Environmental Educator
ABOUT THE GRAND TRAVERSE CONSERVATION DISTRICT
The Grand Traverse Conservation District (GTCD) is a community-serving organization that cares for the people and places that make Northwest Michigan so special—our local farms, our schools, and our exquisite rivers, lakes and natural areas. Our staff delivers a variety of programs and services that serve our mission to lead, facilitate and inspire exploration, appreciation, conservation and restoration of our natural world.
POSITION OBJECTIVE
The Environmental Educator will fulfill the mission of the Grand Traverse Conservation District by acting as a direct community liaison and by supporting the program opportunities and needs of the District as a whole and the activities of the Education Team, including developing and delivering regular community programming, developing and delivering environmental education programs, and representing the organization at the Boardman River Nature Center, our parklands and throughout the community.
RELATIONSHIPS
Reports to: Education Director
Supervises: None
Works With: All GTCD Staff, Education Team
External Stakeholders: Volunteers, Community Members and organizations, Nature Center visitors, Program Participants, Nature Centers and other related organizations, Universities and other academic institutions.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Develop and deliver weekly community programming opportunities for all ages
- Develop and deliver environmental education programs for Pre-K-12th grade students and/or teachers as needed
- Establish extended learning hour opportunities to support community needs
- Create and maintain library of educational materials for community access
- Create Great Lakes Incubator Farm (GLIF) property education opportunities
- Assist with the development and maintenance of hands-on activities, signage and displays in the Boardman River Nature Center exhibit hall and surrounding grounds
- Assist in coordinating GTCD special events and outreach opportunities
- Develop and deliver ten, week-long summer nature day camp programs for youth
- Assist with the District's annual Native Seedling Sale and Native Plant Sale
- Provide excellent customer service and develop positive and welcoming relationships with visitors, community members, current and future partners and stakeholders
- Assist with administrative and other duties as assigned
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
Formal Education or Equivalent:
- Bachelor's degree in education, ecology, biology, conservation, natural resources, or other related fields, or possess related work experience.
Related Work Experience:
- Experience with the development and/or delivery of education programs for children and adults;
- Knowledge of Northern Michigan natural resources;
- Public speaking and presentation skills.
Skills
The Environmental Educator will have:
- Exceptional organization and presentation skills;
- Excellent oral, telephonic and written communication skills;
- Excellent social and interpersonal skills; be a team player; and relate positively to people of different ages, cultures and abilities;
- Working knowledge of Michigan and surrounding natural history, child development, classroom management, and environmental stewardship preferred;
- Computer literacy including Microsoft Office, Google Suite and web applications;
- Current certification in CPR and basic first aid, or willingness and ability to acquire these certifications.
Other
- Safely operate a motor vehicle and is licensed to do so;
- Lift and handles materials of up to 35 pounds without assistance;
- Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, in the English language;
- Lead and manage groups of all ages and abilities
- Lead and manage a group of 10-15 children under the age of ten;
- Work efficiently outdoors in varying conditions and terrain;
- Work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
COMPENSATION
The Environmental Educator is a full time, 40 hours/week, FLSA exempt position. Salary: $36,668/year, commensurate with experience. Benefits include paid holidays, 18 paid days off per year, retirement, and the Conservation District’s group health insurance package including dental and vision.
The Grand Traverse Conservation District provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.