Earthworks Learning Guide Instructor

OVERVIEW:

The mission of Earthworks Programs at the Center for Youth is to improve the quality of life for residents of the Greater Rochester area by providing education and mentoring programs that teach invaluable life-skills and social/emotional learning while at the same time building healthy lasting bonds between the environment and community. Using a grassroots approach which employs a collaborative process and strategic partnerships our work centers on community building job-skills education and alleviating environmental misconceptions. Our programs link human health with stewardship positive youth development with a sense of social responsibility and education with community outreach. We provide a holistic means of building relationships across both private and public sectors and serve all residents of Rochester in creating healthy lasting bonds between the environment and each other.

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

Outdoor Pursuits. Strengthening Connection to Nature. Epic Games. Nature Awareness. Adventure Education. Stories and Songs. Building Community. Do you have a deep connection with the natural world that you want to share with others Could you bring the magic of the outdoors anywhere - even into a classroom to work with youth

Earthworks Programs at the Center for Youth are not seeking a typical outdoor educator. We are seeking gregarious enterprising individuals who know how to make the most epic outdoor experiences within even the most mundane of environments. Our unique approach to education fosters a meaningful connection to the outdoors through nature awareness primitive skills curiosity community and the mystery of the natural world. Youth aged 3-16 join us for the experience of running wild. - While there may be some opportunity to journey through local fields forests and waterways of undeveloped nature we also know that not everyone can afford transportation costs. Therefore its our job to create the adventure no matter where we find ourselves - gathering resources crafting tools navigating the landscape mastering epic games and challenges together.

Instructors will help craft our nature-based programs facilitate positive group energy and keep kids safe and engaged. This includes leading adventure education and managing challenge course experiences using both high and low ropes elements to build confidence cooperation and community among participants.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• CPR and first aid certifications or Wilderness first aid preferred
• Bachelors degree with preference given to those with coursework in the environmental sciences/studies
• Must have outdoor education/forest school experience as well as experience working in K-8 classrooms (no certification required)
• Must have some form of experience designing/implementing hands-on programming
• Experience in adventure education and challenge course management including technical skills in high and low ropes elements preferred
• Must be able to multi-task and coordinate with various stakeholders including teachers administrators and other Earthworks staff
• Must be personable reliable engaged and have an ability to work well with young school-aged students in fluctuating environments
• Strong background in natural history foraging primitive skills wilderness skills adventure education classroom teaching and/or team-building

EMPLOYMENT GUIDELINES:

• A tenacious ability to make things happen for students
• A collaborative approach to solving concerns including good rapport with students and families
• Professionalism with students staff and community / workforce partners
• Initiative and flexibility as this role will evolve to respond to student need
• Good organization time management and documentation skills
• Ability to build cooperative relationships with youth and parents
• Ability to work independently creatively and to prioritize tasks
• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with school personnel collaborative partners community resources and other program staff
• Sensitivity to appreciation for and ability to work with a culturally diverse population
• Ability to be responsive and flexible
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Completion of fingerprinting process and clearance via NYS Department (Applies to school-based service employees only.)
• A valid drivers license
• Regular access to a motor vehicle
• Automobile insurance at the level of $100000 per person / $300000 per accident Bodily Injury and $50000 Property Damage
• Access to a telephone.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Candidates must be able to be autonomously mobile in order to provide the required services.

COMPUTER SKILLS RECOMMENDED

Microsoft Office Advanced

Internet Explorer Advanced