Program Educator and Summer Program Coordinator
FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt, Full Time, Regular
REPORTS TO: Program Manager
POSITION SUMMARY:
This year-round position is a combination of teaching academic education programs to school groups (Weekdays from 8:00am-2:00pm, September-May) as well as facilitating community education programs for adults and families. Occasional weeknights and Saturdays are required.
In the late spring and summer season (May-August), this position transitions into conducting the Summer Program Coordinator duties while continuing as a Program Educator. The Summer Coordinator portion is responsible for scheduling and planning recreational and educational environmental programming to parks and community spaces throughout Kent County. Additionally the position coaches a part-time summer seasonal Program Educator to implement off-site programming and on-site community programs at BNC throughout the summertime.
The Programs Team at Blandford Nature Center offers a wide array of programming to the West Michigan community. Much of the school year (September-May) is dedicated to field trip programming for preschool and elementary-aged students. We also offer year-round programming to the general community, including arts and crafts programs, nature and STEM-focused programming, bilingual (Spanish) programming, and Michigan history-focused programming. Program Educators at BNC participate in all of the varying program content but may focus on specific areas depending on their personal skillsets.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Educational Programming
Including but not limited to:
Lead outdoor environmental education programs for school and youth groups at Blandford Nature Center year round
Lead in the delivery of community education programs for children, adults and families
Maintain high standards of safety and well-being of program participants
Assist in the development of environmental education curriculum and materials, including lesson plans and learning aids
Assist in documentation and evaluation of all programs, including participant demographics, satisfaction and program effectiveness
Assist in the maintenance and storage of program equipment, supplies and facilities
Assist with organization-wide special events and community programs as a member of the Programs Team
Maintain a high level of professionalism and safety when working directly with animal ambassadors
Assist with other program duties as assigned
Community Programming
Including but not limited to:
Lead in the delivery of community education programs for children, adults and families
Provide interpretation at festivals, community events, and other specialty programming as needed
Assist in the development of community programs and materials, including lesson plans and festival planning
Summer Coordinator Responsibilities
Including but not limited to:
Lead the coordination, scheduling and delivery of ongoing off-site programs at local parks and other identified community sites
Use BNC’s registration system to schedule off-site programs, monitor registrations, communicate with registrants, and prepare program rosters
Assist in planning marketing needs for off-site programs
Assist in the purchasing, maintenance and storage of program equipment, supplies and facilities
Collaborate with Programs Manager to hire, train and coach one seasonal Program Educator to deliver summer programs both on-site and off-site
Lead outdoor educational and recreational programs at Blandford and at off-site settings
Maintain high standards of safety and well-being of program participants
Assist in documentation and evaluation of summer programs, including participant satisfaction, participant demographics, and program effectiveness
Revise community summer programs curriculum as needed
Assess curriculum relevance for the community
Broaden the scope of BNC’s summer program offerings, when possible
Qualifications:
Minimum Required Qualifications
Including but not limited to:
Coursework and/or experience in the fields of outdoor recreation, youth development, education, environmental or natural sciences or other related disciplines
Previous experience working with children and adults in a non-formal education environment
Ability to communicate factual, scientific information simply and enthusiastically to a broad audience
Demonstrated ability to implement standard outdoor risk group management techniques
Comfort with and ability to work effectively outdoors, in all types of weather, for extended time periods
Strong interpersonal and communication skills
Positive role model in attitude and behavior
Successfully pass required background checks
Must maintain a valid driver’s license and clean driving record and be willing to operate a Blandford vehicle
Basic knowledge of Google Workspace or similar software
Physical Requirements
Including but not limited to:
Ability to move teaching materials, bins and equipment up to 30 lbs, overhead, on/off shelves and in/out of wagons
Ability to pull a wagon weighing up to 50 pounds over uneven terrain
While performing the duties of this job, the staff member is regularly required to hike, bend stand and twist for 60 minutes or more
Ability to work outdoors in a variety of conditions; including extreme temperatures and maneuver over wet, brushy, muddy, steep trail surfaces and uneven terrain
Core Knowledge, Skills and Attributes
Including but not limited to:
Ability to work effectively independently, part of a programs team, and all BNC staff and volunteers
Convey passion and enthusiasm while sharing about nature and the outdoor environment
Flexibility in leading a broad variety of nature programming to all audiences of all ages
Demonstrate initiative and problem solving; taking calculated risks with the programming department
Demonstrate sound judgement in decision making
Blandford Nature Center is committed to selecting the candidate who is the best overall fit for
this position. If you meet the minimum qualifications, we encourage you to apply even if you do
not meet every preferred qualification listed below.
As you consider your experience, think broadly about the knowledge, relationships, volunteer
service, cultural leadership, community involvement, and lived experiences you bring—not
solely paid employment or formal job titles.
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in youth development, outdoor recreation, parks and recreation management, or education
Bilingual (Spanish and English) conversational and written communication skills are a strong plus
Compensation
This is a paid, non-exempt, full-time position working an average of 40 hours per week. The schedule is flexible and will include occasional weekend and evening hours. The hourly wage for this position is $20 per hour. This position qualifies for paid holidays, accrued paid time off, free BNC membership, and participation in a SIMPLE IRA plan with an up to 3% employer match.
