Opportunities

Environmental Educator (Part-time)

Dates: Typically 2-5 days per week; must be available for morning, afternoon, weekend and occasional overnight hours

Salary: $12/hour depending on experience

For the past 40 years, Riverbend Environmental Education Center in Gladwyne, PA has been bringing high quality environmental and science programming to children in our region. Environmental educators are important members of our education team and are responsible for teaching a variety of programs, including field trips, offsite programs to schools, after-school programs, scouts and more. 

The primary responsibility of educators is to teach inquiry-based lessons to visiting school groups participating in our onsite education program, which serves approximately 8,000 students each year. During these field trip programs, each educator is responsible for teaching a group of between 15 and 25 students at a time, ranging in age from Pre-K to 8th grade. Lessons can include, but are not limited to, pond and stream study, watersheds, habitats and ecosystems, soil and geology, Aquaponics, and animal adaptations.

Responsibilities:

• Educators will work with a variety of ages of school groups visiting Riverbend and implement pre-written, inquiry-based lesson plans
• Educators may be asked to deliver curriculum in area classrooms
• Educators will be required to interpret existing curriculum and differentiate it as needed, based on the needs of the group
• Educators’ responsibilities will include group management, crowd control, and set-up and break-down of supplies and materials used for school visits
• Educators are expected to both work together as a team and function independently
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications and Competencies

• At least one year experience working with children in outdoor settings. Experience with early childhood preferred
• Comfortable with the basic natural history of the area and the principals of inquiry-based learning
• Background / interest in biology, ecology, environmental studies or education preferred
• Effective classroom / group management skills
• Excellent oral communication skills and the ability to project
• Ability to work cooperatively with a team or individually
• A cheerful, friendly demeanor
• Enjoys working with children from a variety of backgrounds
• Comfortable interacting with live animals
• Reliability and flexibility
• Successful completion of pre-employment screening including drug test and Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance and criminal background check.
• A valid Driver’s License is preferred
• Ability to work actively outdoors in all weather conditions without correctable physical impairments that would interfere with ability to work on the Preserve
• Ability to remain on your feet, hike, and carry up to 40 lbs.

To apply: email resume, cover letter and list of three references to:

Rosemary Arnold, Manager of Education Programsrarnold@riverbendeec.org

This position is a perfect opportunity for individuals looking to build experience in the field of environmental education or for environmental professionals who are seeking a light, flexible schedule. EOE.

Seasonal Summer Camp Coordinator

Dates: June 3rd – August 30; Monday – Friday, 9am – 6:00pm (some evenings and overnights required).  Required to work Thursday evenings to supervise weekly camp cookout.

Program:
Riverbend believes that amazing things happen when a child spends time in nature.

Studies show that when kids spend time in nature they:

• Think more creatively and critically
• Are more social and less likely to be bullied or experience bullying
• Feel less stressed, allowing their emotional development to flourish
• Increase their fitness level and distance vision.

Riverbend is seeking self-motivated, energetic, and passionate educators to be a part of the staff of Riverbend’s Summer Exploration Day Camp.  Each week 80-100 children, ages 3–13, come to our 30-acre Gladwyne site for outdoor hands-on exploration and discovery.  The atmosphere is friendly and child-centered. Curriculum is interpreted and delivered by professional staff with a strong emphasis on exploring and expanding children’s interests and stimulating investigation.  Some programs take place at other sites and include field trips, cook-outs, camp-outs, and camping trips. Groups are generally 12-14 children and are led by a lead educator and supported by an assistant educator.

Responsible for supporting the management and facilitation of Riverbend’s Summer Camp program to meet the mission, vision and strategic goals of Riverbend Environmental Education Center.  This includes mentoring of camp staff, communication with parents, leading camp groups and troubleshooting logistics.

Reports to: Manager of Education Programs and works closely with the Education Program Coordinator

Key Responsibilities:

• Assists with implementation of Summer Camp, including mentoring of staff and communication with camp parents.
• Lead extended care including scheduling and implementation of content.
• Track camper information in Active database.
• Maintain supply inventory and educational kits for camp.
• Lead Thursday evening campfire program.
• Communicate effectively with camp parents.
• Teach onsite and offsite education program as needed. 
• Perform animal husbandry and habitat maintenance as needed to support the animal ambassador, aquaponics and field trip programs.
• Other duties as needed to ensure the success and sustainability of Riverbend Environmental Education Center.

