Seasonal Environmental Educator/Naturalist

Want to teach at the beach? St. Christopher Camp and Conference Center, a ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina, is seeking passionate educators for our Barrier Island Environmental Education Program! The Barrier Island Environmental Education Program (BI Program) is a non-profit educational service for public and private school youth. The BI program is held on site at St. Christopher Camp and Conference Center, located on Seabrook Island, 25 miles south of Charleston, South Carolina. 

This site encompasses around 314 acres of pristine maritime forest, salt marsh, and a mile of beachfront. Participants sleep in cabins located on the edge of the dunes. Groups of up to 160 people can be accommodated. Both the dining space and health center are short walks from the cabins. While nature provides the main classroom setting, other classroom buildings include our herpetarium, aquarium, Susanna’s House, Recreation Hall and a large activity field. 

Our BI program reaches over 100 schools each year by inviting students and their teachers to join us on our campus for immersive educational experiences in the outdoors.

 Our program Goals are: 

• To introduce students, teachers, and chaperones to various ecological concepts such as habitats, adaptations & designs, variety, similarity, behavior, communities, conservation, etc.
• To help children overcome fears associated with the outdoors by teaching them how to better understand nature and to recognize that we are a part of it.
• To spark students’ interest in science through the use of hands-on, experiential learning.

Position Duration

August 19, 2024 – May 16, 2025

Responsibilities

The primary role of a Naturalist is to educate students in grades K-12 in environmental-based classes in the outdoor classroom, with topics like Beach Ecology, Forest Ecology and Wetlands. Other topics include Herpetology, Ornithology, Orienteering, and various team-building activities. There are also opportunities to assist with animal care, maintenance of trail systems, aid in curriculum development, and carry out other camp responsibilities. Because St. Christopher is a thriving Christian community in the Episcopal tradition, Barrier Island staff have the opportunity to participate in weekly spiritual formation. Senior naturalists (those returning for a second or third year) have the opportunity to design their own projects that specialize in conservation, research, or outreach. 

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree is required. A focus on education, biology, or environmental science is preferred but not necessary. An interest in teaching and mentoring grade-school students is essential. We also ask that all applicants be in alignment with our common mission and values as an Episcopal ministry, which includes loving our neighbors, welcoming all, gathering for common worship, and respecting the dignity of every human being. You can read more about the Episcopal Church here: https://www.episcopalchurch.org.

Compensation

$320/week stipend (paid biweekly), beachside lodging (individual room), free laundry, meals provided, Wi-Fi access, professional development throughout season. Optional benefits include Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, and Life.