Environmental Educator & Naturalist

The Environmental Educator and Naturalist coordinates educational field trips and summer camps at Powdermill Nature Reserve, the environmental research center of Carnegie Museum of Natural History. This position works closely with the Public Programs Manager to help plan and deliver innovative education programs to audiences that include children, families, schools, teachers, college students, and adults. This position requires attention to customer service through prompt, friendly, and accurate responses to inquiries regarding local natural phenomena, as well as education and research programs. Regular weekend work is required.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in Zoology, Botany, Entomology, Ecology, Science Education or Environmental education or equivalent experience required.
• Additional experience interpreting science for a wide variety of public audiences preferred.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Broad knowledge of Appalachian Ecology and Natural History, as well as enthusiasm for education, scientific inquiry and nature exploration are required.
• Ability to manage tasks independently, strong written and visual presentation skills, and knowledge of best-practices in leading accessible, inclusive learning experiences are preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• This position requires work outside in inclement weather, including crossing cold streams or carrying loads up to 50 pounds to remote locations.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Coordinate field trips at Powdermill

• Lead Powdermill field trips from scheduling, sending pre-survey, greeting upon arrival through program delivery, departure, and post-survey. Use educational strategies that effectively interpret scientific content and inquiry to meet audience interest and ability.
• Coordinate logistics in advance to ensure that education, special events, and research experiences utilize space and resources effectively, providing the optimal experience for all audiences/parties; and arrange for adequate staffing.
• Work collaboratively with the Senior Environmental Educator and Naturalist to review and enhance Powdermill education programs and exhibits, develop new instructional material and exercises utilizing resources that have proven effective in the wider fields of formal and informal education, and evaluate program outcomes.

Coordinate Powdermill Summer Camp

• Support the Public Programs Manager in camp planning and implementation.
• Develop curricula and create lesson plans for camp that ensure camper engagement and utilize best-practices. Work with seasonal staff to prepare activities for camp.

Support Powdermill operations

• Maintain good public relations by welcoming visitors upon arrival, providing information about Powdermill and CMNH, addressing queries regarding plant and animal identification, and referring questions to the appropriate internal experts or outside resources when needed.
• Keep visitor data entries accurately updated.
• Support the operations and administrative team at PNR by following established safety, security, custodial and maintenance procedures, including at times being the highest ranking staff on-site to ensure compliance.
• Work independently to troubleshoot immediate safety, security, custodial and maintenance concerns.
• Assist with collaborative programs.