Environmental Educator/Residence Life Coordinator

Position Summary:

Goshen College is a Christian liberal arts institution that prepares students to thrive in life, leadership and service. We strive to model an inclusive community committed to transformative justice, peace, and sustainability. A respect and appreciation of the Anabaptist-Mennonite faith perspective and practices, and a commitment to the mission, vision, core values and  community standards of Goshen College, are important for teaching and administrative faculty members.  

This position supports the mission of Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center by: a) designing and delivering PreK-12 environmental education programs, b) serving as director of residence life for undergraduate students living at Merry Lea, c) coordinating non-student Merry Lea residential experiences, and d) providing support for undergraduate and graduate learning experiences.

This position also supports Merry Lea’s Environmental Education Outreach program by delivering environmental education programs for PreK-12, family, and adult audiences, and contributes to related curriculum review and development. In serving as Merry Lea’s director of residence life, this position works to establish and maintain harmonious group living and a positive learning community dynamic for undergraduate students during the fall Sustainability Semester. They also serve in this capacity during other times of year, especially during the summer, for non-student residents including interns and student researchers. This person is the first point of contact for residents’ issues and concerns, and will facilitate engagement with other Merry Lea and Goshen College personnel as needed. Specific responsibilities of this position include assigning rooms, checking students in and out, creating relevant policies in consultation with ML Executive Director, SEED Chair, Director of Sustainability Semester, and relevant GC staff, clearly communicating expectations and policies to residents, performing periodic room/building inspections for cleanliness, and facilitating living community meetings with residents. This position also provides academic support for Sustainability and Environmental Education Department (SEED) faculty, such as coordinating field trips and guest speakers, gathering supplies, and providing logistical support.

This is a full-time, exempt salary position (1.0 FTE) with an annual wage of $38,485.

Responsibilities related to Environmental Education Outreach (EEO) programs – 60%

• Deliver Environmental Education Outreach (EEO) programs
  • Deliver EEO programs at Merry Lea and at offsite locations
  • Assist with and contribute to training for new & existing educators (i.e., volunteers,  graduate/undergraduate students, and other staff educators)
  • Model appropriate pedagogical practices for volunteers, graduate and  undergraduate students, and contribute to mentorship of designated students
• Contribute to curriculum review and development
  • Participate in regular review of EEO programs.
  • Assist in the revision and development of curriculum that supports identified goals and considers needs of internal and external audiences.

Responsibilities related to students-in-residence at Merry Lea – 40%

• Community Life
  • Serve as director of residence life for student and non-student residents living at Rieth Village (RV) during the fall SEED Sustainability Semester and at other times of year, including the summer.
  • Assist RV residents on a path to harmonious group living through modeling creative leadership, group guidance, and positive engagement.
  • Facilitate weekly community meetings during periods when Goshen College students are in residence. Periodically tend to group dynamic needs when non-student persons (e.g., summer interns, researchers from other organizations, etc.) are in residence.
  • Facilitate organization of group tasks performed by RV students in residence, such as cleaning and grocery shopping, and manage related financial tasks when necessary.
  • In collaboration with the MAEE Director, assist in supporting community living aspects of Master of Arts in Environmental Education (MAEE) students.
• SEED Academic Program Support
  • Provide logistical support for learning experiences related to the SEED Sustainability Semester (e.g., coordinate field trips including the Sustainability Semester canoe trip, make arrangements with outside speakers, gather necessary supplies, provide tech support).
  • Together with SEED faculty, guide the formation of a learning community within the context of that immersive program.
  • In coordination with the SEED Chair and other SEED faculty, plan and coordinate occasional non-academic social activities for Sustainability Semester students.
  • Assist with purchasing, inventorying, and maintaining equipment and tools for the Sustainability Semester program.
• Administrative
  • Gather, organize, and summarize information related to the SEED Sustainability Semester (e.g., create/manage a database for equipment, track money spent for individual activities, and create spreadsheet files with useful information for following years).
  • Support SEED faculty in planning for program revisions and enhancements.
  • Ensure that student living spaces at Rieth Village (i.e., Pewamo, Washtenaw, Oshtemo South Kitchen, and Oshtemo South Bathroom) remain clean at all times. This includes assisting Merry Lea operations staff in performing deep cleaning of these spaces after residential cohorts depart and before new cohorts arrive.
  • Host prospective undergraduate visits to Merry Lea and tours of Rieth Village.

