Job Description

 

Assistant Director of School Programs

Job Type: Part-time (up to 29 hours per week)

Essential Job Functions

Lacawac Sanctuary’s standards-based programs reach a diverse group of elementary, middle and high school students and focus on using the ecosystems of the forest and lakes to introduce students to real-world applications of their classroom science and math lessons. In addition, we hope to instill in students an appreciation for these ecosystems that will lead to a lifelong conservation ethic.

We set exceptionally high standards for the content and delivery of our programs. This position requires excellent teaching skills and the ability to engage and direct K-12 kids in a variety of settings and group sizes. Instructors must be able to project passion and enthusiasm for the natural world and explain complex science and conservation topics clearly and in a way that sparks students’ interest and curiosity.

We want a candidate who will be committed to keeping our education programs innovative and inspiring in the years to come. This is a challenging position that requires a great deal of flexibility and creativity. It does, however, offer the ideal applicant a great deal of independence and room for innovation. This candidate will also have a great deal of input in identifying the needed resources to meet our future program goals.

Pay Rate Range: $21-$23 per hour.

Reports to:

President

Duties Include:

The following areas are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. This description is subject to modification as the needs and requirements of the position change.

Student Education

• Develop curriculum and teaching standards-based lessons to students grades K-12.Programs are taught on various sites, including Lacawac Sanctuary, the Browning Beaver Meadow Sanctuary, and other locations. We also utilize classroom and laboratory facilities at the Lacawac Sanctuary. During the school year, we also teach in-class lessons.
• Coordinating all logistical aspects of the education programs, including but not limited to working with schools to schedule programs; supervising volunteers to assist with programs, including scheduling and training; hiring part time seasonal educators and provide training; ensuring necessary program supplies are available.
• Program development: ensuring our programs stay innovative and relevant to current environmental issues, especially issues, incorporating data from ongoing research into lessons, ensuring programs are aligned with Pennsylvania’s Department of Education standards; working with teachers to ensure curricula are aligned with their needs.
• Impacts assessment: working to identify ways to quantify the impacts of our programs on students’ academic learning and attitudes towards conservation.
• Foster positive relationships with school district staff and community partners.
• Conduct outreach to establish relationships with new schools and other partnerships that further Lacawac’s mission. Disseminate information to local school districts and teachers via email, phone and in person meetings.
• Plan, coordinate, and facilitate Lacawac’s weeklong summer residential camp Conservation Leadership Academy.
• Maintain accurate records of lessons taught, number of students and teachers taught.

Additional Responsibilities

• Assist with summer camp programming as a lead teacher.
• Assist when needed with public programs and workshops that specifically target the interests of area children, youth, family and adults, in-person and virtually.
• Work cooperatively with other staff to identify and implement strategies which support Lacawac and the fulfillment of its mission.
• Assist in efforts to reach new partners and strengthen relationships with existing ones.
• Assist with Lacawac’s social media according to our communications guidelines. This requires a desire to keep up with current events; an ability to communicate the impacts of Lacawac’s work to viewers through engaging posts, and making data driven decisions about the material shared.
• Participating with the president and board in other aspects of the nonprofit organization as needed, including fundraising and community outreach events, communication with donors.
• Serve on Lacawac committees, attend meetings and trainings.
• Assist in preparing grant applications and project funding proposals.
• Complete various office tasks
• Provide general information to the public as needed.

Experience and Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in education, science and/or environmental science preferred. Master’s degree preferred.
• Prior experience in relevant field, such as at a school, nature center, museum, arboretum, land trust, zoo, park, etc.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent people skills required · Computer skills required: word processing, presentation, database, etc.
• Willingness to work Mondays through Fridays, some holidays, weekends, and evenings.
• Ability to work with little supervision and to handle multiple projects is required.
• Must be adaptable, flexible, and a self-starter.

Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent customer services skills
• Demonstrated competency in oral and written skills.
• Ability to work both as a team member and independently.
• CPR and First Aid Certification

Primary Work Location and Working Conditions:

Outdoors in all types of weather, must be able to walk off trail, lift and carry 40 lbs.

About Lacawac Sanctuary

Lacawac Sanctuary is an ecological field research station, nature preserve, and public environmental education facility located in the Northern Pocono Mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania and nestled on the shore of Lake Wallenpaupack. It was founded in 1966, via the donation of 341 acres (now totals 632 acres) and a group of historic buildings. Lacawac Sanctuary Foundation Inc. is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) membership organization.

Lacawac Sanctuary builds environmental literacy by providing hands-on, high-quality nature- based STEM education for school students. We use nature as our classroom and our foundation of learning. Students participate in hands-on, inquiry-based programs that include direct experiences with nature while achieving academic goals. Lacawac's educators encourage a student’s curiosity, while sharing their own knowledge. Programs take place on-site at Lacawac and off-site at schools, schoolyards and other nature preserves.

Lacawac Sanctuary does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, religion, or marital status in admission to career and technical education programs and/or activities, or employment practices in accordance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Revised 1992, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

To Apply: Send Letter of Interest and Resume to craig.lukatch@lacawac.org

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: Up to $23.00 per hour

Expected hours: No more than 29 per week

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule
• Professional development assistance

Schedule:

• Evenings as needed
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person

*Please mention you saw this ad on AcademicJobs.*

Apply Now