Environmental Educator

Montgomery County is seeking an Environmental Educator responsible for developing and conducting educational programs, tours, and events related to environmental education. The role involves collaborating with schools, supervising volunteers, maintaining exhibits, and ensuring visitor safety. Candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience, along with two years of related work experience. The position is based in Oaks, PA and requires physical activity.
SUMMARY

The Environmental Educator is responsible for researching, developing, implementing and conducting educational tours, programs and events. This position assists with division wide and regional environmental education responsibilities and initiatives.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develops, implements and conducts on site and off site programs and special events.
• Conducts guided tours, trail walks and outdoor education and recreation programs.
• Develops and conducts educational programs based on PA Educational Standards for all age groups.
• Establishes a local network of public, private and parochial schools as well as home school networks for programming.
• Recruits, trains, schedules, coordinates and supervises volunteers, interns, etc. to assist with programs and events.
• Assists with the development and preparation of exhibits.
•Develops publicity material for programs and events for media distribution
• Provides for the safety of visitors and protection of resources.
•Assists with maintenance, including cleaning, grounds care, etc.
• Ensures that supplies for programs and educational activities are available.
• Oversees the reservation and registration system for group activities.
• Interacts with vendors, performers and suppliers.
• Develops and maintains a professional network related to the field.
• Responsible for live animal care, procedures and standards (if applicable).
• Assists in applying for and implementing environmental education grants.
• Required to take training as assigned.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.

• Two (2) years’ experience in environmental education, interpretation, animal care/wildlife management or public programs.
• Minimum of Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Education, interpretation or other natural resources related fields or five (5) years of commensurate experience.
• Expected to participate in appropriate organizations and affiliations related to the field.
• Must be able to read/write/speak English.
• Must have competent computer skills.
• Must project a pleasant and professional presence when interacting with the public.
• Must successfully pass PA State Police Criminal Record Check.
• Must possess a valid Driver’s License, a satisfactory driving record and the ability to maintain one throughout employment.
•Ability to communicate effectively and possess good public speaking skills.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, talk and hear. The employee frequently is required to taste or smell. The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands or arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision and depth perception.

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must be worn when applicable.
• Have the ability to climb, stoop, bend, reach, walk, sit or stand for long periods of time.
• Must be able to lift at least up to fifty (50) pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

This position will require both office and field work. An Environmental Educator may experience the following:

• Occasional exposure to chemicals and other hazardous materials when performing responsibilities.
• Occasional exposure to inclement weather, extreme heat, cold, snow, ice and rain.
• Occasional (possibly regular) contact with domestic and wild animals.
• Casual work attire.
• Will work at various sites as assigned.