The Educator for the Grange Insurance Audubon Center will assist in development, planning and implementation of education programming at the Center and specifically oversee the mobile Audubon Comes to You program and Audubon Afternoon programming. This position will train existing volunteers to assist with the Audubon Comes to You program and Audubon Afternoon programming. This position will work collaboratively with the education team to develop, plan and implement seasonal events and assist in leading other education program opportunities such as Conservation Classroom and Audubon Adventure Day Camp. This position will assist with Scout programming as needed. This position will work primarily for weekday programming but will require some evening and weekend hours depending on education program scheduling.
The successful applicant will work collaboratively with individuals in a team-oriented atmosphere. He/she must have a passion for informal education, conservation and the natural resources of Ohio and be able to articulate this and inspire participation. The individual must be self-motivated and able to think strategically and creatively, juggle multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and work in a dynamic environment. A can-do attitude, friendly personality with a great sense of humor are essential.
- Assist the Education Program Manager with the development of curriculum for the mobile Audubon Comes to You program to be taken off-site and into classrooms or organizations in the community
- Lead initial communication with prospective classrooms, consult with the Education Program Manager regarding scheduling availability and the finalizing program booking and planning
- Keep records regarding Audubon Comes to You programming including communications with prospective classrooms, scheduling, registration forms, program numbers, and follow-up evaluation
- Assist the Education Program Manager in further developing and implementing Audubon Afternoon weekend programming
- Collaborate with the education team in program development and planning for Audubon Adventure summer camp and seasonal and/or special events.
- Lead and/or assist with school/youth programs in conjunction with other education staff including Audubon Comes to You, Conservation Classroom, Audubon Afternoons, Audubon Adventure Camp, single fieldtrips, scout programs and seasonal and/or special events.
- Plan and implement all programs to meet or exceed statewide standards/expectations, local school district curriculum requirements and Audubon guidelines/standards.
- Cooperatively work with the Education Program Manager to create and implement marketing plan for education programs as needed, in particular the Audubon Comes to You and Audubon Afternoon programs.
- Assist in the development and management of budgets for educational programs as needed
- Assist in training volunteers for education programming as needed
- Assist staff and volunteers in daily operations of the center, including but not limited to room set up and tear down, bird feeding, front desk coverage, building opening and closing procedures and animal care assistance
- Assist with writing articles for the E-newsletter, newsletter, and other print media
- Interact positively with visitors, making an additional effort to engage youth visitors
- Minimum of two years teaching experience with children in a formal and/or informal setting
- Knowledge of educational program design and assessment desired
- Must have experience and desire to work with a broad range of ages and children from a variety of backgrounds, especially urban youth
- Participation in or work with youth-based organizations such as 4-H, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, youth groups or camp settings desired
- Must have reliable transportation and a clean driving record
- Must have the ability to work collaboratively with individuals in a team-oriented atmosphere
- Must have a passion for and ability to inspire participation in informal education, connecting visitors of all ages with nature, conservation and natural resources of Ohio
- Must be self-motivated and able to think strategically and creatively, juggle multiple tasks, meet deadlines and work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment
- A can-do attitude and a tolerant, friendly personality with a great sense of humor are essential
- Excellent organizational, verbal and written communication skills required
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office software is essential
- Must be able and willing to work outdoors in a various weather conditions with or without accommodation
- Must be able to kneel, lift up to 50 pounds, load and unload personal vehicle and walk on unpaved trails throughout the park