rate.

Send cover letter, resume, and three professional references to Debora Davidson, Education Director, ddavidson@TenaflyNC.org. No calls please.