Open Position

Environmental Educator

Apply Here

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.

Position Summary:

The Part-Time Environmental Educator supports Merry Lea’s Environmental Education and Outreach (EEO) programs by delivering engaging, high-quality educational experiences for preK–12 students and public audiences both on-site and at off-site locations. This role contributes to program coordination, curriculum development, and continuous program improvement while helping to ensure a positive and inclusive learning environment for diverse participants. The Environmental Educator also assists with program logistics, site and materials preparation, and the care of ambassador animals. Working collaboratively with staff, students, and volunteers, this position plays an important role in advancing Merry Lea’s mission through hands-on, place-based environmental education. Evening and weekend work is required.

Essential Functions:

  • Deliver EEO Programs
    • Deliver preK–12 and public programs at Merry Lea and offsite locations, providing excellent customer service to all participants.
      •  Serve as program coordinator on designated program days.
      • Assist/lead Nature PreK as designated.
    • Support training for new and existing educators, including volunteers, graduate/ undergraduate students, and staff.
    • Assist with daily and seasonal preparation of program sites, maintaining organization and proper care of facilities, materials, and equipment.
    • Contribute to daily and seasonal preparation of program sites. Maintain organization and care of facilities, materials, and equipment during use.
    • Apply a diversity, equity, and inclusion lens to support and engage diverse program audiences.
  • Curriculum Review and Development
    • Participate in the ongoing evaluation and improvement of EEO programs.
    • Revise and develop curriculum for preK–12 and public programs aligned with program goals and audience needs.
    • Integrate current content knowledge, research, educational best practices, and professional learning into program design.
    • Support implementation of program evaluation and assessment tools.
    • Plan, execute, and lead Program for Outdoor Wilderness Learning (PROWL) and Spring Break Day Camp (SBDC).
  • Other Responsibilities
    • Assist the Public Programs Coordinator/Environmental Educator with care of ambassador animals, including feeding, handling, and habitat maintenance.
    • In collaboration with the Associate Director of Communications and Marketing, develop and implement advertising strategies for PROWL & SBDC.
    • Participate in environmental education conferences and professional development opportunities as available.
    • Attend Merry Lea staff meetings and appropriate subgroup meetings.
    • Perform other duties as assigned by the EEO Director.

Supervisory Responsibility:

  • Occasionally provides guidance to volunteers, graduate and undergraduate students, and Merry Lea staff in EEO programs.

Education and Experience:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in environmental sciences, environmental education, biology, natural resources, education, outdoor education or related field, or relevant professional experience.

Certifications, Licenses, Registrations:

  • First Aid certification required (may be obtained after hire).
  • Valid driver’s license required.

Skills Required:

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Demonstrated ability to effectively support and work with undergraduate and graduate students.
  • Demonstrated commitment to working with individuals and groups from diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Physical Demands:

  • Ability to perform physical activities including sitting, standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and lifting/carrying up to 50 pounds.
  • Ability to work outdoors in variable weather conditions.

Work Environment and Environmental Conditions:

Moderate environmental conditions for the most part, 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 part of an intentionally natural environment. Position includes travel on foot to remote natural areas without pathways and in wet or snowy conditions.

Work includes periodic weekend and evening responsibilities. All of the essential job functions are subject to reasonable accommodation. All job requirements listed indicated 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 may change at the option of the supervisor (or department head). Any major change will result in the position being reviewed for reclassification.

Benefits:

  • Dental insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Life/AD&D (Goshen College pays employee premium)
  • Retirement (403(b))
  • College contribution to retirement after 90 days
  • Free membership to GC Recreation-Fitness Center
  • Paid holidays, vacation, sick leave (pro-rated)
  • Tuition discounts (pro-rated)

How to Apply

Application materials may be attached to the Administrative & Teaching Faculty Application  or sent electronically to [email protected].

Goshen College will not be sponsoring candidates for this position.

Required:

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.

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. As a religious institution, Goshen College expressly reserves its rights, its understandings of, and its commitments to the historic Anabaptist identity and the teachings of Mennonite Church USA, and reserves the legal right to hire and employ individuals who support the values of the college. 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.

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 goodofgoshen.com.

Contact HR

Human Resources
Goshen College
1700 S. Main Street
Goshen, IN 46526-4795
E-mail: [email protected]
Telephone: (574) 535-7111

Apply Now