Environmental Educator

The City of Boca Raton is seeking a part-time Environmental Educator to present nature programs at the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center. Responsibilities include conducting educational programming for school groups, interacting with visitors, preparing facilities, and developing new public programs. The position requires knowledge of local ecology and strong communication skills. The schedule is Sunday-Thursday from 9am-2pm, with some flexibility needed for events.
Position: Environmental Educator - P/T

Do you want to be a part of the team that helps make the City of Boca Raton one of the best places to live, work and play? We provide world-class services, parks, beaches, and public safety. This can only happen when the best, brightest, and most committed individuals come to work for our City. We encourage like-minded individuals to apply and be part of our team!

Come join us #Workfor Boca

Schedule: Sunday-Thursday from 9am-2pm. Some days may require earlier or later hours to help with programs or events.

Location: Gumbo Limbo Nature Center
General Definition of Work:

Performs intermediate paraprofessional work presenting nature programs and providing general information about the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center facility and exhibits to visitors of all ages. Work is performed under general supervision of the Environmental Programs Coordinator.
Responsibilities:
• Conducts environmental programming for school groups, particularly for the Palm Beach County Schools program for 3rd, 5th and 7th grades, adhering to the Sunshine State Standards.
• Conducts nature programs and tours emphasizing environmental concepts pertaining to the natural history, local flora and fauna, and ecology of the marine coastal environment.
• Interacts with and answers visitor's questions regarding exhibits, programs & natural history of the Environmental Complex.
• Prepares facilities and equipment (before and after) for programs, including cleaning, maintenance and storage.
• Develops new public programs (including writing a curriculum/lesson plan).
• Contributes to the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center newsletter, Hammock Happenings.
• Participates in developing and evaluating environmental programs that are offered to visitors.
• Participates in training volunteers on specific topics to improve their overall understanding and knowledge of the facility.
• Provides training in care and handling of educational animals to staff and volunteers.
Related Tasks:
• Feeds, maintains, cares for and cleans cages of snakes, box turtles, freshwater turtles and hermit crabs on a daily basis; keeps accurate records of activity.
• Participates in various Gumbo Limbo Education Complex committees.
• Works with the Volunteer Coordinator and Environmental Program Coordinator to ensure the volunteers are receiving and relaying the correct information to visitors, includes conducting specialized training programs for volunteers as needed.
• Assists with outreach events and programs.
• Assists with special events on-site.
• Performs other tasks as directed by Environmental Programs Coordinator and/or Manager.
Knowledge of:
• Local flora and fauna, particularly the dune, hammock and mangrove communities and in conducting programs relating to the environment.
Skilled in:
• Computers and Microsoft Office programs.
• Positive attitude and a willingness to learn and teach.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with supervisors, co-workers, officials, program participants of all ages, and the general public.
• Strong organizational skills.
Ability to:
• Create and conduct lectures/presentations.
• Communicate with the public in a courteous and professional manner.
• Follow directions, work as a team and work independently.
• Change the scope of instruction to be meaningful for any age group.
• Operate video and audio equipment.
Education and Experience:
• Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school. Some college level coursework in education, environmental or biological sciences, ecology, conservation, or similar natural science preferred.
• Experience working with children required.
• Experience working with the public and public speaking a plus.
• CPR and First Aid certification preferred.
Special Requirements :
• Possession of a valid State of Florida Class "E" driver's license with no more than six (6) points in the last three (3) years.
• Must be available to work weekends and holidays.
Post-Offer Background Requirements:

The background check process for this position may include:
• Criminal Background Check
• Employment Verification
• Reference Checks
• Motor Vehicles Report (MVR) Check
• Workers' Compensation
• Physical
• Drug and Alcohol Screen
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