Summary

Join our team at Eagle Bluff as a Curriculum Coordinator and embark on an exciting journey in the field of education. As part of our Curriculum Department, you will play a vital role in shaping the educational experiences of thousands of students. Take the lead in maintaining equipment, mentoring staff, and participating in collaborative curriculum development. With opportunities for professional growth and a supportive team environment, this is an exceptional opportunity for individuals passionate about environmental education and curriculum creation. Come be a part of our mission to connect people to the earth and each other in a beautiful rural setting.

Context

The Curriculum Coordinator role is an integral part of our collaborative Curriculum Team, working alongside two other Curriculum Coordinators, an Operations Coordinator, the Outdoor School Manager, and 1-2 seasonal assistants. As a team, our primary focus is to ensure the smooth functioning of the Outdoor School programming via maintaining lesson plans, class materials, adventure equipment, historical teaching sites, and safe adventure courses. This regularly includes troubleshooting challenges faced by instructors and students and taking an active role in fixing equipment. Each Curriculum Coordinator takes ownership of a subset of the 45+ classes offered at Eagle Bluff. By leveraging each team member's unique skills and perspectives, we foster a collaborative and supportive atmosphere which drives innovation and growth. 

In addition to our core responsibilities, the Curriculum Team actively supports the Outdoor Education Fellowship Program, which begins each August. As a Curriculum Coordinator, you will play a pivotal role in training and guiding these aspiring educators, briefing them on lesson plan updates, and leading comprehensive class trainings. While not directly supervising staff, you will serve as a mentor, providing invaluable guidance to foster their growth as effective teachers and professionals.

As one of our 23 Education Department staff members, you will contribute to the facilitation of our diverse education programming. Your teaching frequency will vary by season, with fall and spring being particularly busy due to the higher occupancy of the Outdoor School. Teaching will account for approximately 35% of your time in a 12-month period, primarily engaging 4th to 8th-grade students. The first year in this position is expected to be a year of learning the organization, your duties, and the seasonality of Eagle Bluff programming.

Organization Overview

Essential Functions

Maintain and Develop Program Curricula  | 55%

• Maintain education equipment and supplies related to Eagle Bluff’s classes/activities. Perform regular safety maintenance/inspections; may include high/low ropes courses, canoes, and indoor rock wall.
• Participate in collaborative curriculum development and revision for the Outdoor School’s classes; align curriculum with Eagle Bluff pedagogy and NGSS/state academic standards.
• Write training guides to set expectations for training staff in use of equipment and sites.
• Mentor staff in program expectations, curriculum delivery, use of equipment, and implementation of teaching techniques.

Teaching  | 35%

• Deliver engaging and interactive inquiry-based science, adventure, and cultural history classes on and off trail to diverse groups in outdoor weather conditions. 
• Present interpretation-style, on-stage Naturalist Programs to audiences up to 200.
• Co-lead songs, skits, and stories during evening campfires.
• Occasionally coordinate and give off-site programs to outreach groups. 
• Periodically act as the Staff On-Radio to respond in case of emergencies.

Education Department Duties | 10%

• Delegate and oversee seasonal staff in completing tangible programmatic projects.
• Lead seminars for Fellowship staff in classroom management, pedagogy, and/or natural history; lead class trainings for new staff.
• Evaluate seasonal staff through class observations.
• Conduct program assessment via teacher interviews, class assessments.
• Provide logistical support for summer camp.
• Actively collaborate during team meetings, occasionally lead or notate.
• Seek out and participate in professional development workshops, trainings, or conferences which will benefit self and Eagle Bluff broadly.

Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree, or equivalent experience
• 2 years teaching K-12 youth; experience with outdoor teaching
• Experience with or willingness to learn Affinity Publisher and Google G-Suite

Minimum Qualifications & Skills

• High attention to detail, adaptability, and problem-solving skills
• Strong communication and emotional intelligence
• Ability to work with and present to individuals from diverse backgrounds, including large groups
• Proactive approach to expanding knowledge and skills
• Ability to operate adventure activities: high ropes courses, canoeing, rock wall, long hikes, etc.
• US driver’s license, First Aid/CPR certification, and ability to pass a background check

Preferred Experience, Qualifications, & Skills

• Overnight environmental or outdoor education experience
• Knowledge of B.E.E.T.L.E.S., NAI Certified Interpretive Guide, and/or cultural interpretation pedagogies
• Experience writing standards-aligned, inquiry-based lesson plans
• Experience in outdoor, adventure-based activities such as archery, climbing, canoeing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, etc.
• Experience mentoring or coaching adults
• Prior experience facilitating or maintaining challenge courses, archery, rock climbing, or canoeing
• MN DNR Firearms Safety Instructor or willingness to get

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute for the specific education and experience listed above. See specific Workplace Conditions here. 

Please note that meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview, as there may be a competitive selection process based on the number of qualified applicants. The preferred qualifications indicate additional skills and experience that would be beneficial for the position.

See benefits here.