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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.