Outdoor Educator I

This temporary position is for summer day camps at Powdermill Nature Reserve in Rector, PA. Candidates possessing knowledge of the natural history of the Laurel Highlands or similar area and bachelor’s degree in environmental education, K-12 education, natural sciences, or related field, and 1 year of professional experience in a relevant field preferred. 

Outdoor Educators work collaboratively with Powdermill staff to conduct education programs at Powdermill Nature Reserve - primarily summer day camps and school field trips. This position is visitor-focused and requires providing prompt, friendly, accurate responses to inquiries from program participants and Nature Center visitors. Weekend work may be required. Outdoor Educators are responsible for leading instruction for Powdermill Education Programs, planning educational experiences based on lesson plans and other resources provided by CMNH Education staff, and working collaboratively with a team of educators and assistants to deliver effective, engaging, and safe learning experiences. Outdoor Educators will give and receive constructive criticism with the goal of developing their pedagogy skills and the quality of educational experiences. This will be facilitated by participation in professional development meetings structured by CMNH Education.

Summer camp staff must have availability to work Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:00pm the weeks of 6/17, 6/24, 7/8, 7/15, and 7/22. This temporary position will end on July 26, 2024. Low-cost on-site housing is available for the duration of employment.

QUALIFICATIONS EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• High school diploma or equivalent required. Bachelor’s degree in environmental education, K-12 education, natural sciences, or related field, and 1 year of professional experience in a relevant field is preferred.
• For candidates with professional experience in education, knowledge of best-practices in teaching in outdoor settings, guiding student-directed inquiry, planning differentiated instruction, using authentic assessment, conducting learner-centered activities for large groups, experience with positive behavior support systems, and co-teaching is preferred.
• For candidates with professional experience in natural sciences or related field, experience with hands-on learning and public engagement in outdoor settings is preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• This position requires energetic and charismatic individuals who are interested in helping children experience nature first-hand in a welcoming, safe, and scientific learning environment.
• Candidates must have prior experience working with young people and/or adults in an educational capacity.
• First aid and CPR certification is required and can be obtained through Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh after hiring.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: This position typically requires constant mobility around the Nature Center, and outdoors on and off trails for several hours at a time. Work includes occasional hiking, crossing cold streams, carrying education supplies up to 50 lbs. over rough terrain on forested trails, perhaps in inclement weather.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Leading instruction for Powdermill Education Programs.
• Working collaboratively with a team of educators, assistants, and volunteers to deliver effective, engaging, and safe learning experiences.
• Applying knowledge of best-practices in learner-centered instruction and inquiry.
• Designing and defining clear learning goals and creating opportunities for learners to receive feedback on progress towards goals.
• Using a variety of strategies that engage diverse learners, including best practices for accessibility. Planning educational experiences based on resources provided by CMNH Education staff.
• Adapting lesson plans from existing resources.
• Coordinating with staff and volunteers to ensure that classroom and materials are prepared and returned before/after each class.
• Coordinating with staff and volunteers to ensure that participants are greeted upon arrival and know what to do to get class started.
• For off-site outreach, planning and preparation may include transportation of materials to the off-site location. Supporting efforts to create a safe environment for all people, facilities, and natural resources at Powdermill Nature Reserve. § Providing clear safety expectations for participants in the context of educational activities.
• Using appropriate procedures in emergency situations.
• Using appropriate reporting procedures for incidents and unexpected situations.
• Ensuring that the environmental impact of educational activities is minimized. Supporting delivery of a high-quality visitor experience at Powdermill Nature Reserve.
• Welcoming all visitors to the Nature Center.
• Providing accurate information about Powdermill Nature Reserve resources and natural phenomena.
• Following established procedures for safety, security, custodial, visitor service, and maintenance procedures Developing pedagogy skills through ongoing practice, reflection, and professional development structured by CMNH Education.
• Attending CMNH Education professional development meetings.
• Observing, analyzing, and co-teaching with experienced CMNH educators.
• Being observed by experienced CMNH educators. Additional responsibilities may be assigned on a case-by-case basis.

The following PA Act 153 clearances, or proof of application of clearances, are required beginning employment and as a condition of continued employment: Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check FBI Fingerprint Criminal Background Check Obtaining the required clearances is completed as part of the new hire process.

Carnegie Museums is an Equal Opportunity-Affirmative Action Employer – Minorities / Females / Veterans / Individuals with Disabilities / Sexual Orientation / Gender Identity

The above job description reflects the essential functions and qualifications for the position identified, and shall not be construed as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in the position. The job description does not constitute an employment contract and does not alter the at-will relationship between CMP and the employee.   

*GUIDANCE ON ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:   The Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) requires employers to consider and accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities.  An individual is qualified if he or she can perform the essential functions of a job with or without reasonable accommodation. An essential job function is any task that is a fundamental part of the job.  When considering essentiality, one must focus upon whether the function is essential to this particular job and not to the department as a whole. Some additional guidance on essential functions follows below.  Please note that the following guidelines are non-exhaustive.  If you have any questions or need additional guidance, please contact Human Resources. A. Is the function required to be performed on a regular basis? If the function is rarely performed, it may not be essential. B. Is the function highly specialized? Is the incumbent hired for his/her expertise or ability to perform the function?  The need for special expertise is an indication of an essential function. C. Does the position exist, at least in part, to perform the function?  If so, the function is more likely to be essential. D. How much time is spent performing the function and how often?  Note that even functions performed 10% of the time could be essential if they are required on a regular basis. E. Would elimination of the function fundamentally alter the job?  If so, the function is more likely to be essential. F. What are the consequences of not requiring the incumbent to perform the function? If they are significant, the function is more likely to be essential.  G. Are there a limited number of employees among whom the performance of the function could be distributed if the incumbent could not perform it?  If so, it is more likely to be essential.