Summer Educator

The Huyck Preserve and Biological Research Station seeks a skilled and enthusiastic environmental science educator to teach its summer K-12 education programs. 

Applicants must have completed or be working towards a BA/BS degree in a science-related field. Supervised by and coordinating with the Executive Director, the Summer Educator will be the lead instructor for elementary and middle school programs and co-teach the Preserve’s high school course. Preference will be given to applicants with a strong interest and/or background in field ecology and environmental or outdoor education.

Summer Course Descriptions:

Nature Study: Elementary School, Grades K-5, July 8-19 (M-F)

Held in week-long, half-day sessions, Nature Study teaches K-5 students about nature through play-based lessons and exploration of the Huyck Preserve’s trails and streams. We use children’s curiosity as our guide. Science-themed games and crafts reinforce the basic concepts of ecology and environmental science.

Ecological Explorations: Middle School, Grades 6-8, July 22-26

This full-day, week-long course allows middle school students to get up-close to the Preserve’s ecosystems and organisms. Days are spent hiking the trails, exploring the ecosystems of the streams, lake, pond, and forests, problem solving, and participating in group challenges and activities.

Wildlife Ecology Research: High School, Grades 9-12, July 29- August 9 (M-F)

Wildlife Ecology Research is an intensive two-week day program where high school students learn basic ecological principles through hands-on research experience. Education staff and ecologists from colleges and universities around the region will instruct students on broad topics in ecology. Wildlife Ecology Research culminates in small group research projects mentored by Huyck Preserve staff and undergraduate Odum Interns.

Learn more about summer education programs here: https://www.huyckpreserve.org/summer-programs.html

Responsibilities:

Creating lesson plans for elementary and middle school programs; instructing elementary- and middle school-level classes in the classroom and outside; assisting in planning and teaching the high school class; prepping and cleaning-up each day

Job Details and Duration:

This is a full-time, seasonal position running approximately seven weeks and concluding on August 9, 2024.

Salary: $17-20 per hour based on experience

Housing: Shared on-site housing is available at no cost.

Required Qualifications:

• Completion or work towards a BA/BS in a science-related field
• Experience and interest in working with children
• Experience or interest in environmental education
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Excellent organizational skills and work ethic
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions and to navigate rugged terrain

Additional Requirements:

• The finalist must pass a criminal background check before being hired.
• All staff must adhere to current Huyck Preserve’s Covid-19 protocols and be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 (accommodations may be made based on medical or religious needs).

Desirable Additional Qualifications:

• Experience/interest in field biology and research
• Experience team building
• Familiarity with flora and fauna of the northeastern United States