Job Type: Permanent
Salary Details: Competitive
Deadline: Sep 15, 2021
Required Experience: 2 – 6 years

See full details at https://www.conservationjobboard.com/job-listing-interpretive-educator-waycross-georgia/2423953375

Summary of Position: 

This is a full-time 12-month position, classified as exempt from the standard 40 hour work week, and requires some nights and weekends.  The Interpretive Educator is responsible for planning, creating, implementing, supporting, and evaluating educational programming in science and cultural history for children and adults at the Okefenokee Swamp Park (OSP) in Waycross & Okefenokee Adventures (OA) in Folkston. Types of programming include formal presentations, virtual programs, mobile programs (outreach/off-site programs), school groups, private tours, festivals/booths, etc.  The Interpretive Educator is responsible for providing exciting, safe, and deeply informative indoor and outdoor educational experiences in and around the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge.  An attention to detail with an extreme customer service focus is a requirement for the effective execution of this position. The Interpretive Educator must abide by the guidelines set by the General Managers (GM) and in alignment with the contractual covenants set by the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge.

The Interpretive Educator should develop well-rounded knowledge of flora, fauna, geology, geography, hydrology, general ecology, and fire ecology of the Okefenokee Swamp and surrounding region of the southeastern coastal plain in general, as well as a knowledge of human history of the Okefenokee in particular.  The ability to correctly identify wildlife and plants of the Okefenokee and a deep understanding of the cultural history of the Okefenokee is a must.

The Interpretive Educator may provide interpretation while operating a motorized boat or a canoe/kayak and must be able to enhance the visitors’ experience through skilled operation when encountering wildlife (safely maneuvering and positioning the boat for photographs and interpretation).  A variety of weather conditions must be tolerated.  Public speaking skills are a must- Interpretive Educator must be able to comfortably speak to (and answer questions from) the public for programs up to 8 hours (summer camps).  Skillful interpretation, performed in a variety of methods and techniques, is paramount to the visitors’ tour experience to provide a deeply informative and enjoyable experience in the Okefenokee.

In addition, this job may require the employee to stand, bend, kneel or lift in the course of their regular job duties.

Normal Hours:

  • Hours and expectations as set by the General Manager(s) and with the support of the Executive Director of the Okefenokee Swamp Park and Adventures. Typical work hours are 9:00am-5:00pm, Monday-Friday with some weekend, early morning, and evening hours.

Principal Accountabilities:

  • A well-rounded knowledge of flora, fauna, geology, geography, hydrology, general ecology and fire ecology of the Okefenokee Swamp and surrounding region of the southeastern coastal plain in general. (Some on the job training)
  • Knowledge of human history of the Okefenokee (Some on the job training)
  • Plan, create, support, implement, and evaluate science and cultural history educational and interpretive programs for children and adults.
  • Excellent public speaking skills are a must- Interpretive Educator must be able to comfortably speak to (and answer questions from) the public of varying ages, cultural backgrounds, interests, and personalities.
  • A variety of weather conditions and biting insects must be tolerated.
  • The ability to operate a tiller driven motorized boat and to paddle a canoe or kayak. (Some on the job training)
  • Responsible for the safety, health and well-being of all visitors.
  • Supports the mission and goals of the Okefenokee Swamp Park and Okefenokee Adventures.

Qualifications:

  • Three or more years of successful teaching (formal or in-formal)  in environmental science, history, or other related field
  • Experience in or ability to learn Google Workspace tools and products. Experience with technology is a must.
  • Prefered: Valid Georgia T-4 (or the ability to obtain) or higher in area of science, history, or related field
  • Completed, or able to complete, Guide training from US Fish & Wildlife-Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge as it becomes available.
  • Valid Motor Vehicle Operator’s License and good driving record.
  • Maintain first aid and CPR certification.
  • Will occasionally, lift, carry, push or pull weights up to 60+ lbs.
  • Walks on various types of terrain in all climate conditions.
  • Excellent communication skills.
  • Works well with the public.
  • Good interpersonal and organizational skills. 
  • Pro-active orientation, coupled with the ability to consistently present professionally and act as a team player.

Professional Responsibility:

  • Maintains his/her interpretive skills and participates in professional development activities.
  • Participates in collegial activities designed to make the entire Okefenokee Adventures and Okefenokee Swamp Park organization productive and positive.
  • Responsible for reading and adhering to the guidelines as established in the personnel handbook and adhering to all OA / OSP policies.
  • Provide educational opportunities to students and visitors through on-site and virtual field trips at the OSP & OA.  Collaborate and coordinate with available resources, such as researchers and guest lecturers.  These opportunities will provide lessons on the swamp ecosystem, including wildlife, botany, hydrology, geology and the cultural history of the Okefenokee Swamp with an emphasis on conservation and sustainability.
  • Collect and assemble instructional materials available in nature.
  • Collaborate with Okefenokee RESA education coordinator to provide field trip and onsite programming
  • Assist in the development, revision, and implementation of professional development courses for the OSP & OA staff and volunteers. 
  • Assist in writing and coordinating curriculum guides, curriculum mapping, and curriculum alignment in science, as well as interpretive guides for staff and wayfinding for guests.
  • Assist in providing identification, development, and production of educational materials that can be accessed by wayfinding methodology such as QR codes, signage, headsets etc. for all visitation to the OSP.
  • Maintain accurate, complete, and correct records as required by Georgia Statutes and the OSP & OA.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and related experience in educational technology.
  • Assist in facilitating grant writing as requested.
  • Provide timely workday accountability reports of services and other activities to OSP.
  • Perform other duties as assigned, required or alternatively inspired.

HOW TO APPLY

Equal Opportunity Employer: 

The Okefenokee Swamp Park and Okefenokee Adventures are committed to maintaining a work and educational environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, ancestry, place of birth, age, veteran status, political affiliation, or disability as defined and required by state and federal laws.

Please submit a cover letter outlining your interest, accompanied by a resume and at least 2 references to the Executive Director, Kim Bednarek at kim.bednarek@okeswamp.org