Positions available:

Full Time Seasonal Program Instructor

Part Time Seasonal Program Instructor

Salary: $12-$14 an hour, depending on experience

Extensive paid training in vernal pond and forest ecology
(Training rate $10/hour)

Dates: February 26-June 15, 2007,
with possibility for Fall season work (September through November).

Location: Based in Beverly, Massachusetts,
with programs throughout the North Shore and Cape Ann.
Positions open until filled

Program Instructor

•  Visit school sites throughout Cape Ann and the North Shore to instruct environmental education programs in schools, to student groups in Pre-school through high school. (primarily grades 1-6)

•  Co-facilitate after school program one day a week, involving students in conservation projects

•  Lead short nature hikes and field explorations in local natural areas

•  Some lesson plan development

•  Background reading and other research to assure and increase familiarity with topics

•  Scout field trip sites for suitability for student field trips

•  Communicate with teachers and other school staff to establish scheduling and curriculum details

•  Share captive wild animals with students, including snakes, turtles, frogs, salamanders, and aquatic invertebrates.

•  Clean equipment thoroughly after each day of use  

•  Care of captive wildlife, including tank cleaning and maintenance, occasional feeding

•  Work with Program Director to develop and assemble teaching materials

•  Create supplemental materials using laptop PC, including booklets for students to take home. Computer programs will include Microsoft Word, Publisher, Microsoft   Digital Image Suite, among others

•  Coordinate scheduling and task assignments with co-workers

•  Attend initial training at training rate, and attend regular staff meetings

Job Requirements

• College degree or equivalent experience
• Experience teaching children in classroom and/or field settings, or experience as a field naturalist or biologist
• Comfort handling reptiles and amphibians, including snakes
• Comfort teaching groups of 10-25 students at a time, and teaching up to 3 classes (4 on rare occasions) in a day
• Strong interest or background in New England natural history
• Strong interest in learning more about natural history
• Strong interest in teaching / education theory
• Flexible approach to teaching
• Comfort being outdoors in all weather
• Ability to carry up to 30 pounds, walk up hill on or off trails
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including some early days, beginning as early as 7am upon occasion, and some long days (up to 10 hours on rare occasions)
• Interest in innovative curriculum activities, including artistic activities, role playing games, and other experiments in learning.
• Understanding of or strong interest in experiential or hands-on education
• Willingness to perform a wide variety of tasks
• Strong concern for the natural environment and an interest in working towards its protection by educating young people
• Hard working, patient, sense of humor, appreciation for children
• Ability to communicate openly with co-workers, and work as part of a team  
• Cheerful, positive attitude
• Excellent patience with children
• Excellent References
• Reliable vehicle with ample empty space for transporting animals and equipment
• Current First Aid / CPR certifications or willingness to acquire these