Educator Environmental & Animal Care Assistant

SSYMCA•Norwell, MA

5d•$19 - $21•Onsite

About The Position

The Environmental Educator & Animal Care Assistant is a member of the Nature Center team, dividing time equally between Environmental Education and Animal Care. The role supports the Nature Center’s mission by educating and engaging people in environmental stewardship and responsible enjoyment of natural resources. It provides routine care for the Nature Center’s animals and incorporates them into educational programming, while supporting and leading programs that connect diverse audiences with the natural world. The employee works with the Nature Center Director, Lead Animal Care Specialist, and the Animal Care and Environmental Education teams. Additional duties may be assigned to support the Nature Center’s mission and operations. The position is part-time, up to 29.5 hours per week based on program needs, and requires a flexible schedule. Availability for weekday, evening, weekend, and school vacation week programming is required. The listed pay range is $19.00–$21.00 per hour. The job is located at the South Shore Nature Science Center in Norwell, Massachusetts.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree in environmental science, wildlife biology, natural history, or a related field is preferred.
Experience teaching in a formal or informal education setting is preferred, including demonstrated ability to teach and work effectively with children and adults.
Professional and/or personal experience working with, caring for, and handling animals, including reptiles, is preferred.
Massachusetts driver’s license and reliable transportation required.
Must complete all training requirements offered by the Y, including CPR/First Aid and child protection.
Ability to climb stairs; bend, stoop, kneel, twist, and reach; sit or stand for extended periods; walk; lift and/or move up to 50 pounds; use finger dexterity and grasp; perform repetitive motions; talk and hear; and have visual acuity.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, wildlife biology, natural history, or a related field.
Experience teaching in a formal or informal education setting, including working effectively with children and adults.
Professional and/or personal experience working with, caring for, and handling animals, including reptiles.

Responsibilities

Demonstrate communication, organization, planning, independent and collaborative work, and time-management skills to complete tasks for both teams.
Maintain clean, safe, and organized animal-care and educational environments indoors and outdoors.
Review emergency procedure guidelines and respond promptly and appropriately to incidents.
Plan, develop, and deliver engaging programs aligned with the Nature Center’s mission for diverse audiences, including visitors, school groups, afterschool programs, scout troops, and summer camps.
Assist with and lead programs at the Nature Center and offsite at schools, community locations, and partner organizations.
Design, implement, and improve curriculum, lesson plans, interpretive exhibits, and educational materials.
Use and help maintain safe, organized, and engaging indoor and outdoor learning environments, including forests, wetlands, and gardens.
Contribute to new programs and outreach efforts supporting the Nature Center’s growth and visibility.
Care for animals according to Nature Center policies, emergency action plans, handling procedures, and cleaning guidelines, under the supervision of the Lead Animal Care Specialist.
Assist with routine animal-care operations, including feedings, habitat and tank cleaning, and enrichment activities, primarily for reptiles, chickens, and birds of prey.
Incorporate animal ambassadors into educational programming safely and appropriately.
Document completed animal-care tasks in each animal’s log and promptly report concerns, behavior changes, or other issues to the Lead Animal Care Specialist.
Monitor inventory and notify the Lead Animal Care Specialist when supplies are low or need replenishment.
Respond to incidents calmly and professionally according to established procedures.
Identify and promptly report faulty equipment or maintenance concerns to the Lead Animal Care Specialist.
Perform additional duties as assigned by supervisors.