Individual Placement - Environmental Education Apprentice

Student Conservation Association•Sherwood, OR

7h•$850•Onsite

About The Position

The Environmental Education Apprentice will work with Refuge staff on a variety of projects related to USFWS priorities. The apprentice will focus on assisting in the development and implementation of various refuge visitor services programs, which include connecting with schools and other education-focused community groups to develop programs and materials, leading students and educators on site, working with staff to reduce barriers to connection with the outdoors, and supporting communication with educators to provide recommendations for future facility and program improvement. Additionally, the employee will have the chance to gain valuable biological field experience, such as survey and land management techniques, and plant and animal identification skills.

Requirements

Strong written and verbal communication skills
Organizational skills
Confidence initiating communication and taking leadership initiative to follow through on assignments
Ability to communicate effectively with diverse partners and affinity groups
The ability to work independently and as part of a team
A passion for connecting people with nature
Ability to creatively solve problems
Experience conducting research or a desire to learn
Previous community engagement or outreach experience (e.g., volunteering, canvassing, mutual aid, relationship-building, etc.)
A commitment to keeping our communities and partners safe by adhering to regional health and safety laws and best practices (i.e. COVID mandates, food safety, cold and flu season best practices, etc)
Personal transportation to and from work station (no public transportation currently)
Driver’s license
Experience working with youth and families of varied ages, abilities, cultures and backgrounds
Comfortable with most basic computer programs and email management

Nice To Haves

Experience working intentionally and respectfully with a wide variety of communities with differing needs and lived experiences
Social media skills, including content creation
Experience leading field trips, developing educational materials and/or developing relationships with educators
Experience in event planning and outreach
Proficient in basic computer programs and email management

Responsibilities

Lead field trips from local schools and other youth focused organizations
Develop new curriculum where needed and help enhance what is already established
Take educational and interpretive programming to community events and organizations that are family, youth and community focused
Provide in the classroom programs for 4th grade classes through the Every Kid Outdoors Initiative
Recruit, train and guide volunteers in educational programming
Support and develop relationships with community organizations that serve youth and families
Develop and enhance self-guided activities for refuge visitors
Support partners and other Service programs in educational and community engagement activities through participation and feedback
Help to plan and carry out community events
Enhance outreach for programming including but not limited to developing fliers, updating websites, and directly communicating with community organizations
Assist staff in visioning and planning for year-round educational opportunities in the Community Nature Center
Support guided naturalist walk volunteers and help recruit for participants in communities that are not currently engaging with this program
Support customer service in the office through helping visitors in person and on the phone
Attend staff meetings and required training
Assist other staff in projects to gain a better understanding of how Service programs intersect and support each other
Connect with visitors in the Community Nature Center