Environmental Educator (Seasonal)

Role Summary

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) is seeking seasonal Environmental Educators to work in parks throughout Minneapolis doing the following:

• Provide positive, outdoor, garden and/or nature-based education programs in Minneapolis parks
• Prepare materials and content for environmental education program delivery
• Support nature-themed summer day camps as needed
• Provide interactive activities and education for people of all ages at community events
• Foster relationship building between community members and nature in Minneapolis parks
• Complete program evaluations to log and collect data
• Participate in staff training and weekly staff meetings
• Assist with animal care and program marketing
• Complete administrative tasks and additional duties as assigned

Work location

This position is based out of the Southside Operations Center. Programming will take place in neighborhood and regional parks city-wide including programming at the JD Rivers’ Children’s Garden in Theodore Wirth Regional Park.

Required Skills & Abilities

• Ability to engage the public with education topics during tabling and special events
• Demonstrated ability to work well with children and diverse populations
• Excellent customer service skills, a positive attitude, creativity, and adaptability
• Strong problem-solving, organizational, communication, and public speaking skills
• Previous experience with program content development
• Must be able to consistently arrive for shifts and to programs prepared and on time
• Must be able to accomplish tasks with little direct supervision
• Must be able to lift 30 lbs., hike uneven terrain, and teach effectively in all weather conditions
• Must have a driver’s license and a reliable personal vehicle to haul program materials and drive between work assignment locations

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated success teaching all ages (especially children) in an outdoor setting or classroom
• Interpretive or environmental education experience at a nature center, education center, or similar
• Training in environmental education, ecology, natural history, teaching, or similar
• Working knowledge of Minnesota flora, fauna, and ecosystems
• Working knowledge of gardening for food production and experience teaching in a produce garden setting
• Ability to communicate fluently in a second language: Spanish, Hmong, or Somali preferred

Compensation and Benefits

$18.50 per hour, plus mileage reimbursement when applicable. This position is eligible to receive sick and safe time per the Minneapolis City Ordinance and Minnesota Earned Sick and Safe Time and will earn one (1) hour of sick and safe leave for every thirty (30) hours worked. This position is not eligible for other benefits.

Hours

Primarily June through August. Tentative start date is June 11th and final day of the summer season is August 28th. Work week is 25-40 hours. The exact schedule will vary depending on programming each week, but hours are typically daytime and/or evenings Mon-Fri between 8am to 8pm with the possibility for occasional shifts outside these days/hours. Request for additional support on Saturday, September 12th to assist with the Minneapolis Monarch Festival/Festival de la Monarca.