Definition
The Part Time Educator is responsible for teaching outdoor environmental, science and social science education programs to children. The educator’s goals are to encourage students’ awareness and appreciation of the environment, broaden students’ knowledge of science concepts, and foster students’ commitment to the protection of the natural environment.
Education programs run from October 2016 through June 2017. Depending on participating schools’ schedules, most programs will be scheduled throughout the week (Mon – Fri) from 8:00 am-1:00 pm. Applicants are expected to work a minimum of two days per week. Pay begins at $14.00 per hour.
Supervision
The Part Time Educator works under the direct supervision of the Outreach Manager.
Essential Functions/Duties Include But Are Not Limited To:
- Ensuring that school group programs are taught according to the California Mandated Curriculum and in consideration of the mission of Laguna Canyon Foundation: “ … to preserve, protect, and enhance the South Coast Wilderness.”
- Working a minimum (on average) of two days per week during the educational season (October-June).
- Communicating with the Outreach Manager on a regular basis via email to report statistics, sightings, and any other program pertinent data.
- Arriving at least 30 minutes before programs to set up and staying after programs to clean up instructional materials.
- Notifying park staff of any safety hazards that are not easily corrected (i.e. fallen trees).
- Greeting and answering questions; general visitor relations.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications & Requirements
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and demonstrate flexibility.
- Knowledge of California plant and animal life highly desirable.
- Knowledge of California Native Americans, as well as local indigenous people highly desirable.
- Ability to memorize and recall facts, figures, and information.
- Ability to hike on trails, and traverse stairs and uneven terrain while carrying equipment.
- Ability to make independent decisions and respond to immediate needs of students, emergency situations, and program needs.
- Ability to work outside in a variety of weather conditions and temperatures.
- Punctuality; regular attendance. (Essential because of limited resources, costs, productivity and quality continuity).
- Ability to interact successfully with supervisors, teachers, parents and students.
- Fingerprinting for a background check will be required.
- Familiarity with mandated California Content Standards.
- Computer proficiency
- Must have reliable transportation to and from work.
Skills to
- Instruct and supervise children (grades K-12) in an outdoor setting. (although most of our programs focus on 2nd through 5th grades)
- Communicate effectively in the English language, in both oral and written forms.
- Create and maintain strong cooperative relationships with school personnel and volunteers.
- Understand and carry out oral and written instructions independently.
- Understand and apply pertinent personnel policies, laws, rules, and regulations.
- Develop environmental education instructional materials.
Education, Training, and Experience:
- Holding or completing a Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university with major course work in natural sciences, education or related field is desired.
- Experience working with children in an environmental education setting as an interpreter, naturalist or equivalent. Background strong in thematic, hands-on programs.
- Demonstrate an understanding, patient, and receptive attitude toward students of varied age groups, including adults in small as well as large group activities.
- CPR and First Aid procedures. Current CPR and First Aid Certificates are required within two months of employment.
- Ability to speak Spanish highly desirable.
To apply, please send cover letter and resume with two references (phone numbers and email addresses) to Paula Olson.
About Laguna Canyon Foundation:
Laguna Canyon Foundation is 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to preserving, protecting, enhancing, and promoting the South Coast Wilderness that includes Laguna Coast Wilderness Park and Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park. Laguna Canyon Foundation is the lead support for both parks and coordinates and manages volunteer activities, provides environmental education program to area youth, and performs habitat restoration in sensitive areas.