Opportunities

Located in Gladwyne, Pennsylvania Riverbend fosters an awareness, appreciation and understanding of our total environment through educational programming. By growing both a love of nature and environmental literacy, we prepare informed, resilient leaders to meet the challenges of tomorrow.

Aquaponics Education Intern

The Riverbend Aquaponic Greenhouse serves as an educational laboratory, demonstrating a sustainable agricultural technique, and depicting key components of our natural environment. We use aquaponics as a teaching tool, drawing comparisons between nature and the man-made aquaponic ecosystem.

The Aquaponics Education Intern will work alongside the Aquaponics Specialist to oversee the successful operation of the system and with members of the Education team to implement school programs. The ideal candidate will have an interest in aquaponics, sustainable agriculture, and working with students and possess creative problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication skills.

Please note: This is a volunteer internship.

Responsibilities:

Assist with regular Aquaponics system maintenance, including: seeding, transplanting, harvesting and general system monitoring
Fish feeding & monitoring
Complete routine nutrient additions as well as monitoring plants for any nutrient deficiencies
Maintain cleanliness of greenhouse
Troubleshoot equipment malfunctions and assist in correcting as necessary
Leading groups of elementary and middle school students in activities as part of their field trip.

Schedule:

Internships are flexible. We accept applications on a rolling basis..
Shifts are typically 2-3 days per week, 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. depending on system and education department needs.
8-13 hours per week

Skills and Requirements:

Passionate about environmental education with a strong interest in sustainable food production
Strong work ethic - willingness to do "whatever it takes"
Ability to work unsupervised and troubleshoot basic repairs when working alone
Capable interpersonal skills, including working with individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds and age levels

To apply: Fill out this application and email it with a resume and cover letter to: Rosie Arnoldrarnold@riverbendeec.org

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: Rosie Arnold
rarnold@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.

Birthday Party Host (Part-time)

Dates: Weekends as needed

Responsibilities:

Birthday party hosts will facilitate children’s birthday celebrations held at Riverbend’s preserve. They will:
- Set up tables and chairs and program supplies
- Provide support for the birthday family during their load-in and load-out
- Lead children’s party activities, such as nature hikes, stream visits, crafts, games, and animal encounters.
- Provide first-rate customer service.

Qualifications and Competencies:

Experience working with children
A bright, cheerful personality
Excellent customer service skills
Effective group management skills
Excellent oral communication skills and the ability to project
Comfortable interacting with live animals
Responsible, reliable, and flexible
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:  rarnold@riverbendeec.org 