Employment Opportunities
Job Title: Environmental Educator
White Memorial is seeking a full-time, permanent Environmental Educator. Position is 37.5 hours/week, Tuesdays-Saturdays, 9am-5pm, but those hours can vary considerably based on the education program schedule. Evening hours will regularly be necessary. The position requires considerable outdoor activity, hiking in varied terrain, driving in all seasons, and superior presentation and group management skills. Compensation is $20/hour. Benefit package includes medical and dental insurance, a 401k plan, and paid holidays.
Responsibilities include, but may not be limited, to the following:
– Teaching nature programs to school groups, scout troops, birthday parties, and the general public, both on and offsite
– Facilitating after-school programs and multi-day “camps” on school holidays and breaks
– Traveling with native live animals to locations across the state and presenting outreach programs
– Running exhibition booths at public festivals and other gatherings
– Developing and presenting onsite public programming for families on Saturdays
– Handling and occasionally providing husbandry for a small collection of education animals
– Preparing materials and supplies/props for education programs
– Contributing to social media accounts and implementing marketing campaigns related to programming
– Modifying and developing new lesson plans for after-school, vacation, and school programming
– Contributing to the daily operations of the Nature Museum and Gift Shop when necessary
– Being trained on the Square and Salesforce business platforms
– Working as a team member with the Center staff to not only maintain, but expand the reach of the Conservation Center
– Performing various administrative duties as assigned by the Education Director
Qualifications:
– A Bachelor’s degree, preferably in biology, environmental education, natural history interpretation, or a related field
– A minimum 1-2 years of combined prior work experience in a related field
– Enthusiasm for interacting with the public, especially children, and teaching them about the natural world
– Previous experience handling reptiles and birds of prey during education programs is strongly preferred
– Willingness to work independently and on a varied schedule
– Comfort in speaking publicly and managing small and large groups, both indoors and outdoors
– A fairly strong knowledge of the area’s natural history
– Proficient in computer and technology skills and associated applications
– Excellent organizational skills, punctuality, and attention to detail
– A driver’s license, clean driving record, and the ability to obtain an endorsement to drive a 15-passenger van
– A reliable personal vehicle for outreaches when work vehicles are not available (mileage will be reimbursed)
– Current First Aid/CPR certification or willingness to obtain it
– An updated COVID vaccination
Application deadline is April 10, 2023. Please email a cover letter, resume, and completed application (.doc or .pdf) to Carrie Szwed, Education Director, at [email protected]. Additional materials may be requested during the interview process. Aiming for start date around May 1.
Job Title: Summer 2023 Seasonal Grounds Maintenance
Time frame: Monday through Friday, 40 hours per week
Beginning as early as mid-May, if available, through the end of August
Wage: $15.00/hour
Areas of Responsibility:
Building maintenance
Ground maintenance, including mowing and line trimming
Trails maintenance
Equipment maintenance
Qualifications:
Must be 18years old or older
Must have current driver’s license
To Apply: Return completed application (.doc or .pdf) to: Mike Berry, Forest Manager, White Memorial Foundation Office, 71 Whitehall Road, PO Box 368, Litchfield, CT 06759, Phone: (860) 567-0857, Email: [email protected]
Job Title: Summer Camp Assistant
White Memorial is looking for a Summer Camp Assistant for 5 weeks, spanning from July 10 to August 11, 2023. This person will work directly with the Education Director in facilitating a nature program called Exploration Camp, geared for children entering grades 3-9. This camp will take us on adventures, not only to locations on White Memorial property, but also to natural areas throughout Northwest CT. The first two weeks are designated for 3th and 4th graders, the second two weeks for 5th and 6th graders, and the last week for 7-9th graders. The camp runs on weekdays from 9:30am-3:30pm. This employee is asked to work from 9am-4pm at $15/hour. Shared housing available if needed.
The main duty of the Camp Assistant is to help out the Education Director with any tasks assigned during camp, which may include, but are not limited to:
– Interact with the camp children (up to 14) each day
– Help with general supervision, both on location and during van trips
– Be the “caboose” on our frequent, moderate hikes
– Assist with any necessary first aid, and check the first aid kits to be sure all materials are in stock
– Perform frequent head counts while out exploring
– Help to resolve social problems amongst the children
– Check in children and take attendance each morning, as well as oversee pick-up
– Check meeting space for children’s belongings
– Disinfect the meeting space daily after campers leave
– Facilitate activities developed by the Education Director
– Take pictures of daily activities, as well as a group photo, each week and compile into a slide show
– Help Education Director interpret local natural history
– Fill in for the Education Director when needed
Qualifications:
– Must be at least 21 years of age
– Completion of at least 1-3 years of college education in the fields of environmental education, natural history interpretation, conservation biology, elementary education, or a related field. Equivalent experience may be considered.
