Urban Ecology Center Hiring for Environmental Educator – Bilingual English/Spanish Job at Milwaukee, WI Full Time

Milwaukee’s Urban Ecology Center is a non-profit organization that has captured the attention of leaders in cities across the country. Our model of creating neighborhood-based environmental education centers energizes urban public natural areas. Located in vibrant public green spaces, our fast-growing organization serves over 200,000 people of all ages annually. Our innovative team of cutting-edge non-profit professionals work in creative, high-energy open offices in state-of-the-art green facilities. The Urban Ecology Center serves socially and culturally diverse communities. We are committed to having a team of employees that reflect the richness and diversity of these communities.

Our team enjoys many benefits that include a UEC membership, workplace flexibility, a generous PTO program to have time to enjoy the outdoors, health and wellness benefits, and retirement saving plan to name a few! All this and employees who are passionate about achieving our mission of connecting people in cities to nature and each other!

We have an opportunity to join the educational team and seeking a Bilingual Environmental Educator. Details here:

Position Summary: The primary responsibility of the Environmental Educator is to engage school age children in learning about nature and environmental science programs in English and Spanish. During the school year, the environmental educator aligns teaching with school district and classroom curriculum requirements. This program requires creative design, a passion for working with kids, and implementation of innovative, inquiry-based programs about natural history, science, ecology and environmental issues to school children K-12. During the summer, the educator will develop and lead camper-centered and nature-based activities for summer day camps with a focus on outdoor recreation and ecological sustainability. The Environmental Educator will assist with daily operations of the Urban Ecology Center, as well as with program development, intern coaching and volunteer recruitment and training.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Neighborhood Environmental Education Project (NEEP)

• Plan and teach outdoor, nature-based, environmental science programs for school groups.
• Present programs on natural history, natural science, ecology, STEM, and environmental issues to urban youth in grades kindergarten through 12th
• Communicate with school liaisons and teachers about scheduling and program logistics
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to design and implement innovative new programming for the Center
• Develop pre and post field trip materials for schools
• Drive 14 and 28 passenger buses to transport students

Summer Programs

• Develop and co-teach camper-centered, inquiry-based experiences for summer camp students, including potential overnight experiences
• Mentor college and high school interns serving as camp counselors
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to prepare all materials for summer educational activities

Other Activities

• Work in collaboration with other educators to organize and maintain all educational equipment and classroom spaces
• Prepare and maintain program materials
• Assist with conducting special weekend events 1-2 times a year
• Contribute content to the Center’s website, social media or newsletter, as needed
• Assist with training and working with volunteers
• Assist with publicity for the Urban Ecology Center programs

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Responsible for the safety and well-being students, interns, and volunteers

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

Education: BS or BA in natural sciences, environmental education or related field is preferred.

Experience and Certifications:

• Minimum of two years teaching a broad range of ages in a formal or non-formal setting.

• Experience teaching urban youth in grades kindergarten through 12th
• Lifeguard certification or the ability to gain certification is required
• Canoe training and/or water safety certification or the ability to gain certification is preferred
• Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is preferred or ability to obtain CDL may be required.

Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to teach science and nature-based programs
• Ability to meet requirements of insurability under Urban Ecology Center’s commercial vehicle insurance policy
• Ability to develop and present virtual programming
• Demonstrated commitment to professional development and incorporating feedback
• Ability to develop and teach programs in both English and Spanish is required.

Working Conditions:

Job Conditions/Work Location:

• Majority of time spent outdoors in all types of weather conditions on land, near water, and on water
• Willingness to work at each of our 3 branch locations in the Milwaukee area

Physical Requirements:

• Lifting bikes 3 feet out of bike rack
• Belaying people on the rock wall
• Lifting canoes (with one other person) from launch to canoe carrier
• Loading cargo for canoeing trips
• Hiking, biking, walking or paddling for a full day
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds with or without accommodation

Equipment Used:

• 14 and 28 passenger buses, canoes, kayaks, bikes, snow gear and various rock climbing equipment.
• Computer equipment

The Urban Ecology Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is our policy to make all personnel decisions without discriminating on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sex, physical disability, mental disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, national or ethnic origin and any other protected status. If, as an individual with a disability, you need reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process, please call 414- 964-8505 and ask for Human Resources.