Job Description
Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest, a 16,000+ acre protected forest in Kentucky, about 25 miles south of Louisville, is seeking a team member who strives to connect individuals with the natural world through hands-on activities, exploration, and environmental critical thinking.
Bernheim is home to a 600-acre arboretum, designated as Kentucky’s official arboretum. The natural landscape features 40+ miles of hiking trails and extensive natural areas managed for conservation and research purposes. Its woodlands, prairies, and wetlands make up the largest privately-owned forest in the Eastern United States dedicated to education and conservation. Bernheim is a privately owned not-for-profit, relying on donations and memberships, whose mission is to connect people with nature. Annually, over 350,000 people experience Bernheim through visits, educational programs, field trips, and Bernheim festivals.
The Nature-Based Educator is responsible for leading nature-based lessons in a variety of environments in collaboration with team members and community partners. Nature-based learning occurs when education is connected to the natural world, including outdoor experiences that complement and enhance curriculum, or bringing outdoor artifacts and ideas into their classrooms, to create more robust educational opportunities. Team teaching and collaboration are keystone components, with creativity and fun always encouraged.
Essential Duties/Responsibilities
Assist in the development of nature-based programming at Bernheim, including creating outlines and lesson plans, and securing program materials and resources.
Offer nature-based programming to Bernheim visitors, including the public, youth and family audiences, pre-K-12 youth groups, summer campers, adult tour groups, and others.
Oversee Camp Bernheim: coordinate paperwork and registration, maintain camp databases, order and prepare supplies, develop camp curriculum, lead camps for youth ages 6-8, manage camp day-to-day, support fellow camp staff, ensure safety of campers, maintain fiscal records and work within a budget, handle communications with camp personnel, campers, and camper guardians.
Work closely with the Interpretive Programs Manager to offer creative nature-based programming for adult audiences.
Develop content for written articles, social media, web content, marketing pieces, program outlines, handouts, exhibits, and other educational materials.
Collaborate with other Bernheim departments through education initiatives and involvement in staff events, on-site events, off-site outreach, and general tasks.
Train, schedule, communicate with, and evaluate volunteers, as necessary.
Represent Bernheim in outreach efforts including conferences, community presentations, public events, school visits, offsite planning efforts, and more.
All other duties as assigned.
Requirements
Experience and Expectations
A minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree and at least two years of experience in a similar role, required. Equivalent or non-traditional education or work experiences may be considered but must be documented.
Experience developing and presenting programs in the natural sciences and/or related areas for Pre-K-12 school groups.
Experience working in learning environments such as parks, nature centers, museums, or similar organizations.
Knowledge of regional ecology, natural history, biology, conservation, horticulture, sustainability, or similar areas, or demonstrate the ability to easily gain that knowledge.
Written communication skills that support the development of quality interpretive materials, website resources, instructions for on-site activities, development of self-directed visitor experiences, and similar deliverables.
Ability to speak effectively in front of diverse public audiences in a manner that is engaging and entertaining.
Comfort and ability to teach in outdoor environments ranging from fully accessible teaching spaces to wilderness areas without trails, in all weather conditions.
Ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently while maintaining a friendly and professional image with staff, volunteers, Bernheim visitors, and the public.
Must possess a valid driver's license.
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, and Publisher.
Ability to speak Spanish, a plus.
Compensation
This full-time, hourly position reports to the Youth and Family Program Manager.
Pay range: $18-$20/hr.
Normal schedule: Tuesday through Saturday.
Competitive benefits package includes health/vision/dental insurance, retirement 403(b) match benefit and paid sick, holiday, and vacation leave.
How to Apply
Please send all inquiries and resumes to: HR@bernheim.org.
More Information
Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote without regard to race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, disability, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.