Part-Time Environmental Educator
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Hourly Rate: $19.50 – $21.50/hour, based on experience
Intended start date: June 1, 2025
Location: UEC at Washington Park, Milwaukee, WI (in-person)
Position Summary
As an Environmental Educator you will engage school-age children in learning about nature and environmental science. During the school year, you will align teaching with the school district and classroom curriculum requirements. This program requires creative design and implementation of innovative, inquiry-based programs on natural history, science, ecology, and environmental issues to school children K-12.
During the summer, you will support developing and leading camper-centered and nature-based activities for summer day camps with a focus on outdoor recreation and ecological sustainability. You will assist with daily operations of the Urban Ecology Center, as well as with program development, intern coaching and volunteer recruitment and training.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
NEIGHBORHOOD ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION PROJECT (NEEP)
- Present programs on natural history, natural science, ecology, STEM, and environmental issues to K-12 urban youth.
- Communicate with school liaisons and teachers about scheduling and program logistics and develop field trip materials for schools.
- Support colleagues to design and implement innovative new programming for the Center.
- Drive 14-passenger buses to transport students.
SUMMER PROGRAMS
- Support the development of and co-teach camper-centered, inquiry-based experiences for summer camp students, including potential overnight experiences.
- Mentor college and high school interns serving as camp counselors.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues to prepare all materials for summer educational activities; adapt and update pre-existing summer camp outlines.
- Drive 14-passenger buses to transport program participants.
OTHER ACTIVITIES
- Work in collaboration with other educators to organize and maintain all educational equipment and classroom spaces; prepare and maintain program materials.
- Assist with training and working with volunteers.
- Assist with promotion of the Urban Ecology Center programs.
To be successful in this position, you should be/have:
We know that hardly anyone ‘checks ALL the boxes’ on job requirements, and that’s okay! If some or many of the items listed below describe you and your experiences, we’re excited to talk with you and encourage you to apply.
- Collaborates: Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives
- Communicates effectively: Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences
- Reliability/Action-Oriented: Delivers on commitments and acts with a clear sense of ownership
- Interpersonal savvy: Relating openly and comfortably with diverse groups of people while recognizing the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization
- Adaptability: recognizes individual control of self and actions; rebounds from setbacks and adversity
- Addresses conflict: Courageously addresses conflict by caring personally and challenging directly (radical candor)
- Growth Mindset: demonstrates a commitment to ongoing learning and professional development and incorporating feedback
- Values Differences: Recognizing the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization
- Instructional Ability: You are able to teach science and nature-based programs with an exceptional grasp on group management and youth engagement strategies.
- You can demonstrate strong cultural competency and a commitment to equity, dignity, and justice.
- You possess an affinity for the Urban Ecology Center’s mission, vision, and values.
- Bilingual English/Spanish: The ability to develop and teach programs in both English and Spanish is preferred.
Required Qualifications:
- You must have a valid driver’s license and the ability to meet the requirements of insurability under Urban Ecology Center’s commercial vehicle insurance policy.
Preferred Qualifications:
- You have 1-3 years of teaching experience with a broad range of ages in a formal or non-formal setting; experience teaching K-12 urban youth.
- BS or BA in natural sciences, environmental education or related field.
- Lifeguard certification or the ability to gain certification within 1 year.
- Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) or ability to obtain CDL.
- Canoe training and/or water safety certification or the ability to gain certification.
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What does a typical workday look like?
- Condition & Location: The majority of your time will be spent outdoors, in all weather conditions on land and water throughout the year.
- Weekly hours: This position is part-time, 20 hours per week.
- Schedule: Standard school and business hours with occasional evening and weekend events.
- Equipment Used: 14 and 28 passenger buses, trailers, canoes, kayaks, bikes, snow gear, various rock climbing equipment, computer equipment, and Google software.
Physical Requirements
- You should be able to lift bikes 3 feet out of the bike rack; team-lift canoes from storage racks to activity locations; hike, bike, walk or paddle for a full day, and lift up to 50 pounds with or without accommodation.
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TEAM AND SUPERVISION
- You will be a member of the Environmental Education team and will be managed by the Environmental Education Manager. You will be responsible for the safety and well-being of students, interns, and volunteers and also coach/mentor our interns, students, and volunteers.
- In this role, you may participate in UEC circles and committees as your work or as your schedule and interests allow.
- Though all of our teams work together in some capacity, you will most frequently collaborate with the Educators and Branch leadership team.
- All UEC team members should expect interaction with volunteers, members, and youth participants.
ORGANIZATIONAL SUPPORT
- All team members of the Urban Ecology Center work a minimum of 1-2 weekend or evening events each year. Our events are a great way to engage with our communities and see our mission in action; examples include Urban Candlelight Hike, Autumn Celebration, and HKE MKE. Some roles may have increased responsibility for event leadership.
- Most team members are asked to support our building hours by providing building coverage, which may include opening/closing the building, communicating with staff on-site, and welcoming visitors or guests. You may sign-up for an ongoing shift or provide backup support.
- Part-time educators may have the opportunity to support or substitute for additional UEC community programs.
The Urban Ecology Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is our policy to make all personnel decisions without discriminating on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sex, physical disability, mental disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, national or ethnic origin, and any other protected status.