Description
Nature Educators work with other Education staff to lead school tours that ignite interest and curiosity for California’s native plants and habitats. They also provide general support to the Garden’s Education Department to help support our work of connecting people to native plants and habitats. Nature Educators should be passionate about sharing nature with the public, creative and flexible in their teaching approach, and able to work either as a team or individually to provide effective and impactful programming. Must be available to work Tuesday and Thursday morning shifts from 9am until 12pm, beginning September 27th until December 8th. This is a part-time (5-8 hours), temporary position that reports to the Youth and Family Programs Manager.
Job Type: Temporary
Essential Duties:
- Work with the Education department to provide Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM)-based Garden tour programs with an emphasis on Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).
- Lead and supervise groups of 6-15 students (grades K-5) on exploration tours of the Garden that incorporate STEM, NGSS, and CA Environmental Literacy standards.
- Provide interpretive tours of the Garden for visiting youth, adults, and mixed-age tour groups.
- Communicate with the Youth and Family Programs Manager on the upcoming tour topic and be adequately prepared.
- Prepare for tours by gathering teacher welcome packet and sending out tour materials.
- Serve as tour hosts by contacting groups one week prior to confirm visit and relay final instructions. Welcome groups upon arrival and fill in group information.
- Answer general questions about the Garden and its Education Programs to the public.
- Assist the Education Department with general departmental needs such as collecting plant materials, surveying visitors, entering data, prepping materials for programs, etc.
- Attend check-in meetings with Education staff
Knowledge and Abilities:
- Knowledge of ecology, botany, and/or natural history of California preferred
- Working understanding of outdoor etiquette and basic Leave No Trace principles
- Excellent time management skills
- Flexibility and ability to respond appropriately to diverse group situations
- Excellent verbal communication skills with both children and adults
- Spanish fluency preferred
Qualifications and Experience:
- Pursuing or have obtained a degree in education, ecology, botany, or relevant science field preferred
- Experience in a botanic garden, environmental education, and/or a museum setting preferred
- Preference goes to those candidates who have experience with informal education activities in a natural setting and/or experience working with children ages 5 to 11
Physical Functions:
Must be capable of occasional strenuous physical work including:
- Standing/walking for extended periods of time
- Lifting and carrying 50 lbs., bending, squatting and walking stairs and Garden trails
- Tolerance of an outdoor work environment including exposure to outdoor environmental conditions, including extreme temperature fluctuations, rain, dust, allergens, poison oak, insects, small wild animals, and sun exposure
Compensation: $18.00 per hour
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