Program Coordinator/Educator- MA

Organization: Kestrel Educational Adventures

Position Title: Program Coordinator/Educator

Location: Gloucester MA

Hours and Compensation: 

• The current rate for this position ranges from $16 – $18 per hour, based  on experience.
• Professional development opportunities are available, including trainings  in areas of job related interests.

Application Deadline: not listed

Organization Overview

Kestrel Educational Adventures is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based  out of Gloucester, Massachusetts. We offer place-based natural science and  ecological literacy support for schools and youth groups. Students learn  science through direct experiences in the local natural world, guided by  qualified instructors with flexible plans. We believe in building a better  and more sustainable world through excellent, student-centered natural  science education. Our instructors guide children in developing their  abilities to make and share original discoveries and understand complex  natural systems. We believe that everyone should develop their own values  through experience, and that this is the most powerful route to  sustainability and conservation action. We teach children that they should  wander, explore, touch, imagine, and live in the natural world. Silliness,  muddiness, and storytelling are as much a part of our day as collecting and  analyzing data.

Description

The Program Coordinator/Educator has the opportunity to help transform  science education, providing opportunities for authentic connection with the  local landscape and wildlife. This position is ideal for a collaborative  visionary who is interested in all aspects of program management. The  diverse nature of the position allows for opportunities to write meaningful  curriculum, work directly with young people, supervise teaching staff, and  collaborate with schools. The position involves traveling throughout the  North Shore of Massachusetts, an area rich in beautiful woodlands, beaches,  and wetlands.

Kestrel currently has no full-time, year-round staff. It is managed by a  Board of Directors and a run with a lot of volunteer work. The position  therefore requires a strong ability to work independently as well as to  collaborate closely with the Founder, Board of Directors, and other  supporters. We are looking to expand the organization’s capacity.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain  relationships with community partners including schools, other  organizations, businesses, and general community members
• Lead planning, scheduling  and delivery of ecological literacy programs in the classroom and field
• Organize and lead homeschool  science classes, and possibly weekend and summer programs
• Develop new activities and  programs as needed, in accordance with our philosophy
• Recruit, hire, train, and  supervise Program Instructors and Volunteers
• Network with staff from  other community organizations to help integrate programming at schools into  the wider community
• Develop familiarity with  potential field sites throughout our service area
• Handle and occasionally care  for small reptiles and amphibians
• Write monthly updates  highlighting program accomplishments
• Maintain simple web based  updates
• Oversee bookkeeping and  management of program budget
• Outreach and marketing of  programs
• Represent Kestrel at public  events, including some evening and weekend events
• Collaborate with the  Founder, Board of Directors, and Vision Team to keep Kestrel work, mission,  and vision aligned
• Assist with program side of  grant-writing activities as needed
• Other tasks as needed  relating directly to program delivery and development

Qualifications

• Master’s or equivalent  experience in education or natural sciences preferred. Bachelor’s or  equivalent experience in relevant field considered.
• At least 2 years of formal  or informal teaching or program coordinator experience
• Highly skilled in written  and oral communication
• Independently motivated and  able to work with minimal supervision, as well as collaborative and flexible  in working with project partners, supervisors, and other staff.
• Creative thinker
• Understanding of our  teaching philosophy of authentic, constructivist, student centered learning.  Belief that teaching is a dynamic process in which both students and teacher  can learn from one another.
• Understanding of or interest  in place- based education
• Deep respect for the ideas  and experiences of young people
• Strong interest in or  experience with scientific inquiry
• Comfort teaching groups of  10-25 children at a time, and teaching up to 4 classes in a day
• Cheerful, high energy  presence with children
• Strong background in New  England natural history
• Familiarity with innovative  curriculum activities, including artistic activities, role playing, and  other experiments in learning
• Strong concern for the  natural environment and an interest in working towards its protection by  educating children to love and understand its workings
• Reliable vehicle with ample  empty space for transporting animals and equipment
• Current First Aid / CPR  certifications or willingness to acquire these

Work Environment

• This position is seasonal, with opportunities for employment throughout  the year.  The agreement will initially be for employment from March 1-June  15, 2014, part time at approximately 30 hours per week. You would have the  freedom to develop enough programs to extend the season, and would receive  support from our team in this endeavor.
• We are ideally seeking someone  who would like to remain with Kestrel for several years.
• The Kestrel office is in Gloucester, MA, walking distance to beautiful  Magnolia beach!
• Hours are flexible, seasonally. However, in the high seasons you should  plan to be available for some long days. The success of the program depends  on how much you put into it.
• The person in this position will be working closely with the founder, the  board of directors, per diem staff, and volunteers.

How to Apply

Please email a résumé and cover letter, detailing why you are interested,  and how your skills and experience meet the qualifications of the position  to [email protected].

Kestrel Educational Adventures is an equal opportunity employer and does not  discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, sexual orientation,  national origin, cultural heritage, ancestry, political belief, age, marital  status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability or veteran status.

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