Qualifications: 

1.  Bachelor’s degree or combination of college and direct experience in designing and implementing environmental education programs to various ages in a classroom, nature center/nature preserve or similar setting.  
2. Exemplary oral and written communication skills with a strong focus on the creation of lesson plans, flyers, and other media. 
3. Ability to work closely with the Director of the Cradle and Cradle Managers to provide updated information and quality programming.  
4. Strong service ethic and ability to interact well with people of all ages.  
5. Engaging public speaker and comfortable managing large groups of Cradle of Forestry guests. 
6. Knowledge of the flora and fauna of the Southern Appalachians, forest ecology and/or forest management.  
7. Willingness to provide support to CFAIA staff, volunteers, hosts, and interns. 

• Employed by: CFAIA 
• Responsible to: Cradle Education Manger 
• Administers: Education programs and event support at the Cradle of Forestry 
   

Detailed Responsibilities:   

1. ·         Facilitate education and interpretation programs and activities in an indoor and outdoor setting to participants of all ages.   
2. ·         Assist in the creation, planning and implementation of a summer nature series for children, including leading lessons and hands on activities.   
3. ·         Assist in planning and implementing special events and programs at the Cradle of Forestry.  
4. ·         Lead groups on paved and natural trails as interpreter of trail stories and as a guide to observing the surrounding forest and its dynamics.  
5. ·         Create and offer thematic talks as a roving interpreter along the Cradle’s trails.  
6. ·         Work on special projects contributing to new group activities and/or public programs.  
7. ·         Assist with staffing outreach booths at appropriate events and expos as assigned.   
8. ·         Provides general customer service and information to visitors. 
9. ·         Prepare for school groups and breakdown/clean up after programming is completed. Cleaning duties include the classrooms, conference room and education offices when needed. 
10. ·         Facilitate lessons and activities in the Citizen Science Lab within the exhibit hall. Develop and conduct interpretation programs for visitors in the exhibit hall. Maintain and clean interactive exhibits, data collection, and displays. 
11. ·         Assist with the cleaning, care, and interpretation of the Cradle’s animal collections and gardens.   

Skills and Abilities: 

1. Can work successfully as part of a team as well as assume independent responsibilities.  
2. Will interact in professional manner with the public and convey a positive image for the Cradle. 
3. Ability to assist with implementation of several projects simultaneously within a strict time frame. 
4. Ability to walk up to (4) miles daily and lift twenty (20) lbs. 
5. Demonstrated knowledge of and experience working in the field of natural history, forest ecology, and/or education.  
    

Training: Provided on interpretive techniques, conservation education fundamentals, and the Cradle of Forestry site, programs, and management. On-job training opportunities include the natural and cultural history of the area, visitor center operation, and teaching children in an informal setting.