Lead Environmental Educator - Science Adventure School

is a 4-day, 3-night outdoor science school that serves 6th grade students in West Virginia. Our goal is to integrate high quality, engaging, adventure sports-driven science and environmental curriculum with experiential education and student development. The Environmental Education curriculum was developed through on-going partnerships with WVU researchers and local organizations such as the American Chestnut Foundation and focuses on local ecology and current research in forest ecology, freshwater ecology, soil science, and wildlife ecology.

The Lead Environmental Educator will play a crucial role in meeting that goal by supervising Environmental Education Instructors, delivering curriculum, assisting in developing curriculum, and providing program support. In July, the Lead Environmental Educator will also teach SAS environmental lessons at the 2023 . The Jamboree presents a unique opportunity to get familiar with both the Summit Bechtel Reserve and the EE curriculum before the SAS season begins, as we showcase our programming to tens of thousands of Scouts from across the country.

The Lead Environmental Educator will:

• Collaborate with SAS director, EE coordinator, consultants, and program partners to help create hands-on, interactive curriculum and a plan for implementation
• Oversee the implementation of the EE curriculum
• Develop and deliver staff training modules and materials for EE instructors
• Facilitate indoor and outdoor environmental education lessons for 6th grade students.
• Take an active interest in the development of students, teacher, and staff.
• Collaborate with team members from varying backgrounds and areas of expertise
• Be able to support team members' growth by auditing their lessons and providing feedback
• Fulfill other duties as assigned to support SAS operations at large which may include logistical support; organization of equipment; accommodating any staff members', students', or teachers' needs; and otherwise being willing to take on unknown or challenging tasks.
• Maintain a positive attitude and a willingness to take initiative, as well as professional language, appearance, and behavior.
• Work at the 2023 National Scout Jamboree as a SAS educator, delivering the Environmental Education Curriculum.

Time Commitment:

Lead Educators begin work in June, and the Science Adventure School program season begins in late August. We run for six weeks with students at the Summit Bechtel Reserve in Glen Jean, WV. Following that, we spend three weeks in both Weston and Bruceton Mills, WV, in order to serve students in different areas of our state.

We expect that you will be available to work with us from June through November. Lead Instructors generally work Monday through Friday, with occasional weekend work required. During the pre-season, we work 37.5 hours per week; however, once we are working with students, hours will vary, with long days expected for all members of the SAS team.

Compensation and Benefits:

• $16,200 - $17,300 stipend to cover work from June 19th - November 10th
• Stipend amount varies based on experience and housing preference.
• 10 days off throughout the season. Additional unpaid time off may be negotiated, with supervisor approval.
• Housing will be provided for the duration of the contract. Pre-program, you will be located primarily in Morgantown, WV, with some time at the Summit Bechtel Reserve in Glen Jean, WV during the National Jamboree. While in Morgantown you can choose between SAS securing your lodging for you or $500 added to your contract to seek your own lodging.
• During the regular SAS season, from August 12th - November 10th, lodging will be provided in the form of canvas platform tents and either cabins or yurts (depending on specific program location).
• All meals will be provided Monday-Friday, during the Jamboree and SAS season. Space and kitchen equipment will be available for food preparation on the weekends. Meals will not be provided during pre-program preparations.
• All professional training will be paid and provided for free.
• During the season, showers, laundry, and internet will be available on site at no charge.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications and Requirements:

The applicant must, at a minimum, have the following experience/qualification:

• Bachelor's degree in environmental studies, education, natural sciences, biology, or another related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Thorough understanding of core science concepts relative to WV 6th grade standards.
• At least one year of outdoor science education/teaching experience (both informal and formal preferred).
• Ability to provide constructive feedback to colleagues and team members.
• Be highly organized and willing to create new systems where needed.
• Ability to hold and direct weekly staff team meetings including facilitating personal and program feedback.

Preferred Qualifications:

The following qualifications are preferred, but are not mandatory:

• Experience creating outdoor science curriculum.
• Knowledge of modern teaching strategies and techniques.
• Experience working with public schools and students.
• Experience working with the middle school age group.
• Valid driver license and comfort driving large vehicles (12-15 passenger vans or large trucks) and hauling trailers.
• Hold a First Aid, WFA, or WFR and CPR certification.
• Master's degree in relevant field.

Well qualified applicants can expect to hear back from our team within seven days of application submission. For more information about SAS, visit our website at , especially the Staff FAQ page at . If you have questions, please feel welcome to email .

At West Virginia University, we leverage our talents and resources to create a better future for our state and the world. As West Virginia's land-grant university, WVU has three campuses that touch each corner of the state. The WVU System includes 518 buildings on 15,880 acres, Extension Service offices in all 55 counties, ten experimental farms and four forests.

From the groundbreaking R1 research of our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs of WVU Potomac State in Keyser to the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley - the contributions of WVU employees directly impact the 1.8 million people of West Virginia every day, no matter their role or position.

Service, curiosity, respect, accountability, and appreciation are the core values that unite Mountaineers, inspiring one another to work tirelessly and support others as they seek to reach new heights. After all, when you're a Mountaineer, impossible is just another mountain to climb.

Creating an inclusive, engaged, and dynamic learning environment is core to WVU's academic mission. We welcome candidates who can contribute a range of ideas, approaches and experiences.

To learn more about West Virginia University, visit go.wvu.edu. View current career opportunities at careers.wvu.edu.

West Virginia University is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer and is the recipient of an NSF ADVANCE award for gender equity. The University values diversity among its faculty, staff, and students, and invites applications from all qualified applicants regardless of race, ethnicity, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, nationality, genetics, disability, or Veteran status.