Environmental Educator

Living Classrooms of the National Capital Regions (LCF-NCR)

Environmental Educator

The Environmental Educators are valued members of the Living Classrooms of the National Capital Region team, with responsibility for providing overnight, outdoor, educational programming for 5th grade students at Camp Fraser in Great Falls, VA - located just 45 minutes away from downtown Washington, DC.

Core Responsibilities for Environmental Educators:

· Provide Meaningful Watershed Education Experience (MWEE) programming and instruction at Camp Fraser for classrooms that will be staying 2 nights and 3 days

· Lead engaging activities that include: interpretive nature hikes in the woods; educational programs and games; leadership and teambuilding activities; adventure courses (climbing wall, high/low ropes courses); and hands-on, science-based lessons

· Engage and lead groups of students in all-day programming; serve as "on-duty" camp counselor during all time periods students are present

· Assist with the maintenance of Camp Fraser in coordination with the Caretaker who resides on-site. This includes assisting with turning the site over for new groups and reporting any facilities challenges and concerns.

· Work directly with the education team in the creation of engaging lessons and activities

· Oversee all program supplies, ensure that quality is of the right standard and that supplies are re-ordered in time

· Prepare for school groups and breakdown/clean up after programming is completed. Cleaning duties include preparing the lodge, restrooms, and bunk rooms for school groups.

· Attend all trainings and staff meetings as assigned

· Complete training and facilitate low ropes and climbing wall

· Prepare and clean up after all meals

Required Skills and Experience:

· Preferred background in environmental science, education, or a related field

· Excellent communication and public speaking skills

· A passion for nature and working with children in an informal setting

· Previous experience working with youth in and out of the classroom, with an emphasis on youth development for underserved communities

· A friendly and engaging personality and the ability to work with large groups of students and teachers

· Experience facilitating high/low ropes course and climbing wall, or willingness to be trained to do so

Additional Requirements:

· Must be willing to stay at Camp Fraser when program is occurring, including residing in a separate space in the lodge with students overnight. Educators will be "on-call" while schools are on-site.

· Will be expected to lift moderately heavy objects and participate in outdoor exercise (such as hiking, biking, climbing, etc.)

· Must be prepared to work outside in a variety of weather conditions including light to moderate rain, warm and cool weather

· All employees will undergo federal and state background checks

Additional Information:

· This is a seasonal position that runs March - mid June 2024. There may be an option for extended employment as programs become available.

· Payment: $15.27/hour; meals provided during program sessions.

· Educators are required to attend a one week training that will take place at Camp Fraser and the DC office.

· Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis. Applicants are encouraged to apply early.

About Living Classrooms:

Living Classrooms of the National Capital Region (LC-NCR) is an affiliate non-profit of the Living Classrooms Foundation. LCF-NCR’s principal office is located at the James C Dent House Community Center, 156 Q St SW Washington, DC 20024. The Kingman and Heritage Islands Conservation Area can be accessed from RFK Stadium Lot 6, off Oklahoma Avenue in Northeast DC. Camp Fraser is located near the Potomac River in Northern Virginia, about four miles from the village of Great Falls.

LCF-NCR’s principal environmental education format is the “Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience (MWEE)” as developed by the NOAA Bay Watershed Education and Training program. MWEEs are learner-centered experiences that focus on investigations into local environmental issues that lead to informed action and civic engagement.

About Camp Fraser:

Camp Fraser lies on approximately 76 acres of wooded land, surrounded by more than 230 acres of Fraser Preserve, an undeveloped area managed by the Nature Conservancy. Located a few miles from Great Falls, Virginia and just a 45-minute ride from downtown DC, Camp Fraser provides campers with opportunities to grow physically, mentally, and socially in nature.

The Living Classrooms Foundation provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.