Summer Program Educator at Blandford Nature Center – Grand Rapids, Michigan

Summer Program Educator

Position Description

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt, Part-Time Seasonal

Reports to: Program Manager

Position Summary:

Are you passionate about spending time in nature and want to encourage others to do the same? Blandford Nature Center is looking for a Summer Program Educator to join our team to help plan and deliver environmental and recreation-based programs for families in local parks, as well as programs at Blandford Nature Center throughout the summer. This position has a high degree of day-to-day variability, requiring flexibility, curiosity about nature and environmental topics, and a passion for working with people of all ages in outdoor settings. This position requires a love of being outdoors and a desire to share your enthusiasm for nature and outdoor recreation with children, families and adults throughout the West Michigan community.

This position is seasonal for up to 20 weeks, starting in early May and continuing through mid September.

Core Responsibilities

Lead outdoor, off-site, nature-based education and recreation programs for children, adults and families in various Kent County Parks locations

Lead outdoor environmental education field trips for local summer youth groups and daycare centers at Blandford Nature Center

Assist in the delivery of community programs for all ages at Blandford Nature Center

Assist in documentation and evaluation of programs, including participant satisfaction and program effectiveness

Assist in the maintenance and storage of program equipment, supplies and facilities

Maintain high standards of safety and well-being of program participants

Assist in establishing and attaining departmental goals in service to the organization’s overall plan

Assist in collecting demographic information

Assist with other educational program duties as assigned

Required Qualifications:

Michigan Drivers License and clean driving record

Comfort with and ability to work outdoors in varying weather and terrain for extended periods of time

Ability to sit, stand, bend, kneel and walk for extended periods of time

Ability to move objects up to 30 lbs.

Certification in Adult and Child CPR/First Aid (training provided during onboarding)

Criminal background check clearance (required prior to start date)

Previous experience working with school-age children

Proficiency in Google Suite applications or ability to learn these programs

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

Preferred Qualifications:

Studies have shown that women, non-binary folks, and Black, Indigenous and People of Color are much less likely to apply for a position unless they feel they meet every qualification as described. We are committed to finding the best overall candidate and welcome candidates who may come from less traditional backgrounds. Please think about the breadth of your life experience when considering the following list:

Coursework and/or interest in education, environmental sciences, natural sciences, outdoor recreation, social justice, art or related fields

Experience leading youth or adult groups in outdoor settings

Experience working with diverse populations

Familiarity with risk management principles

Bilingual (Spanish/English) skills

The attitudes and characteristics demonstrated in this position are:

Positive and energetic representative of Blandford to the wider West Michigan community

Flexibility and enthusiasm for a wide variety of programming with a variety of audiences

Live out Blandford Nature Center’s commitment to the values of inclusion, stewardship, integrity, partnership, and innovation

Be proactive and take initiative, be willing to take calculated risks, have open and direct communication with colleagues, and be part of the team striving to drive Blandford Nature Center to be one of the top nature centers in the country

Self-motivated problem-solver with the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team

Make decisions requiring good judgment in the absence of specific directions

Ability to communicate comfortably and effectively with community members

Detail-oriented, meticulous, and organized

Physical Responsibilities:

While performing the duties of this job, the staff member is regularly required to sit, stand and bend for extended periods of time. The staff member occasionally must be able to move up to 50 pounds and must also be able to work outdoors in a variety of conditions; including extreme temperatures and maneuver over wet, brushy, muddy, steep trail surfaces and uneven terrain.

Compensation:

The schedule for the Summer Program Educator is up to 30 hours per week, Tuesday-Friday, and includes up to 2 Saturdays per month as well. Hours are approximately 8:00 am - 5:00 pm each day. The position also requires flexibility to work an occasional evening (approximately 1-2 times per month) as needed for evening programs and special events. The position pays $16.00 per hour.

To Apply:

Please visit blandfordnaturecenter.org/employment-opportunities/ and click on the Job Board to complete your application. Your application should include:

Letter of interest describing why you are interested in this position

Resume

List of three (3) professional (not personal) references

Interviews will begin as qualified application packages are received. Interviewing will include an initial phone screening followed by an in-person interview for those applicants selected. The interview process may take several weeks.

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Blandford Nature Center’s Mission:

To engage and empower our community through enriching experiences in nature.

Blandford Nature Center’s Vision:

A thriving, diverse community that supports a healthy, natural world.

Blandford Nature Center’s Values:

Inclusion: Intentionally welcoming and embracing everyone.

Stewardship: Responsibly using and caring for all our resources.

Integrity: Demonstrating honesty, authenticity, and transparency within our organization and community.

Experiential: Providing direct opportunities to enjoy, explore, and learn in nature.

Partnership: Connecting and collaborating to effectively serve our community.

Innovation: Using creativity and curiosity to continuously improve.

The policy of Blandford Nature Center is to ensure that diversity, inclusiveness, and respect are integral parts of our day-to-day management and work. Blandford staff, board and volunteers commit to ensure equal access to Blandford and all of its educational opportunities by all people.

In essence, diversity includes all the characteristics, experiences, and cultural influences that make each of us unique individuals. All individuals are welcome at Blandford Nature Center, and all individuals, regardless of race, color, age, national origin, sex (including transgender status, gender identity, and pregnancy), religion, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, status as a parent, will be treated with respect and dignity. By fostering an atmosphere of inclusion and respect, we can continue to value and appreciate the strengths afforded by differences in the styles, ideas, and organizational contributions of each person. We all share the responsibility to ensure diversity and inclusion throughout Blandford, and seek to recruit, engage, and retain a leadership composed of volunteers and staff that equitably and fairly represent our constituency.