Job Summary
The Environmental Education Program Assistant will directly contribute to ABNCS’ mission through the design, development and delivery of on-site environmental educational programs for children, youth, seniors and special interest groups. This position will also act as one of the primary liaisons between visitors and ABNC, providing the community with first-hand experiences of the Okanagan and Allan Brooks through greeting visitors, nature interpretation and delivery of programs, and services at the Nature Centre.
Reporting to the Education Program Coordinator, this position works closely with all staff of the Education Program team.
Work Term
This position is full time (35hrs/week) from June 29, 2020 to August, 29 2020. Candidates must be available to work regular days and hours, including weekends, some evenings and holidays. The wage is $15.00 per hour.
Primary Duties & Responsibilities
Provide a positive, enthusiastic ecological and/or cultural learning experience to visitors through informative and interpretive guided tours;
Follow our new Covid-19 policies and protocols to protect staff and visitors at the centre;
Research and provide information and facts about flora & fauna, and ecosystems in the Okanagan;
Lead nature interpretive programs indoor and outdoor independently to individual visitors and small to large sized (4 to 20+) groups, provide team support for summer camp delivery;
Develop activities for and supervise summer day camps (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays) for children 4 – 12 years of age;
Assist in the planning of ABNC events and family activities;
Work with other staff & volunteers to ensure the best possible experience for public while they visit Allan Brooks Nature Centre;
Supervise, motivate and support ABNC volunteers under the direction of the Education Program Coordinator to encourage the success of the Nature Centre;
Assist landscaping volunteers and personnel in maintaining the cleanliness and safety of the ABNC nature site, buildings and trails.
Assist with creating and developing new displays and programs for the Nature Centre;
Assist with incorporating Okanagan language, local legends (chaptiks) and cultural values into public programming and information presented at the Nature Centre;
Provide direct support for the Grasslands, Building & Grounds and/or volunteer committee projects, as required.
General Duties & Responsibilities
Coordinate work schedules and team work activities with the Education Program Coordinator and the Education Team to help ensure efficient and effective delivery of programs;
Maintain indoor exhibits, floors and displays in a clean and safe condition;
Assist with daily tasks of the Nature Centre, including working the front desk, answering phone calls, handling cash, completing daily cash reports and cleaning;
Represent ABNC at public and private ABNC functions, as required.
Qualifications:
Must be between 15-30 years of age at the start of the employment;
Have strong interpersonal, intercultural and intergenerational skills to ensure clear communication across all visitors, volunteer and staff personnel;
Strong conflict resolution and relationship building skills;
Educational/practical background or interest in science, education and/or nature interpretation;
Knowledge of nature in the Okanagan flora and fauna preferable, and/or the ability to learn quickly and integrate new information;
Ability to make sound judgment and respond tactfully as the leader of visitor, volunteer groups and summer day camps;
Experience and ability to confidently educate and inspire groups of people through public speaking;
Experience and ability to confidently supervise and lead Summer Day Camps for children aged 4 – 12;
Previous experience as a supervisor and/or an outdoor guide an asset;
Self-directed, highly organized with strong coordination skills. Ability to multi-task, prioritize and problem solve;
Able to work independently and with minimal supervision;
Able to work under pressure and adapt quickly to changing priorities;
Flexibility and willingness to adjust hours to accommodate the needs of the role and ABNC program scheduling needs;
Passionate about nature, education and working with a great group of people while having fun;
Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act for the duration of the employment;
Have a valid Social Insurance Number and be eligible to work in Canada
The position requires candidates to:
Have a valid BC Driver’s License and be willing to provide a driver’s abstract for review
Have or willing to obtain Occupational First Aid Level 1 (or acceptable equivalent)
Provide a Criminal Records Check
Lifeguard certification would be an asset
Indoor and outdoor work during all seasons and types of weather in both independent and team settings
Occasionally lift boxes 15 pounds or less, climb ladders, and safely lead groups of visitors around the grounds for the duration of approximately one hour.
Please apply by emailing your resume and cover letter ‘stating why you would be an ideal fit for this role’ attention of
Chantelle Adams at: education@abnc.ca by June 10, 2020.