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 responsibility, while at the same time building healthy, lasting bonds between land 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 poverty. 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 land and each other.

PROGRAM INFORMATION: We work with a number of different schools and organizations as a part of afterschool activities, in school activities and field trips, forest school, workshops and extended day programs, including summer camps and break camps. Depending on the requests we receive, our programs can be linked in directly with school curriculum or can simply be unique, outdoor, nature-based activities.

POSITION DESCRIPTION: Outdoor Pursuits. Strengthening Connection to Nature. Epic Games. Nature Awareness. 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 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, it's 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.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• CPR and first aid certifications or Wilderness first aid preferred
• Bachelor's degree (environmental sciences/studies is a plus)
• Must have outdoor education experience as well as experience working in K-8 classrooms (no certification required)
• Must have some form of experience designing/ implementing hands-on programming
• 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, primitive skills, wilderness skills, classroom teaching and/or team-building

EMPLOYMENT GUIDLINES:

• 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 / work-force 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 of Education
• A valid driver's license
• Regular access to a motor vehicle
• Automobile insurance at the level of $100,000 per person/$300,000 per accident Bodily Injury and $50,000 Property Damage

CULTURAL COMPETENCY:

The Center delivers programs and services to youth and families across Monroe County who represent many racial, cultural and geographic groups. The Center ensures understanding and values differences in people of diverse cultures, ethnic origins, sexual orientations, disabilities and beliefs. All staff is required to attend cultural competency workshops and trainings and to continually enhance their own understanding of cultural diversity. The Center Performance Appraisal, administered annually, provides an opportunity for staff to evaluate how they are integrating culturally competent practices into everyday work.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

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

COMPUTER SKILLS RECOMMENDED

The Center for Youth provides equal opportunities for employment.