Community Program Educator

The Community Programs department fosters a sense of belonging and a positive connection with nature by providing fun, safe, and educational outdoor experiences. The community program educator position is part time (twenty-four-hours per week).

The primary responsibility of this position is to provide outdoor recreation and education programs that engage children, teens, adults, and families from our three immediate neighborhoods during out of the school or work-day hours. Some of these programs include: science outdoors after-school program; B’earthday parties; outdoor adventure programs (canoe, rock-climb, bike, and hike); summer camps, holiday camps and scout programs. Welcoming visitors to the center and serving as an ambassador of the Center’s mission are central to the position.

The community program educator position requires working afternoons, evenings, and weekends. We have a position available at Washington Park, working Monday through Friday: afternoon – evening and Saturdays as needed.

Responsibilities and Qualifications

Duties and Responsibilities

Plan and lead public and private educational programs, including B’earthday parties, public community programs, family programs, home school programs, teen programs, and Scout badge work
Lead outdoor recreation programming such as rock climbing, paddling, biking, and cross country skiing.
Develop camp curriculum and teach summer and holiday camp programs.
Lead the Science Outdoors After-School Program for Boys & Girls Clubs and other community partners
Manage the Washington Park Young Scientist Club, which includes planning and leading programming, maintaining a program calendar, managing waivers, communicating with parents, maintaining an orderly classroom space for the group, and leading special projects with the group such as community gardening or research projects
Occasionally speak in front of large groups to provide a welcome and introduction to the center.
Enter event data online and in spreadsheets to track the xenter’s attendance records.
Work with the community program manager, branch manager, volunteers, and staff to plan and offer special events.
Provide a warm and friendly atmosphere to welcome visitors to the center and respond to questions and concerns raised by visitors.
Act as a representative of the center both in person and by phone, promoting membership and community involvement, providing information and connecting the caller to the appropriate staff person.
Provide visitors with information about the center’s mission and programs by staying current with knowledge of the programs. This includes managing public program sign-ups and handling money for these programs.
As needed at the end of programs, work with high school students and visitor services staff to secure all windows, doors and rooms in the facility, including setting the building alarm, as well as following other closing procedures.
Periodically contribute to the Urban Ecology Center newsletter
Assist with other projects and tasks as needed.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Education/Training
Associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree preferred, particularly a degree in natural sciences, physical sciences, social sciences, education or related area. Other degrees and experiences considered.

Experience

Minimum of one year of experience teaching in an informal setting.
Experience leading groups in outdoor recreation programming (climbing, paddling, biking, cross country skiing)

Skills and Abilities

Lifeguard certification or ability to obtain
Familiarity or ability to learn how to run audio-visual equipment, including LCD projectors
Fluent in Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, Power Point, and Word)
Must have had a valid driver’s license and driving experience for at least five years
Ability to drive a fourteen-passenger bus with attached trailer
Positive, friendly attitude
Creativity
Strong oral and written communication skills
Ability to work independently and as part of team
Excellent organizational and time management skills
Good problem solving skills
Attention to detail; accuracy
Flexibility to respond to a variety of changing needs and tasks
Ability and willingness to interact with people of all ages
Able to assume responsibility
Experience in leadership and handling money is preferred

Working Conditions

Job Conditions/Work Location

Time spent outdoors, working with groups of people
Time spent in a classroom, working with groups of people
Some time spent at a desk, on the phone, and using computers

Physical Requirements

Must be able to sit and type for periods of time and talk on the telephone
Must be able to clean teaching spaces, as needed
Must be able to set up tables and chairs and AV equipment
Must be able to lead a hike, bike, climb rocks, paddle and lift canoes

Equipment Used

Computer, telephone, AV equipment, copy equipment
Outdoor and recreational equipment

Supervisory Responsibilities
Responsible for the safety and well-being students, interns, and volunteers

Organization Details

Urban Ecology Center Milwaukee, Wisconsin United States Website