Thank you for your interest in working at Blue Ridge Discovery Center

Blue Ridge Discovery Center is searching for energetic outdoor enthusiasts who have a passion for connecting people with nature! Are you interested in hiking, birds, butterflies, salamanders, rocks, fishing, cultural history or any subject of the natural sciences? Join our Team by applying for one of the positions below and help BRDC expand our mission to inspire curiosity, discovery and stewardship through the wonders of the Blue Ridge. 

Blue Ridge Discovery Center is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or age.

Current Position Openings:

Program Coordinator

Summary

This permanent, full-time position works closely with the Director to fulfill the important goals of BRDC’s Programs department. This position plays an important leadership and quality control role through program coordination and delivery and management of personnel.

Duties and Responsibilities

Program Coordination and Administration

Develop relationships with k-12 school schools about BRDC programs. Contact teachers and schedule programs. Create confirmation packets and contracts for all k-12 school programs. Manage communications between schools/teachers and Naturalist/Educator (N/E) staff and scheduling. Create school program schedule and update campus calendars to reflect schedule. Book facilities for residential school programs. File program debriefs, evaluations, medical release forms. Work with marketing to update programmatic brochures as needed.

Professional Development

Take lead on planning and implementing program training for fall and winter seasons, and any curriculum specific training as needed throughout the academic year. Assist and support summer programs. Mentor and support educators during school year. Work collaboratively with Director to establish professional development goals and strategies for all programs, including but not limited to quarterly training sessions for program staff.

Personnel Management

Supervise day to day operation of the educator team during the year. Observe Educators at least twice per year and provide feedback. Assist Director with Educator hiring process. Continue to develop and enhance the Naturalist/Educator position.

Statistics and Analysis

Generate end of year report for programs (including numbers served, programs provided, hours of impact, scholarships awarded, etc.). Maintain program metrics and data spreadsheets.

Program and Curriculum Development

Work with the Director to identify new field program curriculum needs and continue to develop and write new field programs to support partnerships with School Systems (at least one per year). Work with the Director to create off-site program offerings that correlate with on-campus programs. Review all program debriefs and identify specific revisions needed. Revise program curriculum as needed and work with Naturalist/Educator team to delegate specific revisions. Assist with teacher workshops planning and implementation.

Field and Classroom Instruction

Periodically prepare for and teach an after school program throughout the school year. Plan, prepare, and teach scientific, interpretive, and environmental education lessons and programs. Lead field and classroom experiences throughout the school year for all age groups in all weather conditions (average 4-5 days per month). Attend or conduct occasional evening and weekend programs and events.

Operations and Risk Management

Evaluate, update and train Naturalist/Educators on risk management policies and procedures. Take lead on upkeep, maintenance and inventories of first aid supplies, program teaching supplies and equipment, field gear, and library books. Assist with upkeep and maintenance of facility and vehicles. Maintain required medical certification (WFA, CPR).

Communications/Marketing/Finance

Coordinate booth activities and schedule for Outreach events. Assist Director with annual budget planning process. Work with marketing to update programmatic brochures as needed.

Qualifications

BA/BS in science, education, or an environmental science related field. Excellent public speaking skills and willingness to teach a variety of audiences. Three to five years of outdoor or classroom teaching experience; knowledge of standards-based curriculum preferred. General knowledge of the natural and cultural history of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Detail-oriented, organized, and able to provide exceptional customer service. Strong organizational skills. Creative in curriculum design and development. Positive, flexible and friendly attitude. Independently- driven team player. Knowledge and experience in using computers and software including all Google platforms. Current Wilderness First Aid/Responder and CPR certification (acquire with hire if not). Ability to work a full time schedule with evenings and weekends responsibilities. Previous supervisory experience.

Naturalist Educator

SUMMARY

The Naturalist/Educator is our point of connection with the public and is primarily responsible for implementing BRDC programming. The role of the N/E is to help participants develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of the wonders of the Blue Ridge. The N/E does this through the discovery method of guiding: an inquiry-based education technique. The N/E works with all ages of participants. These include grade school kids, summer camp attendees, researchers and adult participants. The N/E is expected to work in a wide variety of settings, including wilderness areas, public classrooms, meeting halls and summer camp facilities. The N/E works closely with and directly reports to the Program Coordinator.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Develop, organize, lead and/or guide for the following activities: BRDC Clubs, Summer camps, Community programs, Field Programs, Residential Programs, School programs, Citizen science projects, Research projects, Document activities through writing/drawing/photography using our Google platform, and Ensure that all programming is aligned with BRDC’s mission, including program evaluation and assessment

Weekend, night time, and multi-day flexibility with programs is expected and flexibility with daily tasks throughout the organization..

