Earthworks Learning Guide Instructor

This is a part-time position, working 25-29 hours per week.

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

The Center for Youth provides equal opportunities for employment.