Environmental Educator

Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center of Goshen College seeks to fill the position of Environmental Educator. This position designs and delivers engaging, hands-on outdoor programs at Merry Lea. The Educator role works with audiences of all ages, ranging from Preschool, to school-aged, as well as families and adults. The Educator works across all of our programs, including field trips, our Nature Preschool, and public program events and festivals. They will support graduate and undergraduate students in their practicum courses, and work alongside volunteers. This position uses creativity in designing programs and provides excellent customer service to ensure positive experiences in nature for visitors.

This is a full-time, salaried exempt position. The annual salary is $37,730 with full benefits, with an additional stipend of $600 for evenings and weekends. Benefits include but are not limited to medical (employee only premium paid by Goshen College), dental, vision, life, long term disability, retirement, vacation and sick days, and paid holidays.

Anticipated start date: Mid-June, 2023

Essential Functions:

• Deliver Environmental Education Outreach (EEO) programs:
  • Deliver EEO programs at Merry Lea and offsite program sites, providing excellent customer service for all participants both internal and external. Serve as program coordinator on designated program days.
  • Assist with and contribute to training for new and existing educators (volunteers, graduate/undergraduate students and other staff educators).
  • Model appropriate teaching practices for volunteers, graduate and undergraduate students, and contribute to mentorship of designated students.
• Contribute to curriculum review and development:
  • Participate in regular review of EEO programs.
  • Revise and develop curriculum that supports identified goals and considers needs of internal and external customer.
  • When informing program development, draw from relevant content knowledge, research, educational best practices, and ongoing professional development resources to ensure high-quality experiences result.
  • Ability to apply a les of diversity, equity and inclusion to support our program audience. Assist in implementation of evaluation and assessment measures.
  • Assist in implementation of evaluation and assessment measures.
• Contribute to the logistical support of programs as assigned:
  • Attend to equipment needs, including materials acquisition/creation, repair, inventory, and maintenance.
  • With EEO team, contribute to daily and seasonal preparation of program sites. Take responsibility for the organization/maintenance of facilities, materials and equipment while they are in use.
  • Provide care for the live animals that support EEO programs, including feeding, handling, and habitat cleaning.

General Responsibilities:

• Participate in Merry Lea team meetings.
• Confer with the Director of EEO regarding resource needs for PreK-12 and Public programs.
• Attend environmental education conferences/professional development (such as the Environmental Education Association of Indiana).

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Occasionally will coordinate volunteers, graduate and undergraduate students in EEO programs and in tasks on the property.

Education and/or Experience, other Certifications, Licenses, Registrations:

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental sciences, environmental education, biology, natural resources, education, outdoor education or related field.
• Master’s degree in related field preferred
• 2-3 years experience in teaching
• A valid Driver’s license

Skills Required:

• Effective speaking and writing skills and in public relations and customer service.
• Competence with computer
• Demonstrate an ability to support and work with graduate students.
• Demonstrate a commitment to working with individuals and groups from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• Bilingual in Spanish preferred

Physical Demands:

• Physical mobility: sitting, standing, walking, bending, kneeling, lifting/carrying up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work outside in variable weather conditions.

Work Environment and Environmental Conditions:

Moderate environmental conditions for the most part, but does include significant work outside where there may be exposure to inclement weather, exposure to pollen and spores, venomous snakes, ticks, biting insects and other elements that are part of in intentionally natural environment. Position includes travel on foot to remote natural areas without pathways and in wet or snowy conditions.

The weekly schedule includes weekends and evening responsibilities as assigned.

All of the essential job functions are subject to reasonable accommodation . All job requirements listed indicated the minimum level of knowledge, skills, and/or ability deemed necessary to perform the job proficiently. This job description is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements. Individuals may be required to perform other job-related instructions as requested by the supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation. This position description may change at the option of the supervisor (or department head). Any major change will result in the position being reviewed for reclassification.

How to Apply:

Please be sure to provide all required materials noted below, as incomplete applications may not be considered. Application materials may be attached to the Faculty Information Form or sent electronically to hr@goshen.edu.

Required:

• Complete and submit the online Faculty Information Form
• Cover Letter
• Résumé
• List of three professional references with contact information

Goshen College is an equal opportunity employer, committed to enhancing diversity across the institution. Goshen College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or any legally protected status. To protect the welfare and provide for the safety of the students, employees, visitors and resources of Goshen College, background checks are conducted by the Office of Human Resources on all new and re-hired employees.

About Goshen College:

Goshen College is a liberal arts institution dedicated to the development of informed, articulate, sensitive and responsible Christians. It is nationally ranked for its study abroad programs. As a ministry of the Mennonite Church, the institution seeks to integrate Christian values with educational and professional life. Goshen College has adopted five core values around which programs are built: 1) Christ-centered; 2) Passionate Learners; 3) Servant Leaders; 4) Compassionate Peacemakers; and (5) Global Citizens. The college is located in the heart of Elkhart County within several hours of Chicago, Indianapolis and Detroit. Residents of Goshen enjoy a culturally diverse small-town atmosphere with an active arts community, a vibrant downtown, the Maple City Greenway network of bicycle paths, and affordable housing prices

Human Resources
Goshen College
1700 S. Main Street
Goshen, IN 46526-4795

E-mail: hr@goshen.edu
Telephone: (574) 535-7111