See below
The Children’s Nature Institute- Los Angeles, CA
Title: Environmental Educator, (Tues — Sat Fixed Schedule)
Reports to: Program and Development Associate
JOB DESCRIPTION
An Environmental Educator for The Children’s Nature Institute (CNI) inspires, teaches and excites children about the natural sciences and environmental education through hands-on, student-driven discovery workshops incorporating cutting-edge science instruction, live animals and real natural artifacts. There are two main components of this position:
One is the school-based, outreach Nature Discovery Program serving low-income communities with the traveling science “WonderMobile” van, hiking “Nature Walk” field trips in our local urban wilderness parks (Santa Monica Mountains, Eaton Canyon, Griffith Park, etc.) and “Urban Nature Hunts” on school campuses.
The second is to be CNI’s “Place-Based” program lead for our work with the Magnolia Community Initiative. Every Thursday and some weekends, we lead programming for families within our low-income, largely Spanish speaking community, including gardening, touch tanks, book reading and give-aways, and neighborhood walks. The Environmental Educators also sometimes stay late to meet with parent groups, attend Magnolia Community Initiative meetings, and more. Many of these programs and meetings are led — either partly or entirely — in Spanish.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Educator (75%)
• Outreach Program for Underserved Los Angeles Schools and Local Communities
o Develop, plan and implement all CNI curriculum incorporating the California Science Standards and the Common Core learning practices. Ensure lessons are both in line with CNI’s educational standards and goals, and incorporate academic goals for each grade level
o Teach school-based WonderMobile traveling science lessons, Nature Walks in urban wilderness parks, and schoolyard-based Urban Nature Hunts. Minimum of 3 and maximum of 5 classes per day at each school site, approximately 4 days a week
o Maintain and care for the natural artifact collection
• Place-Based Programs
o Work with CNI’s partners and goals to create programming
o Teach intergenerational groups to inspire, educate, and excite whole families and communities around nature and environmental education
o Connect parents, community members, and staff from other social service agencies to our programs, and to the idea that: a) Environmental Education is an intrinsic component of community development and b)contributes to the overall health and well-being of children and families
• Fee-Based Programs & Special Events
o Teach all private programs during the week or on the weekends.
o Work with the booking party to develop, plan and implement any activities or curriculum
Program Coordination (15%)
• Assist in all elements of program design
• Coordinate and schedule programming with schools
• Order and confirm all buses needed; maintain our hike calendar with local parks
• Coordinate and book private events
• Maintain our in-house program database, ensuring it’s up to date and accurate
• Assist in successful implementation of program evaluation
• Work with teachers to acquire quotes, drawings, photos, and other student experience logs so we have materials for our media and/or grants
Animal Keeper (10%)
• Practice safe handling and safe presentation to children during a lesson
• Provide animal care for our exotic collection of arthropods, reptiles, amphibians, and more. Feed, clean and maintain each animal to its species’ exact requirements
• Procure food, water and other supplies including the maintenance of live and frozen feeder crickets, worms and mice
• Assess animal health and report changes or concerns to PDA
Vehicle Maintenance
• Maintain CNI’s WonderMobile traveling science van through fuel purchases, washes, oil changes, and regular servicing appointments
Organizational / Miscellaneous
• Complete Spanish translation for flyers and other documents when needed.
• Perform preparatory and day-of work for annual events such as Annual Gala, Urban Nature Week, and KidsROCK
• Attend community events to represent CNI though promoting programs, upcoming events and private bookings
• Participate in development as it relates to new initiatives that help to further our mission
• Perform all other relevant duties as assigned by supervisor
QUALIFICATIONS:
In addition to the requirements and characteristics listed below, candidates should be resourceful, professional and flexible. Successful applicants will have a love of children, nature and hands-on learning. Furthermore, we are looking for team members who want a long-term position, a place to learn and to grow as you contribute to our company. In exchange, we will train you well, and nurture professional development. There is the possibility for growth in this position for people who are willing to stay and learn. Please apply only if you anticipate being able to stay and learn with us for at least a year.
REQUIREMENTS:
• Fluent spoken and written Spanish
• Comfort working in the outdoors and handling live animals
• Experience working with very young children, classroom experience preferred
• Impeccable and innovative organization abilities
• Valid California Driver’s License and excellent driving record
• Degree/ coursework or experience in Early Childhood Development; Education and/or Environmental Education; and in sciences (biology, zoology, anthropology, botany, etc)
• Working knowledge of g-mail and Office Suite a must, ability in Constant Contact, Raiser’s Edge, Photoshop, InDesign a plus
• Experience working with volunteers, ability to maintain a peer relationship with non-paid staff and also guide and support them in their work with CNI
• Space to house animals for short periods of time and secure parking space at/near your home for company vehicle
• Ability to carry 25 lbs, or with reasonable accommodations
PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:
• A team builder, confident and competent, who understands the subtleties of working with a diverse group of personalities, values and models working collaboratively, honors diversity and is resourceful, fair and hard working
• A worker with the energy and fortitude to engage in tasks which at times may be challenging; with the ability to diffuse situations with calmness and clarity
• An individual who is straightforward, shares information easily, listens well, and respects the abilities of others; someone who imparts trust and integrity and guides others in a similar vein
• An excellent communicator; a person who either has a working knowledge of non-violent communication or who is willing to learn & practice this communication style interpersonally and throughout their work day
This is an hourly, full-time position. Pay range is $13-$15 / hour, with a competitive benefits package, paid holiday, vacation and sick time. May be eligible for other benefits to be determined.
Please send resumes to Shawna Joplin, Program and Development Associate, Shawna@cni-kids.org
The position will be filled as soon as possible. Unfortunately, we are unable to personally speak with everyone who contacts us. Should there be a potential match to our current needs, you will be contacted for an interview.
- Location: Children’s Nature Institute
- Compensation: $13-$15 / hour
- This is at a non-profit organization.