Prairie Ridge Ecostation at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences is seeking an individual who is passionate about connecting families to nature to join our team! This position will facilitate nature play and exploration for early childhood audiences while keeping an outdoor learning environment well-maintained and running smoothly.

This position is a North Carolina state 11-month temporary position for 40 hours/week, with potential for rehire. Position will report to the Head of Prairie Ridge Ecostation and coordinate with the Education staff of the North Carolina Museum of Nature Sciences.

Pay: $19.00/hour

Work schedule: Tuesday through Saturday

Location:  Prairie Ridge Ecostation in West Raleigh, some meetings at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences in Downtown Raleigh.

About the Nature PlaySpace:

The Nature PlaySpace (NPS) is designed to celebrate the importance of outdoor play in the lives and education of young children. It is a perfect backdrop for young children first learning how to care for our natural resources. Families can explore the slide, groundhog tunnel, mud kitchen, and areas for art, digging, and water play. Children can climb over logs, make mud pies, observe nature, and dig for fossils. This is a space where children can flourish as they practice gross and fine motor skills, find opportunity for social engagement with other children, and as they take appropriate risks as they explore their environment.

Responsibilities:

As the Nature PlaySpace Specialist, this role deals primarily with educational programming for early childhood audiences and maintenance of the Nature PlaySpace, in addition to general Prairie Ridge staff responsibilities.

Educational Programming Responsibilities:

• Lead early childhood programming on site, including Nature Play Days, Nature Stories, Nature Creators, and additional specialized programs

• Develop, manage, and oversee Nature PlaySpace program volunteers
• Oversee the StoryWalk® and StoryTrail program on site, which includes developing, maintaining, and installing StoryWalks® throughout the year
• Track and report program statistics
• Participate in large events such as PrairieFest, FlutterFest, and WinterFest, as well as other special events throughout the year
• Develop and implement programming specific to Take a Child Outside Week annually
• Be an advocate for early childhood development with visitors by helping communicate the value of play, freedom of choice, appropriate risk-taking, and time outside

Nature PlaySpace Maintenance Responsibilities:

• Oversee the maintenance and upkeep needs of the Nature PlaySpace, including assessing, tracking, and implementing maintenance needs throughout the space, as well as working closely with Natural Resources and Facilities staff to implement larger needs
• Conduct regular safety walks of the Nature PlaySpace and determine plan to address any identified safety concerns
• Conduct regular Risk-benefit Assessments of all features in the Nature PlaySpace
• Develop, manage, and oversee Nature PlaySpace maintenance volunteers

General Prairie Ridge Staff Responsibilities:

• Assist with daily operational tasks which may include customer service, cleaning bathrooms, trash and recycling removal, opening/closing procedures, and other such tasks
• Interact professionally with visitors and provide high-quality customer service
• Support other initiatives and needs at Prairie Ridge, as well as educational endeavors across the museum
• Maintain good communication with the staff of Prairie Ridge Ecostation and other museum entities

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Enthusiasm for science education, community engagement, and environmental education
• Experience working with young children (ages 2-4 preferred) and their families in outdoor settings
• Experience working with diverse audiences
• Excellent communication skills, especially with young children
• Demonstrated success in working independently and as a member of a team, and developing effective working relationships with staff
• Knowledge of the principles of play work and environmental education, particularly in relation to early childhood
• Able to hike 2-3 miles on unpaved trails, work outside in inclement weather, and be comfortable working with a diversity of wildlife.
• Ability to adapt quickly and positively to unexpected changes such as inclement weather and wildlife encounters.
• Ability to use basic gardening and wood working tools
• Ability to complete basic landscaping tasks; lift 40 lbs.
• Professional manner and dress
• Transportation to Prairie Ridge Ecostation or the Museum in downtown Raleigh
• Must be dependable and punctual

Minimum Education:

High school or General Educational Development (GED) diploma and one year of experience as related to knowledge, skills, and abilities in area of assignment; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Education:

Earned or working towards a degree with a focus in education, psychology, biology, or natural science related to the area of assignment and one year of experience as related to knowledge, skills, and abilities in area of assignment