Part Time Bilingual Environmental Educator - Menomonee Valley

Urban Ecology Center•Milwaukee, WI

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Urban Ecology Center (UEC) is seeking a Part-Time Bilingual Environmental Educator for its Menomonee Valley branch. This role involves engaging school-age children in learning about nature and environmental science, aligning teaching with school district curriculum during the school year, and leading nature-based activities for summer day camps. The educator will also assist with daily operations, intern coaching, and volunteer recruitment and training. The position requires a passion for working with children and implementing innovative, inquiry-based programs about natural history, science, ecology, and environmental issues for students from kindergarten to 12th grade. During the summer, the focus will be on outdoor recreation and ecological sustainability.

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 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: Build partnerships and work collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
Communicates effectively: 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: Recognize individual control of self and actions; rebound from setbacks and adversity.
Addresses conflict: Courageously address conflict by caring personally and challenging directly (radical candor).
Growth mindset: Demonstrate a commitment to ongoing learning and professional development and be willing to incorporate feedback into the ways you approach work.
Values differences: Recognize the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization.
Instructional ability: Demonstrate an ability to teach science and nature-based programs with an exceptional grasp of youth engagement strategies, positive risk-taking, and adventure education. Understand the phases of child development and appropriately adapt content to different ages and stages.
Group management: Create engaging and positive environments where participants feel comfortable being their whole, genuine selves, for children and adults alike; redirect distracting behaviors to active, productive engagement.
Ecological knowledge: Understand 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: Have systems or processes in place to manage tasks, need minimal supervision or reminders to complete work and motivate yourself to accomplish tasks/goals. 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.
Coach and mentor interns, students, and volunteers.
Collaborate with Educators and Branch leadership team.
Participate in UEC circles and committees as work requires or as schedule and interests allow.
Expect interaction with volunteers, members, and youth participants.
Work a minimum of 1-2 weekend or evening events each year.
Support building hours by providing building coverage, which may include opening/closing the building, communicating with staff on-site, and welcoming visitors or guests.
Provide backup support, when needed.