Environmental Educator (Staff Wage)

UVA Health System • Boyce, VA

127d • $19 - $22 • Onsite

About The Position

The University of Virginia's Blandy Experimental Farm seeks a part-time, seasonal Environmental Educator to work with our preK-12 education program team. Blandy is a 700-acre University of Virginia ecological field station located in the northern Shenandoah Valley, about 10 miles east of Winchester and 60 miles west of Washington, D.C. Its mission is to increase understanding of the natural environment through research and education. The State Arboretum of Virginia, located within Blandy Experimental Farm, is a public garden displaying more than 5500 trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants in a diversity of habitats including woodlands, meadows, wetlands, and open fields. Blandy's education program has been providing hands-on field learning experiences for preK-12 students with approximately 6,000 public, private, and homeschool students participating in our programs each year. Our education programs engage students in authentic, age appropriate, science investigation experiences that align with Virginia's Science Standards of Learning. We use hands-on, inquiry-based teaching techniques which we adjust to meet the specific needs of the teachers. The Education Team consists of the Director of Education, Lead Environmental Educator, two full-time Environmental Educators, and two part-time Environmental Educator positions. We are excited to add a new member to our team! The seasonal Environmental Educator will assist with program preparation and instruction of students from area schools participating in Blandy's preK-12 environmental education programs. This is a part-time, hourly wage position. This Environmental Educator will work approximately 10-15 hours per week from mid-September through mid-November and March through mid-June.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree.
• At least one year of experience, or a combination of five years of relevant education and/or experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree in a natural science or education field, or working towards one.
• Experience teaching in an outdoor environment.
• Flexibility about work days & hours; a typical work week would include some hours between 7:30 am-3:00 pm, Monday-Friday (no evenings or weekends).
• Positive, professional attitude and good interpersonal skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft 365 and Google Office Suites.
• Energy, enthusiasm, and passion for learning and teaching about nature.
• Enjoy being part of a dynamic education team and possess a collaborative work style.
• Strong commitment to safety while working with students.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality, enthusiastic instruction of established outdoor lessons aligned with Virginia science standards for school groups, grades preK through 12.
• Organize and maintain program supplies and help set-up and break-down daily programs.
• Interact with others in ways that reflect the University's commitment to respect and inclusion.
• Assist with program preparation and instruction of students from area schools.

Benefits

• Hourly wage position with an anticipated range of $19-22 per hour.
• Limited to 1500 hours of work in a year.
• Not eligible for leave or other benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Hospitals
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree