Temporary Outdoor Education Intern
About The Position
Join Powdermill Nature Reserve’s education team and engage visitors with the natural history of the area! Powdermill Nature Reserve, Carnegie Museum of Natural History’s environmental research center, seeks outdoor educators to work both independently and collaboratively with Powdermill Education staff. Interacting with visitors of Powdermill will be the primary responsibility of this position, and enthusiasm for sharing a love of nature is key for success in this position. Candidates possessing knowledge of the natural history of the Laurel Highlands or similar area and those currently enrolled in or recently graduated from undergraduate programs in science or education preferred. This position is visitor-focused and requires providing prompt, friendly, accurate responses to inquiries from program participants and Nature Center visitors. Weekend work may be required. Outdoor Educators are responsible for leading instruction for Powdermill Education Programs, planning educational experiences based on lesson plans and other resources provided by CMNH Education staff, and working collaboratively with a team of educators and assistants to deliver effective, engaging, and safe learning experiences. Outdoor Educators will give and receive constructive criticism with the goal of developing their pedagogy skills and the quality of educational experiences. This will be facilitated by participation in professional development meetings structured by CMNH Education.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent required
- First aid and CPR certification required (can be obtained through Carnegie Museums after hiring)
- Constant mobility around the Nature Center, and outdoors on and off trails for several hours at a time
- Ability to perform occasional hiking, crossing cold streams, carrying education supplies up to 50 lbs. over rough terrain on forested trails, perhaps in inclement weather
- Ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation
Nice To Haves
- Knowledge of the natural history of the Laurel Highlands or similar area
- Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from undergraduate programs in science or education
- Bachelor’s degree in environmental education, K-12 education, natural sciences, or related field
- 1 year of professional experience in a relevant field
- Knowledge of best-practices in teaching in outdoor settings
- Guiding student-directed inquiry
- Planning differentiated instruction
- Using authentic assessment
- Conducting learner-centered activities for large groups
- Experience with positive behavior support systems
- Co-teaching
- Experience with hands-on learning and public engagement in outdoor settings
Responsibilities
- Leading instruction for Powdermill Education Programs
- Planning educational experiences based on lesson plans and other resources provided by CMNH Education staff
- Working collaboratively with a team of educators and assistants to deliver effective, engaging, and safe learning experiences
- Giving and receiving constructive criticism with the goal of developing pedagogy skills and the quality of educational experiences
- Greeting and orienting visitors to available learning opportunities and trails
- Providing a welcoming and enjoyable experience to the Nature Center
- Assisting with Nature Center operations such as staffing the gift shop, conducting visitor surveys
- Facilitating drop-in activities for all-ages nature exploration
- Spending time in the field with scientific staff to learn more about research at Powdermill
- Developing a capstone project with their mentor that focuses on a developing area of interest, culminating in the development of new resources, activities, and visitor experiences
Benefits
- Starting pay rate information available at the bottom of the page
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What This Job Offers
Career Level
Intern
Education Level
High school or GED
