CLEER Environmental Educator

Position Details

Posting Summary

Position Title CLEER Environmental Educator

Posting Number AS1178P

Subdivision Provost & VP for Student Experience

Division Provost & Student Experience (AA)

Department Academic Affairs

Location Erie, Pa

Position Summary

The Environmental Educator serves as a key member of the Center for Lake Erie Education and Research ( CLEER ) team, inspiring environmental stewardship through engaging, place-based education focused on Lake Erie and the Great Lakes watershed. The Environmental Educator develops and delivers innovative educational programming that connects learners of all ages with freshwater ecosystems, environmental challenges, and scientific discovery through hands-on experiences, field investigations, and community-engaged learning.

Working collaboratively with educators, scientists, community organizations, and regional partners, the Environmental Educator translates current freshwater research into meaningful educational experiences that increase environmental literacy, promote scientific inquiry, and empower individuals to become informed stewards of Lake Erie.

The Environmental Educator reports to the Director of Project NePTWNE and plays an integral role in advancing CLEER’s mission to Create a Community of Lake Erie Stewards through Education and Engagement.

Essential Responsibilities

Environmental Education & Program Delivery

• Design, implement, and evaluate high-quality environmental education programs centered on Lake Erie, freshwater ecosystems, watershed science, biodiversity, water quality, climate resilience, and sustainability for diverse audiences.
• Deliver engaging educational experiences for PreK–12 students, teachers, community groups, and lifelong learners.
• Lead hands-on laboratory investigations, outdoor field experiences, citizen science activities, and community workshops.
• Develop inquiry-based learning experiences that encourage critical thinking, scientific investigation, and problem solving.
• Facilitate programs both at CLEER and throughout the region at schools, parks, nature centers, and community events.
  
  

Curriculum Development

• Maintain and update existing educational resources using current scientific information and best practices.
• Evaluate program effectiveness using participant feedback and assessment tools.
  
  

Community Outreach

• Build relationships with schools, educators, community organizations, and partner agencies.
• Represent the organization at community events, conferences, festivals, and outreach activities.
• Assist with volunteer recruitment, training, and supervision.
• Promote environmental stewardship through public engagement.
  
  

Program Coordination

• Coordinate educational schedules, registrations, and logistics.
• Maintain educational equipment, supplies, and teaching collections.
• Assist in managing educational spaces and field equipment.
• Ensure participant safety during indoor and outdoor activities.
  
  

Outreach and Public Engagement

• Represent CLEER at regional festivals, conferences, educational events, and community meetings.
• Deliver presentations promoting freshwater conservation and environmental stewardship.
• Develop educational materials for newsletters, social media, exhibits, and the CLEER website.
• Assist in expanding public awareness of CLEER’s mission and programming.
  
  

Program Administration

• Coordinate program scheduling, participant registration, logistics, and evaluation.
• Maintain educational laboratories, field equipment, scientific instruments, and teaching collections.
• Recruit, train, and supervise volunteers, interns, and student assistants.
• Maintain accurate records for grant reporting and program evaluation.
  
  

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Education, Biology, Ecology, Natural Resources, Education, Marine Science, or a related field.
• Experience developing and delivering environmental education programs.
• Strong knowledge of freshwater ecology, watershed science, or Great Lakes environmental issues.
• Excellent presentation, communication, and facilitation skills.
• Ability to explain scientific concepts to diverse audiences.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel throughout the region.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Environmental Education, Biology, Ecology, Freshwater Science, Education, or related field.
• Two or more years of environmental education experience.
• Familiarity with Lake Erie ecology and Great Lakes environmental challenges.
• Experience with citizen science, field research, or environmental monitoring.
• Experience developing STEELS -aligned curriculum.
• Experience managing volunteers or interns.
• CPR and First Aid certification.
• Experience with grant-funded educational programming.
  
  

Physical Demands

The Position Requires

• Frequent outdoor work in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to stand, hike, and conduct field activities for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and transport educational equipment weighing up to 40 pounds.
• Occasional evening and weekend programming.
• Travel throughout the Lake Erie watershed.
  
  

Exempt Status Exempt

Position Classification Professional

Position Type Staff

Employment Status Full-Time

Position Length 12M

Hours per Week 40

Work Schedule Normal workday hours with occasional evening and/or weekend shifts

Shift 1st