Qualifications and Skills

• B.S. in Environmental Education, Biology, Ecology or other related field
• Minimum 1 year of experience in teaching, professional educational program development and management
• 2 years of professional camp experience preferred.
• 2 years leadership or management experience preferred.
• Demonstrated experience teaching using informal education strategies like inquiry-based, place-based, project-based and experiential learning.
• Experience working with audiences from various age groups, backgrounds and cultures.
• Exceptional communication skills and relationship building skills.
• Creative and innovative thinker
• Familiarity with Microsoft Excel, Google platforms and other educational technology.
• Solutions oriented problem solver.  Strong decision making skills and ability to work independently.
• Passionate about Riverbend’s mission

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

• Work will be split between an office environment in a renovated barn and outdoors in natural areas on Riverbend’s property and other nature preserves.
• Manage and teach programs outdoors in all conditions.
• Regularly will need to walk trails with lots of hills and uneven ground.
• Regularly will need to work with live animals including insects, reptiles, amphibians, mammals and fish.
• No allergies to plants or animals that may interfere with the ability to perform the job.
• Ability to safely lift and carry 50 lbs. for a distance of 25 ft.
• No impairment of sight, smell, hearing, touch, balance, and agility of movement (which cannot be corrected with appropriate device) which may interfere with the ability to perform work.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle with either a standard or automatic transmission.
• Ability to maintain focus under pressure and make adjustments to accommodate program and client needs.

Additional Requirements

Successful completion of a post-offer background check, including criminal, driving records and ability to obtain PA Child Abuse History Clearance and FBI Fingerprinting.

Must be available to work Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays including occasional holidays as needed for programming.

To apply: email resume, cover letter and list of three references to:

Rosemary Arnold, Manager of Education Programsrarnold@riverbendeec.org

Adventure Camp Coordinator

Dates: June 3rd- August 30th; Monday – Friday, 8:00 – 4:00 (evenings and overnights required).  Some in person meetings will be required for pre-trip planning in advance of the opening of camp in June.

The following weeks will require overnights including tent camping Tuesday-Friday: July 15-19; July 22-26; August 5-9; August 12-16

Program:
Riverbend believes that amazing things happen when a child spends time in nature.

Studies show that when kids spend time in nature they:

• Think more creatively and critically
• Are more social and less likely to be bullied or experience bullying
• Feel less stressed, allowing their emotional development to flourish
• Increase their fitness level and distance vision.

Riverbend is seeking self-motivated, energetic, and passionate educators to lead Adventure Camp for children age 10-13 years old (Navigators).  

Each week 80-100 children, ages 3–13, come to our 30-acre Gladwyne site for outdoor hands-on exploration and discovery.  The atmosphere is friendly and child-centered. Curriculum is interpreted and delivered by professional staff with a strong emphasis on exploring and expanding children’s interests and stimulating investigation. 

This position will be responsible for traveling with campers (generally groups of 10-15 campers) to offsite locations around the Delaware Valley, including overnight experiences. This will include leading Riverbend’s NEW Navigators Leadership Academy, a 2-week experience in which campers will go on excursions, mentor younger campers, meet experts in the scientific field and go on an extended camping trip in the Poconos.  In addition, the Adventure Camp Coordinator will support our traditional day camp experience on weeks when Navigators are not offered.  They will be responsible for ensuring the safety of campers and facilitating a curriculum that is centered on nature and environmental responsibility.

Responsibilities:

• Interpret existing curriculum and amend it for age-appropriate lesson plans each day. Educators are encouraged to collaborate in this process. 
• Implement lesson plans with a group of approximately 12-14 campers for whom they have primary responsibility, which includes group management, chaperoning field trips, and organizing cook-outs and overnights.
• Communicate with vendors, bus companies and parents about logistics, troubleshooting and the general camp experience.
• Supervise the assistant counselor when offsite on field trips.
• Counselors and assistant counselors are expected to work together as a team and supervise any Educator-in-Training (teen volunteer) assigned to their group.
• Pre-trip planning including confirming locations and speakers, setting itineraries, parent communication and shopping for supplies.
• Pre-plan meals and gather supplies for offsite trips, ensuring that campers nutritional needs and preferences are met while staying within a budget.
• General upkeep of the facility each day will be expected with weekly chores completed on Fridays.

Qualifications

• Successful completion of pre-employment screening including drug test and Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance and criminal background check.
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (Education, Biology, Geology, Outdoor Recreation, etc.).
• Understanding of basic principles of environmental education
• Knowledge of environmental/science/natural history concepts
• 2-4 yrs experience educating and managing groups of children in a professional setting. 
• Residential or travel camp experience preferred.
• Strong oral communication skills
• Ability to work a flexible schedule which will include early mornings, late afternoons and several overnights.
• First Aid and CPR trained (Will provide training if certification is not current)

Physical and Medical Standards

• Ability to work actively outdoors during the hot summer months and in all weather conditions.
• Ability to work independently and in groups
• No allergy to plants, animals or chemicals that may be used on the job that may interfere with ability to perform work.
• Ability to safely lift, carry, and load 50 lbs at a distance of 50 ft.
• No impairment of sight, smell, hearing, touch, balance or agility of movement (which cannot be corrected with appropriate devices) that may interfere with ability to perform work.

To apply:

Please email resume, cover letter and a list of three references to:

Rosemary Arnold, Manager of Education Programs rarnold@riverbendeec.org

Summer Day Camp Counselor

Dates: June 3rd – August 30th; Monday – Friday, 8:00 – 4:00 (some evenings and overnights required)

Program:
Riverbend believes that amazing things happen when a child spends time in nature.

