It is the primary responsibility of the Traveling Natural History Program Science Educator to work as part of a collaborative and dynamic staff team, deliver educational lessons to a variety of audiences, support the science curriculum at Chewonki, and provide high quality care to our resident animals. The Science Educator should be enthusiastic about carrying out Chewonki’s mission through fun, engaging, and impactful educational experiences for people of all ages; particularly children. Position Title: Science Educator 

Department/Program: Traveling Natural History Program
Employment Category: Category A
Permanent/Temporary: Permanent
Reports to: Director of Maine School Programs
Exempt/Non-exempt: Exempt
Schedule (hours and weeks): Full time
Benefits Eligible: Yes
Date: April 2022

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Work to honor and uphold the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and a lens of anti-racism in the best interest of participants, constituents, and staff across the organization
• A willingness to work as a team member among the Traveling Natural History Program department and the greater Chewonki community
• Caring for resident animals 
• The Science Educator is responsible for learning each animal’s daily feeding and care routine, understanding and practicing safe animal handling techniques, and demonstrating best practices in teaching with live animals. Additional responsibilities include helping with routine health checks of resident wildlife and training of new animals. This position rotates through weekend and holiday feeding duties with coworkers. 
• Teaching natural history lessons 
• Each Science Educator has the opportunity to observe, learn, and teach many natural history topics to participants in a variety of teaching settings (pre K – assisted living adults). Science Educators are expected to use non-work time to prepare for presentations by growing their animal background information and developing presentation notes. Science Educators will collaborate with peers to ensure that program delivery and supporting activities continuously evolve in a manner that maximizes opportunities for increased mission impact. Additionally, this position is directly involved with the development of new curriculum. There will be occasional weekend teaching responsibilities. 
• Cross-programmatic activities
• The Science Educator plays an essential role in supporting program goals and participant experiences for other Chewonki programs by leveraging the Traveling Natural History Program curriculum and resources (i.e. Elementary & Middle School, Maine Coast Semester, Camp Chewonki, Outdoor Classroom, and Waypoint). Additionally, each staff member will work closely with our adult and youth volunteers. 
• Assisting with logistical tasks, projects, and community responsibilities 
• Science Educators complete projects, help with office tasks, and repair equipment as assigned. This position supports the community by participating in chores and events (i.e. dish crew, snow shoveling, program opening days, etc.). 

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work on the Chewonki campus and share meals with the community (if applicable)
• Demonstrate healthy role modeling for participants (i.e. semester students, summer campers, etc.) as a responsible member of the Chewonki community
• Ability to understand and describe all Chewonki programs and interdepartmental connectedness 
• Contribute to and collaborate with the Chewonki community through committees and foundation wide events
• Attend Chewonki driver training

PREREQUISITES

• Ability to lift up to 40 lb.
• Ability to drive long distances (individually or as a team) up to 5 hours; one-way
• Maintain a valid Driver’s License approved by Chewonki’s insurance carrier
• Rabies pre-exposure prophylaxis (or commitment to obtain within first 3 months of hire)
• CPR and First Aid Certification (or commitment to obtain within first 6 months of hire)
• The Chewonki Foundation requires that 100% of staff are vaccinated against COVID-19, as allowed for by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Proof of completed COVID-19 vaccination will be required upon acceptance of a job offer.

QUALIFICATIONS

• An undergraduate degree preferably in the fields of science or education
• Comfort in public speaking
• Comfort in working with animals in captivity
• Ability to work collaboratively and effectively with different kinds of people
• Flexibility, organization, and attention to detail
• Ability to represent Chewonki in a professional manner
• Experience using Google Apps for Education
• Candidates must pass a background check

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Annual salary is based on years of work experience falling within $35,000-$41,000. Benefits include; health insurance, life insurance, dental insurance, optional vision insurance, long-term disability, 403(b) retirement plan (currently matching up to 4.5% after one year of service), paid time off, and access to professional development funds.