OVERVIEW
The Friends of Rogers Senior Educator leads and oversees the development and delivery of outstanding environmental education programming at Rogers Center. This position is primarily responsible for 1) implementing educational programming, 2) training and supporting junior educators, interns, and volunteers, 3) collaborating with partner organizations 4) supporting the executive director, communications staff, and volunteer coordinator in their roles. Periodic weekend and evening work are required.
RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Develop, deliver, and manage various nature and environmental education programs for diverse audiences.
- Learn existing lesson plans and create new lesson plans, aligned with NYS teaching standards. Teach classes.
- Maintain teaching supplies and manage materials staging areas for volunteer and seasonal educators.
- Recruit and schedule school groups and audiences, managing the educational programming master calendar.
- Schedule and coordinate education staff, inclusive of interns and volunteers.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of educational programs using mixed methods of qualitative and quantitative feedback.
- Lead the planning of public programs and annual events.
- Oversee community science programs in partnership with local universities and seasonal interns.
- Manage the Summer Camp program.
- Manage the Education Program Budget with support from the Executive Director.
2. Supervise education staff, interns, and volunteers.
- Recruit, train, and mentor junior educators, interns, and volunteers, focusing on professional development and program delivery.
3. Foster and maintain a healthy, productive, and safe work environment throughout all of Rogers Center’s programs and facilities.
- Attend and participate in staff meetings.
- Participate in self improvement activities such as attending professional conferences and training.
- Become familiar with the Rogers Center safety plan.
- Report safety issues to the Executive Director.
- Emphasize safety protocols to staff, interns and volunteers.
4. Seek out and participate in opportunities for partnership development with School Districts, Universities, and other Community and Nature Center organizations.
- Collaborate with the Executive Director to build educational and income producing partnerships.
5. Support the Executive Director in grant writing, fundraising, and reporting.
- Collaborate on grant applications that support program and positional funding.
- Keep records of program participation and other accomplishments for reporting purposes.
- Provide a monthly report to the Executive Director for presentation at monthly Board meetings.
6. Support the Communications Associate in program publications, newsletters, email, social, and print marketing campaigns.
- Contribute written content and quotes for press releases, newsletters, marketing materials, etc.
- Respond to public and media inquiries.
7. Contribute to Interpretive Signage and Exhibit development
- Develop content for interpretive exhibits, wayside trail signs, outdoor kiosks, and trail maps/brochures. Source photos, illustrations, and materials to support text.
- Coordinate exhibit design with DEC’s Office of Communication Services
- Assist with facility management.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s or Master's degree in environmental science, education, or closely related field.
- Minimum of five (5) years of experience in environmental education or a related field, with proven success in program development and implementation.
- Experience hiring, training, managing, and evaluating education staff.
- Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Excellent public speaking and presentation skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Passion for environmental protection and a commitment to sustainability.
- Proficiency in relevant software programs (e.g., Google Suite, Microsoft Office Suite).
OTHER REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS
- Flexibility to work in the evenings or weekends on occasion, such as guest lectures, Winter Living Celebration, Fall Festival, committee meetings, or the annual meeting.
- Ability to work outside, in the elements, for long durations, and physically navigate trails in wooded and meadow environments.
- Work in and around water including streams, ponds, and marsh.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $48,000.00 - $52,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
Schedule:
- Evenings as needed
- Monday to Friday
- Weekends as needed
Ability to Commute:
- Sherburne, NY 13460 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Sherburne, NY 13460: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