Studies show that when kids spend time in nature they:

• Think more creatively and critically
• Are more social and less likely to be bullied or experience bullying
• Feel less stressed, allowing their emotional development to flourish
• Increase their fitness level and distance vision.

Riverbend is seeking self-motivated, energetic, and passionate educators to be a part of the staff of Riverbend’s Summer Exploration Day Camp.  Each week 80-100 children, ages 3–13, come to our 30-acre Gladwyne site for outdoor hands-on exploration and discovery.  The atmosphere is friendly and child-centered. Curriculum is interpreted and delivered by professional staff with a strong emphasis on exploring and expanding children’s interests and stimulating investigation.  Some programs take place at other sites and include field trips, cook-outs, camp-outs, and camping trips. Groups are generally 12-14 children and are led by a lead counselor and supported by an assistant counselor.

Responsibilities:

• Counselors will be required to interpret existing curriculum and amend it to be age appropriate lesson plans each day. Counselors are encouraged to collaborate in this process. 
• Counselors implement lesson plans with a group of approximately 12-14 campers for whom they have primary responsibility, which includes group management, chaperoning field trips, and organizing cook-outs and overnights when teaching the older groups. 
• Counselors and assistant counselors are expected to work together as a team and supervise any Educator-in-Training (teen volunteer) assigned to their group.
• General upkeep of the facility each day will be expected with weekly chores completed on Fridays.

QualificationS

• Successful completion of pre-employment screening including drug test and Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance and criminal background check.
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (Education, Biology, Geology, Outdoor Recreation, etc.).
• Understanding of basic principles of environmental education
• Knowledge of environmental/science/natural history concepts
• 1-2 yrs experience educating and managing groups of children in a professional setting
• Strong oral communication skills
• Ability to work a flexible schedule which will include early mornings, late afternoons and occasional overnights.
• First Aid and CPR trained (will offer training option if not current)

Physical and Medical Standards

• Ability to work actively outdoors during the hot summer months and in all weather conditions.
• Ability to work independently and in groups
• No allergy to plants, animals or chemicals that may be used on the job that may interfere with ability to perform work.
• Ability to safely lift, carry, and load 40 lbs at a distance of 50 ft.
• No impairment of sight, smell, hearing, touch, balance or agility of movement (which cannot be corrected with appropriate devices) that may interfere with ability to perform work.

To apply:

Please email resume, cover letter and a list of three references to:

Rosemary Arnold, Manager of Education Programs rarnold@riverbendeec.org

Summer Day Camp Early Childhood Counselor

Dates: June 3rd – August 30th; Monday – Friday, 8:00 – 1:00 & 8:00 – 4:00 shifts available

Program:
Riverbend believes that amazing things happen when a child spends time in nature.

Studies show that when kids spend time in nature they:

• Think more creatively and critically
• Are more social and less likely to be bullied or experience bullying
• Feel less stressed, allowing their emotional development to flourish
• Increase their fitness level and distance vision.

Riverbend is seeking self-motivated, energetic, and passionate educators to be a part of the staff of Riverbend’s Summer Exploration Day Camp.  Each week 80-100 children, ages 3–13, come to our 30-acre Gladwyne site for outdoor hands-on exploration and discovery.  The atmosphere is friendly and child-centered. Curriculum is interpreted and delivered by professional staff with a strong emphasis on exploring and expanding children’s interests and stimulating investigation.  Some programs take place at other sites and include field trips, cook-outs, camp-outs, and camping trips. Groups are generally 12-14 children and are led by a lead counselor and supported by an assistant counselor.

Responsibilities:

• Early Childhood Counselors will be required to interpret existing curriculum and amend it for age-appropriate lesson plans each day. Counselors are encouraged to collaborate in this process. 
• Early Childhood Counselors implement lesson plans with a group of approximately 10-12 campers aged 3-5 years for whom they have primary responsibility.
• Early Childhood Counselors and Assistant Counselors are expected to work together as a team and supervise any Educator-in-Training (teen volunteer) assigned to their group.
• General upkeep of the facility each day will be expected with weekly chores completed on Fridays.

Qualifications

• Successful completion of pre-employment screening including drug test and Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance and criminal background check.
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (Early Childhood Education, Biology, Geology, Outdoor Recreation, etc.).
• Understanding of basic principles of environmental education with young children
• Knowledge of environmental/science/natural history concepts
• 1-2 yrs experience successfully educating and managing groups of young children in a professional setting
• Strong oral communication skills
• Ability to work a flexible schedule which may include early mornings and late afternoons.
• First Aid and CPR trained (will offer training option if not current)

Physical and Medical Standards

• Ability to work actively outdoors during the hot summer months and in all weather conditions.
• Ability to work independently and in groups
• No allergy to plants, animals or chemicals that may be used on the job that may interfere with ability to perform work.
• Ability to safely lift, carry, and load 40 lbs at a distance of 50 ft.
• No impairment of sight, smell, hearing, touch, balance or agility of movement (which cannot be corrected with appropriate devices) that may interfere with ability to perform work.

To apply:

Please email resume, cover letter and a list of three references to:

Rosemary Arnold, Manager of Education Programs rarnold@riverbendeec.org