Nature Center Education Specialist position
Highlands Biological Foundation
Highlands Biological Station Nature Center Education Specialist
The Highlands Biological Station and Foundation (HBS) is pleased to accept applications for Education Specialist to oversee public programming based at the Highlands Nature Center in Highlands, North Carolina. The Highlands Nature Center is a ca. 1941 WPA natural history museum located on the campus of HBS, which is an educational and research institution of the University of North Carolina and Western Carolina University dedicated to immersive learning and research support in field biology, ecology, and conservation. The teaching, research and service mission of HBS includes a rich public education tradition based at the Nature Center and associated Highlands Botanical Garden, a naturalistic 12-acre native plant demonstration garden.
The HBS Education Specialist position is a full time (40 h/week) 12-month position, with flexible hours necessary in the summer months. The Education Specialist is responsible for year-round community / public educational activities at HBS, with a special emphasis on summer programming. The Education Specialist develops, implements, and oversees all in-house public programming at the Highlands Nature Center, including summertime daily/weekly family programs, summer day camps, and special events and programs. Much of this programming is already in place, but the Education Specialist is free to modify these and/or develop alternative or additional programs. The Education Specialist supervises Nature Center summer interns who assist in conducting programs and Nature Center operations, and works with intern staff and others (docents, volunteers) in maintaining regular Nature Center hours and in assisting with a weekly evening lecture series and occasional weekend events (flexibility in hours is therefore required). Additionally, the Education Specialist is responsible for animal and holds relevant State and Federal collection permits. The Education Specialist also serves on the Nature Center education committee, the body charged with development of ideas pertaining to exhibits, programs, and fundraising.
Qualifications. The successful candidate will hold a Bachelor's or Master's degree in biology, environmental science, environmental studies, or nature recreation or interpretation, and have at least 2 years of experience in environmental education or similar field. Excellent written and spoken communication skills, a strong interest in public outreach education, and experience working with children and families are essential. Supervisory experience, experience coordinating with volunteers, and museum or nature center public exhibit design and interpretation are highly desirable. The HBS Education Specialist will work as part of a team in representing the Biological Station and its non-profit Foundation in the local community and in providing high-quality science-based educational programming.
Salary and Benefits. $31,000- $35,000 commensurate with experience, plus benefits and housing option available (utilities excluded) in a fully furnished house located approximately 5 miles from HBS.
To apply: Please send a letter of interest (including statement of outreach educational interests and experience), current CV or resumé, and names and contact information for at least 3 references to the attention of: Dr. James T. Costa, Executive Director, Highlands Biological Station, 265 N. Sixth Street, Highlands, NC, 28741. The application review process will begin Friday, 17 February 2017 and will continue until the position is filled.