Full Time Bilingual Environmental Educator - Menomonee Valley

Urban Ecology Center • Milwaukee, WI

2d • Onsite

About The Position

As an Environmental Educator, you will engage school-age children in learning about nature and environmental science. During the school year, you will align teaching with school district and classroom curriculum requirements, implementing innovative, inquiry-based programs about natural history, science, ecology, and environmental issues to school children K-12. During the summer, you will lead camper-centered and nature-based activities for summer day camps with a focus on outdoor recreation and ecological sustainability. You will also assist with daily operations of the Urban Ecology Center, intern coaching, and volunteer recruitment and training.

Requirements

• Bilingual in Spanish and English.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and ability to meet requirements of insurability under Urban Ecology Center’s commercial vehicle insurance policy.
• Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) or ability to obtain CDL is required within the first six months of employment.
• Lifeguard certification or the ability to gain certification within 1 year.
• Canoe training and/or water safety certification or the ability to gain certification.
• Collaborates: You build partnerships and work collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
• Communicates effectively: You develop and deliver multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.
• Reliability/action-oriented: Deliver on commitments and act with a clear sense of ownership.
• Interpersonal savvy: Relate openly and comfortably with diverse groups of people while recognizing the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization.
• Adaptability: You recognize individual control of self and actions; you rebound from setbacks and adversity.
• Addresses conflict: You courageously address conflict by caring personally and challenging directly (radical candor).
• Growth mindset: You demonstrate a commitment to ongoing learning and professional development and are willing to incorporate feedback into the ways you approach work.
• Values differences: You recognize the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization.
• Instructional ability: You can demonstrate an ability to teach science and nature-based programs with an exceptional grasp of youth engagement strategies, positive risk-taking, and adventure education. You understand the phases of child development and appropriately adapt content to different ages and stages.
• Group management: You create engaging and positive environments where participants feel comfortable being their whole, genuine selves, for children and adults alike; you can redirect distracting behaviors to active, productive engagement.
• Ecological knowledge: you have an understanding of and recognize the cycles of nature, animal behavior, and the nuances of phenology, incorporating them into programming as able and adapting content to participant needs.
• Personal accountability: you have systems or processes in place to manage tasks, need minimal supervision or reminders to complete work and motivate yourself to accomplish tasks/goals. You have a sense of trust in your personal abilities and take ownership of work.
• Strong cultural competency and commitment to equity, dignity, and justice.
• Affinity to the Urban Ecology Center's mission, vision, and values.

Nice To Haves

• 1-3 years of teaching experience in a broad range of ages in a formal or non-formal setting; experience teaching urban youth in grades kindergarten through 12th.
• BS or BA in natural sciences, environmental education or related fields.

Responsibilities

• Teach outdoor, nature-based, environmental science programs for school groups.
• Present programs on natural history, natural science, ecology, STEM, and environmental issues to urban youth in kindergarten through 12th grades.
• Communicate with school liaisons and teachers about scheduling and program logistics.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to adapt programs.
• Drive 14 and 30-passenger buses to transport students.
• Adapt and update preexisting summer camp outlines.
• Co-teach camper-centered, inquiry-based experiences for summer camp students, including potential overnight experiences.
• Mentor college and high school interns serving as camp counselors.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to prepare all materials for summer educational activities.
• Drive 14 and 30 passenger buses to transport program participants.
• Perform the role of assistant camp director as scheduled to represent the UEC summer camp program.
• Organize and maintain all educational equipment and classroom spaces; prepare and maintain program materials.
• Contribute content to the Center’s website, social media, or newsletter, as needed.
• Assist with training and working with volunteers.
• Assist with publicity for the Urban Ecology Center programs.

Benefits

• 24 PTO days annually (29+ following Year 1 of employment)
• 7 paid organizational holidays
• Medical/dental/vision insurance with above-average employer premium contributions
• 3% match on our 403(b) retirement plan
• Program registration and facility rental discounts
• Strong commitment to work/life balance
• Great organizational culture

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level