Job Overview

Educator - Student Programs and Outreach is responsible for delivering dynamic, educational programs to students, Nature Center guests, and community audiences at public events and festivals. This position includes handling ambassador animals for programs, supporting education interns, and assisting with the Conservancy’s summer camp programs. Our Educators collaborate with cross-functional teams to promote environmental conservation and inspire participants to connect with Southwest Florida’s unique ecosystems.

This position will primarily focus on Student Programs and Outreach.

Interested candidates can start at an Educator I or II level based on qualification and experience.

Educator I: Requirements for this position are described below. Salary will be determined based on the candidate’s experience.

Educator II: The candidate in this position should have 2-5 years of experience in the key responsibilities and qualifications listed below. Salary will be determined based on the candidate’s experience.

Responsibilities

Education and Outreach

• Deliver engaging on-campus and outreach student programs.
• Assist with curriculum development for student programming and summer camp.
• Represent the Conservancy at community events, fairs, and festivals.
• Support the training and mentorship of education interns, ensuring they are comfortable and skilled in delivering student programs and handling ambassador animals.
• Handle ambassador animals (e.g., non-venomous snakes, baby alligators) for student programs and outreach.
• Plan and deliver hands-on science activities and outdoor adventures as part of summer camp programming. 
• Support Nature Center programming as needed.

Mobile Classroom Operations

• Drive or learn to drive the mobile classroom (39-foot non-CDL vehicle) to outreach locations.
• Support maintenance and troubleshooting of mobile classroom technology.
• Collaborate with departments for vehicle and equipment upkeep.
• Program Development and Evaluation
• Collaborate with the Education team to create new programs and enhance existing school programs and outreach.
• Contribute to program assessment and evaluation processes.
  

Professional Development and Engagement

• Participate in special events, such as galas, festivals, and holiday programs, to represent the Conservancy.
• Participate in relevant professional associations.
• Be willing to obtain and maintain certifications and training relevant to education and outreach.
• Deliver excellent internal and external customer service.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
  

Education and Experience

• Associate’s degree in education, science, or related fields, or 2 years of college coursework in the above areas plus verifiable experience working with children in an educational environment.
• Bachelor’s Degree in environmental education, teaching natural history, or related fields preferred. Degrees in other fields are acceptable, provided the applicant has experience, training, or supplementary education in life sciences.
• Relevant formal or informal teaching experience, preferably in outdoor or science-based education programs.
• Experience developing, organizing, and conducting interpretive programs for the public is preferred.
• Knowledge of current practices in conservation, scientific research, and environmental education is highly desirable.
• Candidates with a strong desire to work outdoors and engage with people of all ages are encouraged to apply.

Skills and Abilities

Interpersonal Communication:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including public speaking.
• Strong ability to connect to diverse audiences and build rapport with people from all backgrounds, abilities, and communities.
• Team-oriented mindset: Proven ability to work well with others and positively accept constructive feedback.
• Organization and Problem-Solving: Successfully organize and manage projects, ability to effectively prioritize tasks, and adapt to evolving priorities with ease.
• Flexibility: This position typically follows a Tuesday thru Saturday, 9am-5pm schedule.
• However, the candidate   must be adaptable and willing to work extended hours at times (with breaks), including weekends and some  evenings, to accommodate changing schedules.
• Commitment to Excellence: Passion for conservation and environmental stewardship; able to represent the Conservancy with professionalism and enthusiasm.
• Willingness to Grow: Openness to learning, evolving, and receiving coaching. 

Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations

• Valid driver’s license with a good driving record.
  CPR, First Aid, and Lifesaving certification (or ability to obtain).

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Comfortable working outdoors in Florida’s weather conditions, including extreme heat, wind, and rain.
• Comfortable walking for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and move objects up to 25 pounds.
• Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, and use hands for various tasks.
• Visual acuity for close, color, peripheral, and depth perception.
• Moderate noise level in the work environment.

FLSA Status: Exempt
Employment Type: Full-time
Salary Range: 
Educator I: Range commensurate upon experience - $45,000 to $47,500
Educator II: Range commensurate upon experience - $52,000 to $58,000

Equal Opportunity Employer:

The Conservancy of Southwest Florida is an equal-opportunity employer and provides reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Job posted January 27, 2025