Open Air Classroom Environmental Educator

About the Role

The 4-H Learning Centers at Tanglewood and Blueberry Cove provide environmentally focused outdoor education programs for Maine youth in Lincolnville and Tenants Harbor. As an Environmental Educator, you will provide hands-on ecology immersion for students as part of our Open Air Classroom. The role will involve developing, implementing, and teaching programs that emphasize community living, respect for others, fun, safety, responsibility, and the joy of being a part of the natural world. This program works with students across grades K-12 to foster a sense of community between students and teachers and encourage curiosity in students through modeling your own curiosity for learning, contributing to the further development of engaging and meaningful experiential programs.

Responsibilities

• Develop and teach hands-on, ecology, STEM, group building, and outdoor skills-based lessons to grades K-12 for the day, overnight, and after-school programs
• Deliver programs in schools and at multiple sites, including our learning centers in Lincolnville and Tenants Harbor, ME (some travel is required)
• Contribute ideas for the continual development of programs, interpretive trails, and educational displays
• Work independently and with staff to develop and maintain teaching resources
• Participate actively in staff training, ongoing professional development, and daily staff meetings to plan and evaluate programs
• Take part in routine tasks of cleaning and kitchen duties, gardening, general camp chores, and upkeep of program spaces to support the staff community
• Demonstrate responsible and safe decision-making skills in all aspects of outdoor programming
• Transport students in University vans to program sites
• Foster interpersonal relationships that reflect courtesy, civility, and mutual respect

Qualifications

Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Experiential education experience with youth, preferably in an outdoor setting
• Knowledge of ecological concepts and natural history
• Ability to work in an active, outdoor environment in a variety of weather conditions
• Basic First Aid/CPR certification, complete upon arrival
• Hold a valid driver’s license with the ability to drive camp vehicles, tow canoe trailers at times

Preferred:

• Wilderness First Aid; lifeguard certification

Dates and Compensation

Spring, April 4-June 7, 2024; Summer, June 12-August 16, 2024; and September 6-November 3, 2024. Compensation ranges from $500 to $550 per week (pre-tax) with increases dependent on experience and certifications and an additional bonus for a commitment to all 3 program seasons. Rustic housing with kitchen facilities provided; meals provided when overnight programs are in session, staff are responsible for assisting with some meal preparation and clean up.

How to Apply

Apply online at umaine.edu/tanglewood/employment/online-application-form. For more information, please contact [email protected] or [email protected].

In compliance with applicable laws, the University of Maine System does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and more. The University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.