Nature Center Early Childhood Program Educator

The Nature Center Early Childhood Program Educator at Howard County Government is responsible for developing and implementing early childhood environmental education programs. This part-time, contingent role involves facilitating field trips, public programs, and outdoor activities for preschoolers. Candidates should have a relevant degree and experience in environmental education. The position requires independent work, adherence to safety protocols, and collaboration with the nature center's team.
POSITION SUMMARY/CLASS DESCRIPTION BRIEF DESCRIPTION: Responsible for the development and implementation of early childhood programming in coordination with the Robinson Nature Center (RNC) Director, RNC Program Manager, and RNC Early Childhood Programs Coordinator. Encourage children's awareness, understanding, and appreciation of the environment while fostering empathy and kindness towards others. ***This is a part-time, contingent position - work hours vary based on the needs of the center *** ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES DUTIES: Duties include, but are not limited to the following: Facilitates and develops early childhood environmental education programs including: Field trips for preschoolers and early childhood.

Public programs and camps for young children and their parents. Outdoor preschool programs, "drop-off" programs and camps for preschoolers Robinson on the Road experiences for preschoolers. Program options for home daycare providers that don't meet minimum field trip/Robinson on the Road numbers.

Activity kits and resource packets. Implements hands-on sensory experiences, and skill building in all areas of child development. Works with the Early Childhood Program Coordinator to develop policies and procedures, review existing early childhood programs, develop educational materials, and create guide descriptions for new programs.

Assists with the development and facilitation of early childhood education workshops. Assists in the development of community outreach materials for the general public. Attends meetings, conferences and workshops pertinent to the management, preservation and educational potential of the nature center.

Performs clerical duties associated with the administration of the early childhood environmental education program. Researches existing early childhood nature programming and liaises with external entities. Assists the Nature Center Director, Program Manager, and Nature Center Early Childhood Programs Coordinator with other duties as assigned.

SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS: Ability to read and follow written instructions and work independently. Operate a motor vehicle safely; capable of using a two- way radio. Ability to understand and follow complex oral and written instructions.

Be trained in the use of the AED, CPR, and First Aid. Must possess a valid Maryland Class C driver's license. Early Childhood Education Certification Preferred.

MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE: Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Environmental Science, Wildlife Management, Environmental Education or other related field preferred. Working knowledge of biological and ecological principles and two years of practical experience. Experience developing and leading environmental education programs for preschool aged children.

Experience identifying plants, animals, insects, reptiles and amphibians, and the ability to measure habitat variables. Ability to use various computer software programs such as Word, Excel, Access, etc. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence, and speak effectively before public groups or employees of organization.

RATE OF PAY: Contingent - Professional - $17.00-$20.00/hour ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: TO APPLY: You must complete an employment application online to be considered for this recruitment. Resumes cannot be substituted for completion of the job application work history. No paper applications will be accepted

Selected candidates may be subject to drug screening, background screening, and reference checks. At time of application, please submit a copy of any college degree, coursework, licenses, or certifications that you have referenced on your application. Applicants who have education obtained outside of the U.S

may need to provide proof of the equivalent U.S. education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service, such as the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (http://www.naces.org) or World Education Services: International Credential Evaluation (https://www.wes.org/). Howard County Government is not sponsoring employees in application of the H-1B Visa or providing an extension of an existing H-1B Visa

All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Howard County is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, and we are committed to a workplace that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. The County prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, ancestry, creed, national origin, disability status, genetics, marital status, military service, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Applicants requiring accommodations during the hiring process should contact the Office of Human Resources directly at HiringPreference@howardcountymd.gov. Requests for accommodations should not be attached to the application.