Tuesday, April 19, 2016

Outdoor Education Intern - Fall 2016

JOB DESCRIPTION
Outdoor Education Intern – Fall Semester, 2016
Lorado Taft Field Campus
Northern Illinois University


DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES


Reporting to the Outdoor Education Coordinator, this person is primarily responsible for the instruction of resident environmental education experiences for elementary and middle school groups at Lorado Taft Campus, Oregon, Illinois.  This person works closely with other staff to develop and deliver outdoor education programs. This person will also be responsible for creating an educational display for a classroom bulletin board.  Training programs include, but are not limited to, Taft Campus policies and procedures, Taft Campus safety and risk management procedures, writing lesson plans, group management techniques, observing seasoned educators, and co-teaching.

WORK ACTIVITIES


1.              Create and deliver lessons to elementary through high school students.

2.       Research relevant information regarding Taft programs in order to have the necessary background knowledge to teach classes on topics such as ecology, cultural history, outdoor skills, and team building.

3.             Participate in training activities and weekly staff meetings (Monday mornings and Friday afternoons).

4.              Research and create a relevant, educational display for a classroom bulletin board.

5.             Other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED SKILLS

High school diploma or equivalent.  Prior experience working with youth in a role such as a camp counselor, mentor, teacher, or coach.  Must possess the desire to work primarily outdoors, in all kinds of weather conditions.  Strong verbal communication skills and the ability to represent Taft Campus and NIU in a knowledgeable and professional manner are essential.  A high degree of initiative, mature judgment, and a strong work ethic required.  A pre-employment criminal background investigation is required.


PREFERRED SKILLS

Prior experience working in a similar environment (outdoor/environmental education facility, summer camp, nature center) preferred.
WORK HOURS

15-20 hours/week.  Weekly schedule varies based on the needs of the schools on site.  Some evenings required.

COMPENSATION

$8.50/hour.  A private, furnished room is provided.   Meals when the dining hall is in operation.

DATES OF EMPLOYMENT

August 16, 2016 to December 9, 2016

APPLICATION INFORMATION

To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to Melanie Costello, Director/Outdoor Education Coordinator, via email (melcostello@niu.edu) or via regular mail (Lorado Taft Field Campus, PO Box 299, Oregon, IL 61061.  Please apply by March 25, 2016.