Educator, Seasonal

Location: VINS Nature Center, Quechee, VT, USA (onsite)          

Summary: VINS Educators deliver live animal and natural history programs at the VINS Nature Center in Quechee, Vermont, and travel to schools and other sites throughout Vermont to teach outreach programs.  

Reports to: Director, Wildlife Ambassador Programs

Updated: January 2025

Primary Responsibilities:

• Deliver place-based environmental education programs featuring live animal ambassadors (primarily raptors) to varied audiences at the VINS Nature Center and as outreaches to schools and other locations in Vermont and New Hampshire.
• Lead guided tours of the VINS Nature Center and facilitate visitor experiences by interpreting exhibits and answering questions.
• Provide excellent husbandry for ambassador animals including enclosure cleaning, diet preparation, enrichment, and assist with positive reinforcement training.
• Work with other Education teams such as VINS Nature Camp and VINS School Programs to facilitate opportunities for integration.
• Put together and participate in activities for monthly Special Events focused on different natural history themes.
• Work closely alongside Education volunteers in animal husbandry and program presentations.
• Attend VINS staff meetings and participate in organization functions as required.
• Work a varied schedule that may include evenings, weekends, and long days.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience in environmental education or teaching natural history.
• Excellent skills in delivering dynamic educational presentations to audiences of all ages, aptitudes, and sizes, including large crowds.
• General knowledge of New England natural history and native wildlife (or willingness and initiative to learn).
• Previous ambassador animal experience, especially raptors, preferred.
• Strong attention to detail, work ethic, and personal initiative.
• Ability to work well independently and as part of a team.
• Fluency with Microsoft Office suite and Google suite programs.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license.
• Ability to traverse irregular terrain, and occasionally lift 10 pounds.
• Readiness to work in hot, cold, and rainy weather conditions.

Compensation and Work Schedule:

Term of employment is May 4th, 2025 through November 1st, 2025. Compensation is $17.50/hour, paid every two weeks. The regular work week is 40 hours. Work days and schedule will vary according to program offerings.  

All VINS staff working directly with children are subject to a thorough background check, including fingerprinting and a criminal record check.