Extension Assistant Environmental Education

Kentucky State University is hiring a full-time Extension Assistant for Environmental Education in Frankfort, KY. This role involves supporting educational programs on environmental education and natural resource conservation, leading outdoor activities, and interacting with visitors. Candidates should have a degree in a related field and experience in environmental education. The job requires physical activity and may involve non-traditional hours.
TITLE: Extension Assistant Environmental Education

DEPARTMENT: College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources

REPORTS TO: Manager of Environmental Education and Research Center

CLASSIFICATION: Staff-12 months

EFFECTIVE DATE: TBD

STANDARD WORK HOURS: 37.5 hours per week

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-Time

EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt

JOB SUMMARY:

Under general direction of the Manager of the Environmental Education and Research Center (EERC), this position conducts and supports the implementation of educational programs in areas of environmental education and natural resource conservation.

Conducting and supporting the implementation of educational programs in areas of environmental education and natural resource conservation.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
• Assists in providing environmental education programming and activities at the EERC for visitors of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.
• Leads outdoor recreation activities, hikes, and other activities that demonstrate safe and appropriate learning in a natural environment.
• Assists with the education of and curriculum development for student groups and ensures quality supervision during programs, maintaining effective communication with chaperones at all times.
• Works alongside specialists and agents within the Kentucky Cooperative Extension System to implement environmental education programming at the EERC and area schools.
• Interacts spontaneously with visitors and center staff to ensure an inviting atmosphere for the facility, answering visitor questions and providing assistance to guests when needed.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:
• Knowledge in the field of environmental education.
• Prior experience teaching K-12 students in informal or formal settings.
• Must have the ability to lead groups over rough terrain and be able to work both cooperatively and independently.
• Demonstrated ability to promote and respect diversity of ethnic, cultural, linguistic backgrounds and, physical and mental disabilities.
• Applicants must have CPR/First aid certification or willing to obtain (training will be made available).
• Ability to use a personal computer and a variety of related software applications.
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships
• Ability to build and maintain forest trails.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:
• This position does not have supervisory responsibility.

OTHER DUTIES:
• Performs maintenance and care of the EERC as assigned, including mowing and maintaining forest trails, fencing, and buildings.
• Assists in events occurring at the EERC
• Other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS:
• Bachelor of Science degree in biology, ecology, environmental science, or a related discipline.
• One to three years of experience working in the field of environmental education, science communication, education, or related disciplines.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
• Work involves some exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises.
• Maintenance/work in outdoor recreation areas involves extended physical exertion.
• Requires handling of objects up to 50 pounds. Standing, walking, hiking required.
• Working non-traditional hours on occasion, including evening and weekend hours.
• Some travel required.
• Very limited exposure to physical risk.

Internal Candidates are Encouraged to Apply

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. At this time, Kentucky State University is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa

KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY is an Equal Opportunity Employer

The functions, qualifications, knowledge/skills, and physical requirements listed in this job description represent the essential duties of the job, which the incumbent must be able to perform either with or without reasonable accommodation. The Job Functions listed do not necessarily include all activities that the individual may perform.