– Prior experience working with young children
– Enthusiasm interacting with children and teaching them about the natural world
– Comfort in speaking publicly and managing groups of up to 13 children
– Introductory knowledge of the area’s natural history
– A valid driver’s license
– Current First Aid certification (or the ability to obtain before June 15, 2023)
– An updated physical within 36 months (or the ability to obtain one before June 15, 2023)
– An updated COVID vaccination
– A background check once employment is secured
How to Apply:
Applications are due by April 15. Please send a cover letter stating the specific job title(s) you are applying for and a completed application (.doc or .pdf) to Carrie Szwed, Education Director, at [email protected], or mail to: White Memorial Conservation Center, P.O. Box 368, 80 Whitehall Rd., Litchfield, CT 06759
Job Title: Summer Camp Co-Leader (2 positions)
White Memorial is looking for a Summer Camp Co-Leader for 3 weeks, spanning from July 10-28, 2023 (plus a few training/preparation and clean-up dates to be determined). Working with another educator, this person will prepare and facilitate an onsite nature program called Discovery Camp, geared for children entering grades 1 and 2. Our “homebase” will be a small one-room building called the Mott Van Winkle Classroom. Many hiking trails are accessible from this location. The camp runs on weekdays for 3 weeks, from 9:30am-3:30pm. Employees are asked to work from 9am-4pm at $15/hour. Shared housing available if needed.
Tasks may include, but are not limited to:
– Prepare and facilitate nature-related activities for young children, including onsite hikes, crafts, games, and story times
– Supervise and provide enriching activities for up to 12 1st and 2nd graders at a time
– Lead children on moderate-level hikes leaving from the “homebase” on White Memorial property and lasting up to 1 hour
– Deal with any first aid issues that may arise
– Attend training session(s) to learn lesson plans and develop any additional plans necessary for the facilitation of camp
– Attend a training session on the administration of emergency medications
– Manage the upkeep of a small meeting space and all the necessary program materials stored within it
– Oversee arrival and pick-up times (9:30 am and 3:30 pm respectively)
– Oversee lunch time (kids will bring their own lunches)
– Communicate with parents about any scheduling conflicts on their part or behavioral issues that may arise
– Always carry attendance sheets, registration forms with emergency info, and medications brought by the children
– Keep a daily log of activities and time frames
– Disinfect the meeting space daily
– Clean the meeting space at the end of the 3-week period and put all program materials back in proper storage containers
Qualifications:
– Must be at least 18 years of age
– Completion of at least 1-3 years of college education in the fields of environmental education, natural history interpretation, conservation biology, elementary education, or a related field. Equivalent experience may be considered.
– Prior experience working with young children
– Enthusiasm for interacting with children and teaching them about the natural world
– Comfort in speaking publicly and managing groups of up to 12 children, both in a classroom setting and on the trail
– Proficient knowledge of the area’s natural history
– A valid driver’s license
– Current First Aid certification (or the ability to obtain before June 15, 2023)
– An updated physical within 36 months (or the ability to obtain one before June 15, 2023)
– An updated COVID vaccination
– A background check once employment is secured
How to Apply:
Applications are due by April 15. Please send a cover letter stating the specific job title(s) you are applying for and a completed application (.doc or .pdf) to Carrie Szwed, Education Director, at [email protected], or mail to: White Memorial Conservation Center, P.O. Box 368, 80 Whitehall Rd., Litchfield, CT 06759
Job Title: Summer “Wonder Camp” Teacher
The White Memorial Conservation Center is a private, nonprofit nature center and museum that provides year-round education programs for children and adults. The Center is nestled in the heart of The White Memorial Foundation, a 4,000 nature sanctuary in the northwestern hills of CT. Four guiding principles direct our work: education, conservation, recreation, and research. Please peruse whitememorialcc.org for more information on our property.
White Memorial is looking for someone to teach a weekly 2-hour program known as “Wonder Camp” for children ages 4 and 5 during the summer of 2023. Activities include stories, crafts, games, and outdoor time to engage preschool-aged children. The sessions are held on 5 consecutive Tuesday mornings during the summer – July 11, 18, 25, Aug. 1 and 8. Compensation will be $15/hour and includes 2 hours of teaching time and 2 hours of prep/breakdown time for each of the 5 sessions. Housing and benefits are not provided.
Tasks may include, but are not limited to:
– Prepare and facilitate nature-related activities for preschool-aged children, including onsite hikes, crafts, games, and story times
– Supervise and provide enriching activities for up to twelve 4-5 year-olds at a time
– Lead children on hikes and other outdoor activities leaving from the Nature Museum on White Memorial property
– Deal with any first aid issues that may arise
– Oversee drop-off and pick-up of children
– Communicate with parents about any scheduling conflicts or behavioral issues that may arise
– Always carry attendance sheets, registration forms with emergency info, and emergency medications brought by the children
– Provide a lesson plan to the Education Director for each of the 5 sessions
– Prepare and maintain the Children’s Corner of the Museum as the “homebase” of the program
Qualifications:
– Must be at least 21 years old
– Completion of at least 2-3 years of college education in the fields of environmental education, natural history interpretation, conservation biology, elementary or preschool education, or a related field. Equivalent experience may be considered.
– Prior experience working with young children
– Enthusiasm for interacting with children and teaching them about the natural world
– Comfort in speaking publicly and managing groups of up to 12 young children, both in a classroom setting and outside
– Proficient knowledge of the area’s natural history
– A valid driver’s license
– Current First Aid certification (or the ability to obtain before June 15, 2022)
How to Apply:
Applications are due by April 15. Please send a cover letter stating the specific job title(s) you are applying for and a completed application (.doc or .pdf) to Carrie Szwed, Education Director, at [email protected], or mail to: White Memorial Conservation Center, P.O. Box 368, 80 Whitehall Rd., Litchfield, CT 06759