Outdoor Educator I - Powdermill Nature Reserve

This temporary position is for summer day camps at Powdermill Nature Reserve in Rector, PA. Candidates possessing knowledge of the natural history of the Laurel Highlands or similar area and bachelor’s degree in environmental education, K-12 education, natural sciences, or related field, and 1 year of professional experience in a relevant field preferred. 

Outdoor Educators work collaboratively with Powdermill staff to conduct education programs at Powdermill Nature Reserve - primarily summer day camps and school field trips. This position is visitor-focused and requires providing prompt, friendly, accurate responses to inquiries from program participants and Nature Center visitors. Weekend work may be required. Outdoor Educators are responsible for leading instruction for Powdermill Education Programs, planning educational experiences based on lesson plans and other resources provided by CMNH Education staff, and working collaboratively with a team of educators and assistants to deliver effective, engaging, and safe learning experiences. Outdoor Educators will give and receive constructive criticism with the goal of developing their pedagogy skills and the quality of educational experiences. This will be facilitated by participation in professional development meetings structured by CMNH Education.

Summer camp staff must have availability to work Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:00pm the weeks of 6/17, 6/24, 7/8, 7/15, and 7/22. This temporary position will end on July 26, 2024. Low-cost on-site housing is available for the duration of employment.

QUALIFICATIONS EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• High school diploma or equivalent required. Bachelor’s degree in environmental education, K-12 education, natural sciences, or related field, and 1 year of professional experience in a relevant field is preferred.
• For candidates with professional experience in education, knowledge of best-practices in teaching in outdoor settings, guiding student-directed inquiry, planning differentiated instruction, using authentic assessment, conducting learner-centered activities for large groups, experience with positive behavior support systems, and co-teaching is preferred.
• For candidates with professional experience in natural sciences or related field, experience with hands-on learning and public engagement in outdoor settings is preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• This position requires energetic and charismatic individuals who are interested in helping children experience nature first-hand in a welcoming, safe, and scientific learning environment.
• Candidates must have prior experience working with young people and/or adults in an educational capacity.
• First aid and CPR certification is required and can be obtained through Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh after hiring.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: This position typically requires constant mobility around the Nature Center, and outdoors on and off trails for several hours at a time. Work includes occasional hiking, crossing cold streams, carrying education supplies up to 50 lbs. over rough terrain on forested trails, perhaps in inclement weather.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Leading instruction for Powdermill Education Programs.
• Working collaboratively with a team of educators, assistants, and volunteers to deliver effective, engaging, and safe learning experiences.
• Applying knowledge of best-practices in learner-centered instruction and inquiry.
• Designing and defining clear learning goals and creating opportunities for learners to receive feedback on progress towards goals.
• Using a variety of strategies that engage diverse learners, including best practices for accessibility. Planning educational experiences based on resources provided by CMNH Education staff.
• Adapting lesson plans from existing resources.
• Coordinating with staff and volunteers to ensure that classroom and materials are prepared and returned before/after each class.
• Coordinating with staff and volunteers to ensure that participants are greeted upon arrival and know what to do to get class started.
• For off-site outreach, planning and preparation may include transportation of materials to the off-site location. Supporting efforts to create a safe environment for all people, facilities, and natural resources at Powdermill Nature Reserve. § Providing clear safety expectations for participants in the context of educational activities.
• Using appropriate procedures in emergency situations.
• Using appropriate reporting procedures for incidents and unexpected situations.
• Ensuring that the environmental impact of educational activities is minimized. Supporting delivery of a high-quality visitor experience at Powdermill Nature Reserve.
• Welcoming all visitors to the Nature Center.
• Providing accurate information about Powdermill Nature Reserve resources and natural phenomena.
• Following established procedures for safety, security, custodial, visitor service, and maintenance procedures Developing pedagogy skills through ongoing practice, reflection, and professional development structured by CMNH Education.
• Attending CMNH Education professional development meetings.
• Observing, analyzing, and co-teaching with experienced CMNH educators.
• Being observed by experienced CMNH educators. Additional responsibilities may be assigned on a case-by-case basis.