Environmental Education Instructor / Naturalist
Location: University of Washington Botanic Gardens – Seattle, WA
The University of Washington (UW) is proud to be one of the nation’s premier educational and research institutions. Our people are the most important asset in our pursuit of achieving excellence in education, research, and community service. Our staff not only enjoys outstanding benefits and professional growth opportunities, but also an environment noted for diversity, community involvement, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits, and natural beauty.
The University of Washington Botanic Gardens (UWBG) is a leading center of botanical research, education, and outreach. With more than 320 acres of gardens and natural areas in the heart of Seattle, the UW Botanic Gardens is home to internationally significant plant collections, award-winning restoration ecology and conservation programs, and popular public programs serving youth, adults, and professionals. UWBG has two sites: the Washington Park Arboretum and the Center for Urban Horticulture.
General Duties/Description: Serve as a member of the UW Botanic Gardens youth and family education team. Assist with development and facilitation of a wide range of interpretive programs for the UW Botanic Gardens at the Washington Park Arboretum and the Center for Urban Horticulture. Deliver programming that enriches participant’s connections to plants and the natural world. Perform a variety of program related functions including: copying, organizing program equipment and supplies, and other related duties as assigned.
Must be willing to work outdoors in all types of weather. Flexible work hours will include occasional evenings and weekends. Hours vary by season. During the spring may work up to 25 hours per week, full-time in the summer. Fall hours are subject to availability.
Essential Tasks:
Teach environmental education programs to preschool through 8th grade students including school field trips, family nature classes, summer camp, public weekend walks, and night hikes. This may include serving as an on-call substitute for the Fiddleheads Forest School.
Participate fully in staff meetings and professional development opportunities.
Ensure safety and well-being of program participants.
Conduct interpretive programs outdoors and in all kinds of weather.
Assist with curriculum development and the training of volunteers as needed.
Organize and maintain program supplies and equipment.
Perform a variety of clerical tasks such as filing, copying, and mailing services.
Perform related duties as required.
Requirements:
High school graduation or equivalent AND two years of experience leading outdoor education programs for diverse audiences. Excellent organizational skills, excellent oral/written communication skills and ability to work outdoors in all types of weather. Previous experience teaching and/or working with Revised 12/1/17
children. CPR and First Aid certification or willingness to obtain. Must pass a criminal background check. Equivalent education/experience may substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.
Desirable:
Bachelor’s Degree or formal training in environmental education, botany, horticulture, biology, or related areas. Experience working with preschoolers and kindergarten-6th grade students in classroom, outdoor education, or day camp settings. A knowledge of environmental activities, lessons, games, projects and stories to bring to the position. Computer proficiency with variety of software programs such as Microsoft Office, desktop publishing, and electronic communications.
Salary: 15.40 / hour
Application:
Please email a cover letter and resume to Youth and Family Programs Supervisor, Alicia Blood, at alblood@uw.edu by Tuesday, January 16th, 2018.
Department Contact for Questions regarding this position:
Alicia Blood; 206-616-3381; alblood@uw.edu