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree in environmental education, biology, ecology or similar, Energetic, outgoing, enthusiastic personality; Experience in environmental education working closely with youth and/or general public; Photography and documentation skills; and Excellent verbal and written skills

Person must be able to meet the physical demands of outdoor activities related to BRDC programming. Have a passion for and eagerness to expand knowledge of natural history. Willingness to work in inclement weather conditions and wilderness settings

Public Relations/Outreach Communications

Summary

The Public Relations/Outreach Coordinator position will manage our front desk on a daily basis, welcome guests, greet people who visit BRDC and perform a variety of administrative, marketing, and clerical tasks. The position will also coordinate front-desk activities, including distributing correspondence and redirecting phone calls. Ultimately, duties and responsibilities are to ensure the forward facing staff welcomes guests positively, and executes all administrative tasks to the highest quality standards. This position will have a solid understanding of how each social media channel works and how to optimize content so that it is engaging on those channels. They are responsible for joining relevant conversations on behalf of the brand and “soft selling” the product by providing support to current and prospective customers. Ensure effective communication with stakeholders, media and the public including people from diverse backgrounds and experience. The goal is to cultivate a positive company image. This position works closely with the Director and Program Coordinator.

Duties and Responsibilities

Front Facing

Greet and welcome guests as soon as they arrive on Campus. Direct visitors to the appropriate person and office; answer, screen and forward incoming phone calls. Maintain answering machine and transcribe message to appropriate staff. Provide basic and accurate information in-person and via phone/email. Maintain office security by following safety procedures and controlling access via the reception desk (monitor logbook, issue visitor badges). Recruit and manage volunteers. Schedule volunteer activities and assign roles.

Administrative

Receive, sort and distribute daily mail/deliveries. Manage donors and contacts through LGL. Order front office supplies and keep inventory of stock. Update calendars and schedule meetings. Perform other clerical receptionist duties such as filing, photocopying, transcribing, and scanning. Library management through book checkout and book shelving. Collaborate with other departments to manage reputation, identify key players and coordinate action. Manage merchandise sales and product inventory. Ensure reception area is tidy and presentable, with all necessary stationery and material (e.g. pens, forms, and brochures). Document and distribute membership communication materials 

Public Relations

Building and executing social media strategy through competitive and audience research. Setting up and optimizing company pages within each social media platform. Build and execute social media strategy through competitive research, platform determination, benchmarking, messaging and audience identification. Generate, edit, publish and share daily content (original text, images, video or HTML) that builds meaningful connections and encourages community members to take action. Set up and optimize company pages within each platform to increase the visibility of company’s social content. Moderate all user-generated content in line with the moderation policy for each community. Continuously improve by capturing and analyzing the appropriate social data/metrics, insights and best practices, and then acting on the information. Develop PR campaigns and media relations strategies. Edit and update promotional material and publications. Prepare and distribute press releases. Address inquiries from the media and other parties.

Outreach

Ensure quality communication and coordination among community agencies, partners and participants involved with BRDC programs. Ensure full participation by identifying target audiences and assist in marketing strategies for participation. Ensure participation packages are handed out for each event. Operate BRDC events effectively and efficiently while continuing to develop relationships to better serve our mission.

Qualifications

Proven work experience as front facing personnel or similar role. Proficiency in Google Suite, Facebook, Instagram, Squarespace, and Canva or similar, Little Green Light or similar. Hands-on experience with office equipment (e.g. printers and scanners). Professional attitude and appearance. Ability to be resourceful and proactive when issues arise. Excellent organizational skills. Multitasking and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks. Customer service attitude. Excellent consulting, writing, editing (photo/video/text) and presentation skills. Demonstrable social networking experience and social analytics tools knowledge. Creative mind and excellent communication skills with problem-solving aptitude. Ability to work well under pressure. Experience volunteering locally, regionally and/or internationally.  

If you think Blue Ridge Discovery Center is a perfect fit for you, please email your resume to: applications@blueridgediscoverycenter.org.