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

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