Job Description

Oglebay Institute's Schrader Environmental Education Center (SEEC), located in Oglebay Park, is seeking an Environmental Educator. Full-time with benefits or part-time without benefits will be considered.

At the SEEC, nature enthusiasts experience a sense of community around a shared love of nature. By creating opportunities to celebrate and study West Virginia’s native habitats, Schrader Center programs initiate, reinforce, and extend people’s connection to nature through hands-on, science-based, interpretive experiences.

Job Purpose

Under the supervision of the Director of Schrader Environmental Education Center, the Environmental Educator is responsible for the development, organization, and presentation of environmental education and interpretation programs for various audiences, including, youth and family programming, school programs, and the general public.

Essential Duties

• Teach/facilitate/instruct in a school setting, public, and special event programs individually and in cooperation with other staff. Design and/or follow lesson plans. Assist with program evaluation and revision.
• Confer, advise, and cooperate with local and regional schools, groups, organizations, agencies, institutions, individuals, and others who have an interest in the program areas developed by the department.
• Complete the work of the department in accordance with the general policy, aims, and objectives of Oglebay Institute.
• Consult with departmental and Institute personnel on long-and short-range goals and objectives associated with the department.
• Communicate job-related issues and/or need for assistance to the SEEC Director.
• Interact with the public with a cheerful and positive attitude, solve guest’s problems and complaints in an appropriate manner and maintain harmonious working relationship with fellow employees.
• Assist as needed with natural resources management, upkeep of interpretive exhibits and displays including animal care, and facility maintenance.
• Attend in-service training and staff meetings as required; prepare and maintain accurate written and oral reports as requested; follow written and oral instructions.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Work Context

Physical Activity Level:

This position is considered having light physical activity performing non-strenuous daily activities of an administrative nature.

Physical Demands:

The employee must be able to walk while maintaining trails and grounds over uneven terrain. The employee must be able to communicate with staff, program participants and the public. The employee must be able to obtain visual information in the field and in written material, to drive a vehicle. Must be able to attend meetings; to drive a vehicle. Must be able to operate drawers, doors; to move equipment; to write at desk, to retrieve files or manuals. Must be able to retrieve files at lower levels, while in the field to inspect plant material. Must be able to operate machinery and equipment necessary to complete tasks and be able to lift and carry 50 pounds up to 100 feet. 

Work Environment:

The employee’s work environment for an Environmental Educator encompasses leading educational programs to a variety of audiences, in both indoor and outdoor settings. Indoors, the employee will work in offices, classrooms, or laboratories, where they analyze data, conduct research, and prepare educational materials. Outdoors, the employee will hike trails, set up research plots, or lead nature walks, using their senses and field guides to identify species and study their behaviors. 

Qualifications

Education and Experience:  

Must have bachelor’s degree in education, environmental education, natural sciences, or a related field or equivalent work experience. 

Knowledge of interpretation, environmental education, and/or outdoor education best practices preferred.

Natural history knowledge of local flora and fauna preferred. Must have knowledge of Microsoft Office.

Must have a valid driver's license and access to personal vehicle for offsite programming.

Oglebay Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer including disability and protected veteran status.

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