The Learning Barge Educator supports educational programming on the Learning Barge and Learning Barge on Wheels and may also assist with programming at Paradise Creek Nature Park. This role is responsible for supporting overall Learning Barge maintenance and assisting with outreach and volunteer events. Other responsibilities include strengthening communications with schools and teachers regarding the River Star Schools program and associated activities.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Educates elementary, middle, and high school students through outdoor, hands-on field investigations. Works collaboratively with a team to teach Elizabeth River education topics, including sea-level rise, ecology, native plants and animals, water quality testing, and more.
Works with the Volunteer Manager and Educator & Engagement Specialist to support and occasionally lead public and private volunteer events, including both land- and water-based cleanups. Maintains the required kayak certification.
Participates in outreach and tabling events, which may occur outside of regular work hours, to engage the community and promote the organization’s mission and programs.
Collaborates closely with the Youth Resilience Educator to strengthen communication with schools and support their pursuit of River Star Schools recognition and implementation of action projects.
Assists in maintaining accurate program data, including calculating pre- and post-assessment results for field trips, entering water quality data, and recording additional field trip data in tracking spreadsheets.
Drives the Barge on Wheels (15-passenger van) as needed. Demonstrates strong knowledge of the Barge on Wheels program and is able to facilitate multiple stations as required.
Supports general vessel upkeep, including cleaning, rust removal, painting, and safely maneuvering in and out of a canoe for scum line maintenance. Assists with barge maintenance, safety protocols, and field trip preparation, and maintains a strong understanding of Elizabeth River Project operations.
Provides occasional leadership and guidance to seasonal staff and volunteers, ensuring alignment with program goals and safety standards.
Performs other duties as assigned.
PERFORMANCE STANDARD
Employees at all levels are expected to effectively work together to meet the needs of the community and the organization through work behaviors demonstrating Elizabeth River Project’s Values. Employees are also expected to lead by example and demonstrate the highest level of ethics.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE
- Education – Basic knowledge of providing education to the public, particularly elementary, middle, and high school students.
- Environmental Science – Basic knowledge on efforts to solve environmental challenges related to the Elizabeth River.
REQUIRED SKILLS
- Flexibility — Ready to embrace new challenges and responsibilities with a focus on supporting the team’s goals and ensuring program success.
- Interpersonal Relationships – Shares knowledge with supervisors and staff for mutual and departmental benefit. Handles conflicts and disagreements in a positive manner. Establishes effective working relationships among team members.
- Teamwork – Participates in working with team to solve problems and make decisions. Willingly provides assistance to others as needed.
REQUIRED ABILITIES
- Communication – Expresses ideas and information effectively and concisely in an oral and/or written mode. Uses active communication with supervisors and coworkers. Adapts communication style depending on the needs of individual students.
- Coordination of Work – Manages own time well and is considerate of the time of others. Completes tasks with attention to detail and efficiency. Establishes priorities for the completion of work in order of importance.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Means of transportation to and from work required. Science, recreation, or teaching background preferred. Experience working with youth preferred. Up-to-date first aid/CPR required, kayaking experience preferred.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
An acceptable general background check to include a local and state criminal history check.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Ability to lift 30 pounds over head
- Ability to stand and work for extended periods averaging 2-3 hours
- Ability to work in cold, wet, or otherwise challenging situations
- Ability to walk while carrying moderately heavy items
- Ability to maneuver in and out of/within a canoe to assist with vessel upkeep
SENSORY REQUIREMENTS
- Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate sounds and visual cues or signals.
- Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.
ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURES
Essential functions of this position are regularly performed with exposure to outdoor elements, consisting of sometimes inclement weather including heat, cold, and wet conditions.
POSITION PARAMETERS
- This position reports to Hailey Lauritsen, Learning Barge Education Manager.
- This is an hourly, non-exempt, regular full-time position.
- Hours are 40/week.
- Hourly pay is $20/hour.
HOW TO APPLY: Please send an email with a resume to Human Resources Manager, Jaye Farrell, at jfarrell@elizabethriver.org.