Education Specialist

Description

The Highlands Biological Foundation (HBF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit in Highlands, North Carolina that is dedicated to stimulating, promoting, and funding biological research and education in the Southern Appalachians. HBF offers a wide array of place- based programs, primarily through the Highlands Nature Center and the adjacent Highlands Botanical Garden; together which host more than 14,000 visitors annually. The Nature Center and Garden are part of the Highlands Biological Station, a multi- campus center of Western Carolina University.

The Education Specialist is essential to the success of HBF’s programs. Primary responsibilities are the staffing and management of the Nature Center including its Animal Ambassadors (mostly amphibians and reptiles) and planning and presenting daily and weekly public programs (PreK-senior citizens). This position is also lead educator for teen and adult programming throughout the year.

The Nature Center is open to visitors 6 days/week during the Summer, with reduced hours late fall through early spring, and hosts daily and weekly public programs for all ages. During the off-season (November – April) the majority of time is spent creating and presenting outreach programs to community organizations (public and private school classes, afterschool programs, preschools, senior centers, Boys and Girls clubs etc.), planning for summer programming, and various other tasks that support the mission of HBF.

Hours:
This position is full-time, permanent, and will include some evenings and weekends during the busy season of late Spring to early Fall. Because most of the public outreach component in this seasonal town occurs in the Summer, flexibility is a must. This position is based at the Nature Center at the Highlands Biological Station, in Highlands, NC, and is NOT remote.

Benefits:

• Health, Vision, and Dental Insurance paid 100% by organization for employee and 50% for dependents
• Life Insurance
• IRA match up to 3%
• Flexible PTO
• Professional development opportunities, including NC Environmental Education Certification, NAI’s Certified Interpretive Guide training, and First Aid/CPR certification
• HBF can offer assistance in finding local housing

Responsibilities & Duties

Developing, Planning, and Managing Programs

Highlands Nature Center

• Summer Day Camps (Ages 5-7, 8-10)
• Teen and Adult Volunteer Programs
• Daily Summer Programs (e.g., Animal Ambassador Creature Features, Story times, Guided Hikes)
• Weekly Summer Evening Programs (Nature Nights)
• Off-Season Programs (e.g., Halloween Enchanted Forest, Leaf Walks, Take a Child Outside Week)
• Ensure all programs meet federal, state, university, and local health and safety regulations

Highlands Nature Center Management

• Opening and Closing procedures
• Care and Husbandry of live Animal Ambassadors
• Supervision of seasonal staff
• Maintaining educational supplies, activity materials, and specimen collection
• Manage Retail Sales and Merchandise in our Gift Shop
• Maintain Nature Center Exhibits and Children’s Exploration Room
• Track attendance for organizational and grant reporting
• Maintain and update station/local information, brochures, and daily signage

Community Outreach

• After School and early learning preschool programs (September – May)
• Local Partner Programs (library, assisted living centers)
• Participate in community events

Communications and Membership Support

• Social Media Management (assist Marketing and Communications Specialist in posting & managing events throughout the year)
• Creation and distribution of the Nature Center’s Monthly Programming Calendar
• Produce Quarterly Volunteer Newsletters, in partnership with the Marketing and Communications Specialist
• Organize an annual Volunteer recognition and appreciation lunch

Summer Naturalist Hiring and Management

• Work with HBF Executive Director and HBF Education Specialist in the recruitment and hiring of Summer Naturalists
• Scheduling, training, and supervision of all Summer Naturalists (who assist with and/or lead Summer Education programs and staff the Nature Center)
• Maintenance of Summer Naturalist applications and records of their hours
• Provide mentorship and guidance for Summer Naturalists (at weekly meetings, outings, and one-on-one conversations)
• Develop and update Summer Naturalist Manuals, Training Materials, and Summer Nature Camp curriculum and activities.

Volunteer Management

• Recruitment and retention of adult volunteers and teen volunteers to support the Nature Center’s operations and programming throughout the year
• Maintenance of applications and records of volunteer hours
• Scheduling, training, and supervision of all volunteers
• Planning and implementation of volunteer communications and
  appreciation

Participation in Fundraising Events and Committees

• Summer/Fall Events
  • Zahner and Carpenter Conservation Lecture Series (Summer/Fall)
  • Summer Soiree (Summer fundraiser)
  • Highlands on the Half Shell (Fall fundraiser)
• Participation on HBF and ad hoc Committees
  • HBF Education Committee
  • HBS & HBF Committees

The above-listed duties are general statements of required major duties and responsibilities performed on a regular and continuous basis. They do not exclude other duties as assigned.

Requirements and Skills:

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Zoology, Environmental Science, Science Education, Outdoor Education, Outdoor Recreation, Museum Studies, or relevant field.

Experience:

• Experience with children and adult environmental education programs
• Experience creating curricula or program outlines
• Experience working with (handling, feeding, taking care of) Animal Ambassadors
• Experience working with teen and adult volunteers
• Dealing effectively with the public
• Working independently and as a team member
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency in Google Applications and Microsoft Office
• Experience working in an educational or non-profit environment is preferred
• Knowledge of the flora, fauna, and habitats of the Southern Appalachians is preferred

Physical Requirements:

• Sit, Stand, walk and reach with hands and arms
• Comfortable spending extended time outdoors in all types of weather
• Capable of hiking up to 3 miles on uneven terrain and lifting up to 50 pounds
• Comfortable working with/taking care of Animal Ambassadors including reptiles, amphibians, and insects
• Use a computer for extended periods
• Talk and hear, use finger and hand motion for keyboarding
• Typical ability to collect and analyze numerical and written data and verbal information to reach logical conclusions; ability to determine the time, place and sequence of operations and actions
• Constant ability to read, record, or type/enter data quickly and accurately
• Ability to load/unload/haul supplies over moderate distances for events and programs

Environmental/Working Conditions:

• Ability to work under and handle stress in an appropriate manner is required
• May be exposed to high, medium, or low noise intensity
• Affinity for nature and animals
• Exposure to fluctuations in temperatures, extreme heat, and/or outdoor conditions may be required
• May be required to work holidays, weekends, and occasional after-hours events

Other qualifications:
Applicants must be U.S. citizens and must have a vehicle and valid driver’s license as some travel is required for this position (mileage reimbursements provided). Applicants must successfully pass a background check.

Application Instructions:
To apply, submit one document that includes your cover letter, resume, and 3 professional references to Jamie Creola at jamie@highlandsbiological.org with the subject line “HBF Education Specialist”. Applications will be accepted through February 28, 2025 or until the position is filled.

The Highlands Biological Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; religion; sex; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The Highlands Biological Foundation. This nondiscrimination policy applies to employees, volunteers, participants, and all aspects of our operations. Given the nature of this work and responsibilities of the position, HBF completes an annual background check on each staff member as a condition of employment.