Environmental Education Specialist, John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum
Summary: American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum, is seeking 1 member to work directly with Refuge staff and assist with theEnvironmental Education program.
John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum is America's First Urban National Wildlife Refuge and is in the center of it all. Located in historic Philadelphia and Delaware Counties, this urban refuge is a great place to start your career. John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum protects approximately 1,000 acres of diverse habitat that supports over 300 species of birds and countless other species on the doorstep of Philadelphia, one of the largest metropolitan cities on the east coast. The refuge provides unique opportunities for visitors to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city into nature for relaxation. Individuals interested in this position will experience first-hand the delicate balance of managing for both wildlife and people. A great staff will be available to assist your endeavors both at work and play. Come help us make history as we embark into a new definition of environmental education! This opportunity is intended for an enthusiastic individual with strong interest in gaining a robust experience in the field of environmental education.
Start Date: June 2020
End Date: June 2021
*A 52 week commitment required*
Location: Philadelphia, PA
*Local applicants are encouraged to apply*
Project Website: For more information about USFWS John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum please visit:https://www.fws.gov/refuge/john_heinz/
For more information regarding the ACE EPIC Program, please visit:www.usaconservation.org
Compensation: ACE member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $600/week to cover the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.
Position Description: The Environmental Education Specialist will assist the refuge in the following activities: prepare and present on-and off-site environmental education programs for a variety of audiences, develop and present interpretive programs like orientations and guided hikes for public audiences or school groups, learning to teach youth outdoor skills like fishing, archery, and kayaking, use verbal and written communication to engage the local community, develop or revise environmental education and interpretive materials, brochures, web content, exhibits and signs, draft a variety of written materials including news releases, articles, correspondence and event flyers, and assist in operation of a visitor center. These experiential learning opportunities will be hands-on, engaging, and culturally relevant and will utilize resources in the local community and environment. The position is responsible for supporting the implementation of curriculum through presenting programs, fostering partnerships, assisting in the planning of logistics, co-teaching and leading.
This position will require the successful applicant to develop and present environmental education programs both on the refuge and in classrooms, focusing attention on urban ecology & wildlife and the connections that exist between people and wildlife. Environmental education programs are aligned to the Pennsylvania Department of Education's Standards Aligned System for audiences in Kindergarten through 8th grade, primary audiences will be 4th grade students. Candidates should expect to work closely with communities that environmental organizations have failed to previously engage and represent. In addition to engaging students from local schools in repeated programming, candidates should also expect to work within the local Southwest Philadelphia Community to engage and build trust with community members and leaders alike. Candidates will engage directly with audiences of all ages and backgrounds and work alongside a diverse team of staff and dedicated volunteers.
Refuge staff will provide ample training and development opportunities both internally and externally to support the selected candidate. Local candidates are strongly encouraged to apply though all applications will be considered. Selected applicants should have strong communication skills, work well in a collaborative team setting, and have the ability to accept feedback graciously and integrate it. This position requires work on occasional evenings and may include a shifted schedule to cover a weekend day.
Qualifications: Applicants for the position must hold or be pursuing a minimum of an associate's degree and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as Education, Childcare, Environmental Studies, or Biology.
Required:
- S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
- Must be 18-35 years of age (Interns must be 21-35 to apply for any ACE position that requires or anticipates operation of agency or ACE vehicles for duties.)
- A valid driver's license and a clean driving record are required (documentation to be provided upon request)
- Ability to work in varied outdoor conditions with occasional challenging activity in support of environmental education. This may include: being outdoors on hot or rainy days, leading hikes of mile to 1 mile distance, and lifting, storing, and transporting kayaks and archery equipment.
- Ability to work alone and in a group
- Ability to speak and write in English
- Ability to undergo a federal criminal background check is required
- Wearing a clearly visible ACE-EPIC uniform component is required at all times
Preferred:
- A strong desire to learn and improve verbal and written communication skills to best engage diverse audiences
- Candidate from the Greater Philadelphia area
- Dual language speakers
ACE Emerging Professionals must be willing to represent ACE and the partner organization in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner.
Please note: Marijuana and other controlled substances are not allowed at any time during the performance of duties or while on federal property, regardless of State law or qualified medical marijuana card status.
To Apply: Please submit your resume, thoughtful cover letter, transcript (required) and contact for three professional/academic references to the online application page for this position through the application available in Handshake.
NOTE: Early consideration will be given as resumes are received. This position may close at any time. If you have any questions regarding this position, please feel free to contact ACE EPIC USFWS Division Support Specialist Dave Hecker at 801.386.1629 or dhecker@usaconservation.org.
EOE: American Conservation Experience provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, American Conservation Experience complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.