Environmental Education Fellowship

The Environmental Education Fellowship at Dunes Learning Center in Porter, IN involves leading educational programs about ecosystems and cultural history for diverse students aged 6-17. Responsibilities include preparing materials, ensuring safety, attending training, and supporting fundraising efforts. Candidates should have strong communication skills, a commitment to equity, and the ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions. A Bachelor’s degree is preferred, along with experience in environmental education.
Dunes Learning Center is the nonprofit education partner of Indiana Dunes National Park and the leader of environmental education in the area. We serve a diverse community and seek a diverse workforce. Dunes Learning Center is an equal opportunity provider and does not discriminate. SUMMARY Environmental Education Fellows are key members of the Dunes Learning Center team and are responsible for providing meaningful experiences for children and adults regarding the diversity of ecosystems and cultural history of the Indiana Dunes all year long. They help students create connections, build confidence, and develop a sense of place by providing opportunities to explore, ask questions, reflect and work together as a team. ESSENTIAL DUTIES Prepare for and lead educational/interpretive programs in natural and cultural history, inquiry-based science, and resource stewardship for a diverse community of students; ages 6-17.Maintain a Positive Mental Attitude and serve as a role model for responsible environmental behavior and literacy.Ensure safety and well-being of program participants using sound judgment and applying appropriate decisions by following safety protocol and reporting incidents, near misses or possible hazards.Attend program staff training workshops and regularly scheduled staff meetings.Assist in the maintenance of all program supplies, equipment, and facilities.Actively participate to support fundraising efforts.Comply with all Dunes Learning Center policies and always represent DLC in a professional manner.Perform all assigned duties critical to the operation of the Dunes Learning Center.Assist with other duties as assigned. QUALIFICATIONS To qualify for the Fellowship program, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty. Dunes Learning Center aims to make reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. All Dunes Learning Center employees must submit to a background check and possible drug screening. REQUIRED Bachelor’s degree preferred or some formal education with equivalent experienceExcellent communication and interpersonal skillsCommitment to equity and inclusionPhysically able to perform duties outdoors, in all weather conditions, and hike several miles over dunes terrain while carrying a 25-lb backpackA willingness to be coached and to receive feedbackAbility to work independently as well as on a teamAbility to work dynamic hours, including evenings and weekends. Hours align with on-site education and event programming schedules and vary seasonallyOfficial government identification DESIRABLE Experience with environmental education and/or interpretationKnowledge of the natural history of the Calumet RegionAbility to speak SpanishLifeguard certificationPossess valid driver’s license and have reliable transportation for local travel PHYSICAL DEMANDS Fellows are required to regularly stand for long periods of time and walk up to 5 miles per day on sandy dune terrain while carrying a 25-lb backpack in all weather conditions. Fellows must be able to verbally communicate and have visual abilities that allow them to deliver programs safely.