What are the responsibilities and job description for the Naturalist / Environmental Educator position at Burgundy Center for Wildlife Studies?
Come on out to explore the hills and hollers of northeastern West Virginia! We are hiring an outdoor educator/naturalist to join our team for a term of approximately 8 months, starting with Spring School groups, leading into summer camp, and finishing with Fall School groups. Responsibilities include teaching workshops, leading hikes, supervising sleep outs, and introducing children to the beautiful wildlife sanctuary we call home!
School Trips (Spring & Fall):
Grades 1-8 attend 3-day, overnight programs. Groups of about 30 students are accompanied by teachers and parent chaperones who supervise free times and assist with bedtime and some kitchen duties. BCWS interweaves hands-on nature, science, arts, and humanities. The program develops alongside the children, increasing challenges and skills each year.
Summer:
During the summer, we have three, two week sessions for campers age 11 - 15, one session for 8 - 10 year olds (one week long) and a weekend for adults of all ages. During the summer program, staff teach workshops, supervise camper projects, lead afternoon activities, and help to run evening program. Each session involves several sleep out experiences. Opportunities are available each session to be lead cook or assistant cook.
- Naturalists teach classes, lead hikes, facilitate traditional camp activities, assist with some daily operations and facility upkeep, as well as guiding student work teams in some kitchen tasks
- A workweek is 5 days. Weeks vary, but there are half-day and full day chunks of free time between trips. Some set up and cleaning work will be required on days when students are not present.
- Staff participate in program design, set up and breakdown. With classes, workdays are ~7 a.m. to ~9 p.m., with breaks. Occasional duties later at night may include night walks or tenting sleep-outs.
- Qualifications: Individuals with proven interests in education, field biology, and conservation, age 18 .
- Experience working with children ages 6-13 is ideal, and comfort working alongside adults is helpful. Must be physically able to lead hikes and a few sleep-outs.
- Wilderness First Aid and CPR are required. Fees for this training will be reimbursed.
- Lifeguard certification and/or experience with institutional kitchen operations are a plus.
Salary/Benefits:
Spring & Fall: $425 - 500, depending on experience, education & certifications. Room, board and paid staff training included.
During summer, because of more staff and lighter workload, pay is $400-600 per two week session, depending on experience, education & certifications.
Dates: Mid-April - Early November 2024
Job Types: Full-time, Seasonal
Pay: $425.00 - $500.00 per week
Schedule:
- Evenings as needed
- Monday to Friday
- Weekends as needed
Ability to Relocate:
- Capon Bridge, WV 26711: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
Salary : $425 - $500