EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Dothan Landmarks Foundation

Position Title : Field Instructor Reports to: Education Director

Salary Range : $10.00-$12.00 per hour Hours: approx. 25 hours/week

Summary: Landmark Park is seeking a motivated, energetic, and knowledgeable field instructor to present educational programs in an outdoor setting. Field Instructors shall primarily be responsible for conducting educational programs at Landmark Park to both children and adults. Candidate must have a strong desire to share knowledge and enthusiasm about the natural world, be comfortable working in the outdoors, and have a willingness to work with visitors of all ages and backgrounds. The Field Instructor will supervise the operation and care of the planetarium, natural science and history specimens (including live animals) and other educational resources. The Field Instructor also serves as the coordinator of the Park’s volunteer program. The Field Instructor will work a minimum of 25 hours per week, including some nights and a regular weekend rotation.

Major Accountabilities:

Education

Teach hands-on, natural science and history education programs in an outdoor setting.
Teach programs for schools, summer camps, public, family and adult groups.
Teach programs independently and as part of a team.
Handle, transport and teach about/with live reptiles, amphibians and mammals to audiences of all ages.
Lead in the care of live animals on-site including snakes, turtles, and frogs.
Assist in the planning and implementation of all educational programs.
Care for all Education Department teaching resources.
Ensure all educational programs for schools and scout groups are meeting state and national standards and badge requirements.
Be familiar with local flora and fauna and be able to answer questions and provide additional resources as needed.
Operate the Digitalis Planetarium system and present live public programs on astronomy and seasonal stargazing.
Coordinate the operation of the park’s “Discovery Box” and “Teacher Resource Library” programs.
Maintain the Interpretive Center’s “Discovery Corner” in a stimulating and orderly fashion.
Write “Naturalist’s Notes” and “Skywatch” articles for The Lark, Landmark Park’s quarterly newsletter.
Participate in regular staff rotation of week-end duty and serve as senior staff member on-site.
Assist with special events, exhibits, programs, and other duties as needed.

Volunteer

Maintain a database of all volunteers, their contact information, and hours served.
Conduct training for volunteers and ensure volunteers are adhering to the standards addressed in Landmark Park’s Volunteer Manual.
Recruit volunteers for various Park activities and events, both youth and adult.
Write the “Volunteer Spotlight” article for The Lark, Landmark Park’s quarterly newsletter.
Coordinate volunteer activities & recognition program(s).

Additional Accountabilities:

Create a safe, positive learning environment for youth and adults with positive reinforcement, role-modeling, and cultural sensitivity.
Instruct lessons in natural and cultural history, science, the arts, and other subjects.
Lead hikes, canoeing, and other naturalist activities.
Create, maintain, inventory, and facilitate the use of educational program materials.
Research program logistics, site regulations, trails, campsites, and habitats as necessary.
Represent the Park during programs by sharing publically information and promoting membership and involvement.
Support marketing and registration activities that promote enrollment.
Design and implement programs with clear learning objectives.

Preferred Qualifications:

Knowledge of the natural and cultural history of the Wiregrass Region or a strong willingness to learn.
Culturally competent and able to connect with students and adults from a variety of backgrounds.
Creative, energetic, professional, motivated, cooperative team player and a sense of humor.
Good judgement, flexibility and ability to work independently and reliably.
Experience teaching children and adults of all ages, as well as working with teachers and chaperones.
Familiarity with inquiry based teaching and learning.
Ability to adjust teaching methods and styles to accommodate different audiences and learning styles.
Comfortable handling reptiles and amphibians, including non-venomous snakes, or a willingness to become comfortable handling them.
Ability to work flexible hours including weekends and some evenings.
Strong work ethic and a desire to grow and improve both yourself and the organization.
Knowledge of the natural and cultural history of the Wiregrass Region or a strong willingness to learn.
Experience teaching in the outdoors.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university in environmental studies, education, natural science, history, or a related field.
Strong human relations, problem solving, and communication skills.
Experience using technology, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, email and internet.
Ability to manage classroom size groups of students and adults while engaged in program instruction.
Strong commitment to history and environmental education, the conservation of the natural environment, and ability to enthusiastically convey this message to visitors.
Ability to work independently, take initiative and work within a collaborative team environment of employees and volunteers.
Ability to work flexible hours including weekends, holidays and nights.
Ability to meet physical requirements listed below.
Complete a successful background check.
Possess a valid driver’s license and automobile insurance.

Physical Requirements:

Must be able to walk at least one mile over uneven terrain daily.
Ability and willingness to teach in all weather conditions including: heat, rain, cold, etc.
Strength, endurance, and dexterity to participate in strenuous physical activities including walking and standing for extended periods of time, kneeling, bending at the waist, reaching overhead, and lifting and carrying heavy objects up to 50 lbs.

Job Type: Part-time

Salary: $13,000.00 to $15,600.00 /year