• General Duties
  • Attend Merry Lea staff meetings and appropriate subgroup meetings, such as EEO.Support Office Manager in Rieth Village facility rentals by managing facility key distribution.
  • Develop special projects as requested by the supervisor.

Education and/or Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Education, Outdoor Recreation, Biology, or related field
• 1-2 years experience in delivering field based education and/or crafting/managing cohesive group identity (e.g., supervising student group living, collegiate Resident Assistant, camp counselor, outdoor expedition leader, etc.)

Certifications, Licenses, Registrations:

• First Aid certification required (could be obtained after hire)
• Must have a valid driver’s license.

Skills & Competencies:

REQUIRED:

• Work or educational experience that demonstrates responsibility, self-direction, organization, and flexibility
• Basic computer skills
• Responsible, resourceful, and flexible
• Logistically savvy
• Strong people skills and sense of empathy

PREFERRED:

• Experience with spreadsheet management, social media, and database use
• Experience delivering environmental education programs
• Canoeing, boating, and camping skills
• Cooking skills
• Experience with mini-bus/passenger van driving and driving with a trailer

Work Environment/Environmental Condition:

The location of this position is at Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center, which is 28 miles southeast of Goshen. Merry Lea consists of 1,189 acres of diverse ecosystems and is managed as a preserve. There are multiple program sites and facilities including classroom and office space.

Inside environmental conditions for a portion of the time, but does include significant work outside where there may be exposure to inclement weather, exposure to pollen and spores, venomous snakes, ticks, biting insects and other elements that are a part of an intentionally natural environment.

All of the essential job functions are subject to reasonable accommodation. All job requirements listed indicate the minimum level of knowledge, skills and/or ability deemed necessary to perform the job proficiently.  This job description is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements.   Individuals may be required to perform other job-related instructions as requested by the supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation.  This position description is not all-inclusive and may change at the option of the (supervisor or department head).  Any major change will result in the position being reviewed for reclassification.

Work includes periodic weekend and evening responsibilities.

Benefits

• Health insurance (employee premium 100% covered)
• Dental, vision, life and LTD insurance
• Retirement plans
• Tuition discounts
• Free employee membership to Recreation/Fitness Center
• Flexible Spending Account
• Paid holidays, vacation and sick leave

See our website for additional benefits information.

About Goshen College

Goshen College is a nationally-ranked college and Hispanic-Serving Institution in Indiana renowned for its distinctive hands-on, real-world educational opportunities, and its commitment to creating positive change in the community and the world. The college offers over 65 undergraduate areas of study; as well as best-in-class graduate programs in nursing, business administration, social work and environmental education. This caring, safe and diverse campus prides itself on providing excellent academic programs that connect arts with sciences, and theory with practice — exposing students to multiple perspectives and encouraging them to think deeply, live creatively and lead purposefully.

The college is located in the City of Goshen in the heart of Elkhart County, within several hours of Chicago, Indianapolis and Detroit, Residents of Goshen enjoy a culturally diverse small-town atmosphere with an active arts community, a vibrant and entrepreneurial downtown, the Maple City Greenway network of bicycle paths and affordable housing prices. Learn more at www,goodofgoshen.com.

How to Apply

Application materials may be attached to the Teaching and Administrative Faculty Application Form or sent electronically to hr@goshen.edu.

Required:

• Complete the online Administrative Faculty Application Form
• Letter of Application
• Curriculum Vitae
• List of three professional references with contact information

Review of applications will begin on March 25 and applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Preferred start date: Monday, April 22, 2024.

E-Verify Statement of Participation

Goshen College participates in E-Verify. If you are hired, we will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

Goshen College Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement

Goshen College is an equal opportunity employer, committed to enhancing diversity across the institution. Goshen College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or any legally protected status. To protect the welfare and provide for the safety of the students, employees, visitors, and resources of Goshen College, background checks are conducted by the Office of Human Resources on all new and re-hired employees.

Human Resources
Goshen College
1700 S. Main Street
Goshen, IN 46526-4795

E-mail: hr@goshen.edu
Telephone: (574) 535-7111