Goshen College seeks a Residence Life Coordinator and Environmental Educator to support its Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center’s mission by:  a)serving as residence life coordinator for undergraduate students living at Merry Lea, b) providing support for undergraduate learning experiences, and c) delivering PreK-12 environmental education programs.

In serving as residence life coordinator, this position works to establish and maintain harmonious group living and a positive learning community dynamic for undergraduate students during the fall Sustainability Semester. They also serve in this capacity during other times of year, especially during the summer, for non-student residents such as interns. This person is the first point of contact for residents’ issues and concerns, and will facilitate engagement with other Merry Lea personnel as needed. Specific related responsibilities include making room assignments, checking students in and out, clearly communicating expectations and policies, performing periodic inspections for cleanliness, and facilitating living community meetings. This position also provides academic support for Sustainability and Environmental Education Department (SEED) faculty, such as coordinating field trips and guest speakers, gathering supplies, and providing logistical support. In serving as an environmental educator, this position supports Merry Lea’s Environmental Education Outreach program by delivering environmental education programs for PreK-12, family, and adult audiences, and contributes to related curriculum review and development.

1. Responsibilities related to students-in-residence at Merry Lea

   1. Community Life

      1. Serve as residence life coordinator for students and non-student residents living at Rieth Village (RV) during the fall SEED Sustainability Semester and other times of year, including the summer.
      2. Assist RV residents on a path to harmonious group living through modeling creative leadership, group guidance, and positive engagement.
      3. Facilitate weekly community meetings during periods when Goshen College students are in residence. Periodically tend to group dynamic needs when non-student persons (e.g., summer interns, researchers from other organizations, etc.) are in residence.
      4. Facilitate organization of group tasks performed by RV students in residence, such as cleaning and grocery shopping, and manage related financial tasks when necessary.
      5. In collaboration with the MAEE Coordinator, assist in supporting community living aspects of Master of Arts in Environmental Education (MAEE) students.
   2. SEED Academic Program Support
      1. Provide logistical support for learning experiences related to the SEED Sustainability Semester (e.g., coordinate field trips including the Sustainability Semester canoe trip, make arrangements with outside speakers, gather necessary supplies, provide tech support).
      2. Together with the Sustainability Semester director, guide the formation of a learning community within the context of that immersive program. This will involve creating and implementing a “co-curriculum” across the semester that builds group function and learning capacity over time.
      3. In coordination with the Sustainability Semester director and other SEED faculty, plan and coordinate occasional non-academic social activities for Sustainability Semester students.
      4. Assist with purchasing, inventorying, and maintaining equipment and tools for the Sustainability Semester program.
   3. Administrative
      1. Gather, organize, and summarize information related to the SEED Sustainability Semester (e.g., create/manage a database for equipment, track money spent for individual activities, and create spreadsheet files with useful information for following years).
      2. Support SEED faculty in planning for program revisions and enhancements.
      3. Ensure that student living spaces at Rieth Village (i.e., Pewamo, Washtenaw, Oshtemo South Kitchen, and Oshtemo South Bathroom) remain clean at all times. This includes assisting Merry Lea operations staff in performing deep cleaning of these spaces after residential cohorts depart and before new cohorts arrive.
      4. Host prospective undergraduate visits to Merry Lea and tours of Rieth Village.
   4. Responsibilities related to Environmental Education Outreach (EEO) programs
      1. Deliver Environmental Education Outreach (EEO) programs
         1. Deliver EEO programs at Merry Lea and offsite program sites.
         2. Assist with and contribute to training for new & existing educators (i.e., volunteers, graduate/undergraduate students, and other staff educators).
         3. Model appropriate pedagogical practices for volunteers, graduate and undergraduate students, and contribute to mentorship of designated students.
      2. Contribute to curriculum review and development
         1. Participate in regular review of EEO programs.
         2. Assist in the revision and development of curriculum that supports identified goals and considers needs of internal and external audiences.
      3. General Duties
         1. Attend Merry Lea staff meetings and appropriate subgroup meetings, such as EEO.
         2. Develop special projects as requested by the supervisor.

Education and Experience:

• B.A. or B.S. degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Education, Outdoor Recreation, Biology, or related field
• 1-2 years experience in crafting/managing cohesive group identity (e.g., supervising student group living, collegiate Resident Assistant, camp counselor, outdoor expedition leader, etc.)

Certifications, Licenses, Registrations:

• First Aid certification required (could be obtained after hire)
• Must have a valid driver’s license

Skills & Competencies

Required:

• Work or educational experience that demonstrates responsibility, self-direction, organization, and flexibility
• Basic computer skills
• Responsible, resourceful, and flexible
• Logistically savvy
• Strong people skills and sense of empathy

Preferred:

• Experience with spreadsheet management, social media, and database use
• Experience delivering environmental education programs
• Canoeing, boating, and camping skills
• Cooking skills
• Experience with mini-bus/passenger van driving and driving with a trailer

Work Environment/Environmental Condition:

The location of this position is at Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center, which is 28 miles southeast of Goshen. Merry Lea is comprised of 1,189 acres of diverse ecosystems and is managed as a preserve. There are multiple program sites and facilities including classroom and office space.

Inside environmental conditions for a portion of the time, but does include significant work outside where there may be exposure to inclement weather, exposure to pollen and spores, venomous snakes, ticks, biting insects and other elements that are a part of an intentionally natural environment.

All of the essential job functions are subject to reasonable accommodation. All job requirements listed indicate the minimum level of knowledge, skills and/or ability deemed necessary to perform the job proficiently. This job description is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements. Individuals may be required to perform other job-related instructions as requested by the supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation.  This position description is not all-inclusive and may change at the option of the (supervisor or department head).  Any major change will result in the position being reviewed for reclassification.