Outdoor Educator (Community of Rising Environmentalists Saturday Program)

Summary

Christodora: Nature, Learning, Leadership is seeking seasonal Outdoor Educators to join our environmental education team to teach and mentor NYC based students from September to May.  Our educators lead hands-on ecology lessons and nature-based learning experiences to inspire urban youth to explore nature outdoors and to spark an interest in scientific inquiry. Our team also leads stewardship events and community service projects at local greenspaces in the Bronx and Northern Manhattan for student participation and workforce development. The Community of Rising Environmentalists (CoRE) Saturday Program provides an on-ramp for many students to attend our summer camp and potentially our advanced wilderness programs for many years to come. This is a great opportunity to share your passion for environmental science and nature with NYC youth.

Position Availability:  

Apply for the fall season (September to December). Potential for spring employment extension (February to May). Required Saturday availability.

Qualifications

       Required:

• Completed or pursuing degree in environmental science, environmental education, environmental justice, childhood development, or related field
• At least 1 year of experience working with 6th- 12th grade youth
• Knowledge of environmental science, urban ecology, and/or sustainability
• Ability to work independently, as well as part of a team
• Strong public speaking and communication skills
• Passion for nature and science, and enjoy connecting with urban youth  
• Open to Outcome mindset and willingness to learn
• Ability to work outdoors in sometimes uncomfortable weather conditions
• Self-starter with a positive, can-do attitude and consistent follow-through
• Background clearances and medical physical required
• Valid CPR/AED/First Aid Certification
• Saturday availability

Preferred:

• Experience in outdoor/environmental education
• Spanish/English Bilingual proficiency  
• Conflict resolution skills with youth

Duties

• Develop and present urban ecology and nature-based lessons with experiential and inquiry-based approaches
• Supervision of students during weekly program hours
• Facilitate team-building and leadership skill building games and activities with students
• Participate in weekly meetings for goal-setting, lesson prep, debriefs and evaluations
• Support outdoor programming with key partner organizations including day trips to environmental/cultural institutions and natural areas in NYC
• Maintain a good standard and quality of program materials and create new educational materials as needed
• Acquisition and purchase of program materials, as needed
• Implementation of program surveys to students for program evaluation

Outdoor Educators in CoRE mentor and teach a group of students (middle school & high school) on Saturdays. Outdoor Educators meet weekly for planning and lesson preparation. The Saturday Program follows a two semester schedule where students enjoy a mix of science and nature-based lessons, community service projects, and team building activities at various greenspaces and with partner organizations. Our team facilitates team-building games and icebreaker activities for social emotional development and communication skill building. The education team also plans and implements a semester long inquiry based science project for students to develop their science skills. Many students enjoy Christodora’s program offerings all the way from 6th through 12th grade, creating a strong and close-knit culture and community. The Outdoor Educators have an integral role in maintaining the friendly, cohesive atmosphere of the Saturday Programming.