Per Diem Naturalist Educator – Middle School Specialist
About The Position
Norman Bird Sanctuary in Middletown, Rhode Island welcomes 20,000 visitors each year to our 300-acre campus and 7 miles of hiking trails. In the nearly 75 years since our founding, the property in our care includes thriving wildlife habitats from grasslands, forests, rocky ridges, salt marsh, and dunes to sandy beach. Our facilities include a welcome center, an upgraded historic barn and farmhouse, an artist’s studio, several classrooms and a coastal education center. Visitors of all ages and backgrounds explore the main campus and trails and participate in hundreds of educational programs throughout the year. For six decades, Norman Bird Sanctuary has welcomed hundreds of campers to our award-winning Summer Camp. In what has become a tradition for many, generations of curious campers have been able to explore our expansive outdoor classroom and have fun in nature. Our age-appropriate and innovative camps offer a unique blend of hands-on learning, games, animal encounters and team building. With a fun and team-oriented staff, a highly engaged board of directors, and an operating budget of over $1.8 million, we work to fulfill the mission of our founder, Mabel Norman Cerio, who created Norman Bird Sanctuary through a bequest in 1949. Our mission is to engage a community of stewards to preserve, protect and enjoy this 300-acre property and the ecosystems within and beyond its stone walls. Through conservation, historic preservation, education and exploration, we foster lifelong connections between people and the Sanctuary’s rich and diverse habitats. Position Summary Responsible for providing educational programming with a focus on youth ages 11-14, including but not limited to field trips, after school programming, summer and vacation camps, guided walks, and Curiosity Lab engagement. The Naturalist Educator should have experience working with middle school students and a passion for nature. The Naturalist Educator will support the Education team with public programming, curriculum building, and staffing the Curiosity Lab.
Requirements
- Able to lift 50 pounds
- Able to walk a minimum of two miles on uneven, rocky terrain
- Able to work outside year-round in all types of weather
- Willing and able to pass a nationwide background check
Nice To Haves
- Knowledge of the natural sciences
- Strong communication skills
- Bachelor’s degree or coursework towards a college degree in education, environmental science, or biology preferred.
Responsibilities
- Education Programming: Support planning, delivery, communications and follow-up related to field trips; facilitate educational programs, guide nature walks, support summer and vacation camps, host Curiosity Lab visitors, and support middle school curriculum development and delivery
- Maintain order and cleanliness of all shared spaces
- Support the Education Team with all set-up and breakdown tasks, including setting up and maintaining equipment and workspaces
- Encourage and report feedback from visitors and program attendees
- Clerical Duties as assigned
