The Outdoor University Department at Saint John’s University invites applications for a full-time (1.0 FTE), benefit eligible position of Environmental Education Fellowship. This is a 12-month fellowship.

The Fellowship provides an experiential learning opportunity for a recent graduate interested in a career in environmental education. This position is responsible for assisting the Outdoor University team in the direction and coordination of the environmental education programming for preK-12 students, College of Saint Benedict (CSB) and Saint John’s University (SJU) students, and the general public. This position will assist in teaching the environmental education curriculum and assist in developing new programming and curriculum. Other aspects of the position include training and teaching other Outdoor U student staff and volunteers, teaching public programs, outreach to the CSB/SJU community, adventure programming, land stewardship, and equipment maintenance.

The position features advanced development of environmental interpretation skills, teaching techniques, and natural history knowledge through hands-on training and participation in seminars, workshops, and continuing education.  The Fellow will work as part of a team committed to providing environmental education and outdoor recreation opportunities to diverse audiences. Opportunities for collaboration with CSB/SJU faculty and other professionals working in multiple fields will also be provided.

Outdoor University provides environmental education through classes, events, and initiatives with the Abbey Arboretum and CSB/SJU. The Abbey Arboretum is a 2,944-acre natural arboretum made up of forest, prairie, wetlands, and oak savanna owned by Saint John’s Abbey and surrounding Saint John’s University. The collaboration between Saint John’s Outdoor U Saint John’s Abbey Arboretum creates a dynamic commitment to land stewardship, environmental respect, and education of all ages, abilities, backgrounds, and experience levels.

Institutional Inclusion Visioning Statement

The College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University believe that an excellent liberal arts education requires an understanding and appreciation of cultural difference and that everyone deserves to feel safe and morally valued. To that end, we will challenge our own practices and systems. Our commitment to an inclusive environment will be incorporated into all decision-making processes. We dedicate ourselves to cultivating an equitable, inclusive community founded on respect for all persons.

CSB and SJU offer competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits program. For further information regarding CSB and SJU, visit http://www.csbsju.edu/about.

Responsibilities

• Participate in the fellowship aspect of the position, including goal setting, evaluations, training, and networking opportunities.
• Instruct environmental education curriculum to visiting students, including school year programming and summer day camps.
• Participate in the instruction of CSB/SJU students through established connections with academic departments.
• Offer informational, seasonal programming on topics of local natural history for Outdoor U members and interested community members.
• Collaborate with the Assistant Director of PreK-12 Environmental Education in expanding existing curriculum and developing new programming.
• Maintain equipment and supplies for educational, scientific, and environmental activities.
• Provide direction and training to student employees and volunteers assisting with the education programs.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Outdoor U Director.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Arts or Sciences degree, with preferred major in a related field.
• Demonstrated ability to teach environmental education to diverse audiences on a daily basis.
• Experience teaching elementary aged students (preK-5th grade).
• Ability to work with culturally and economically diverse audiences.
• Commitment to increase skills and knowledge of environmental education through workshops, seminars, classes, and on-the-job training as provided during the Fellowship.
• Working knowledge of, or willingness to learn, regional flora, fauna, and ecosystems.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Interpersonal relations skills to build collaborative relationships and work effectively as part of the Outdoor U team in providing a high level of customer service.
• Ability to work independently.
• Strong computer skills with ability to utilize multiple programs and applications.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including occasional nights and weekends.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work indoors and outdoors in variable weather conditions.
• Ability to walk for extended distances on variable terrain.
• Ability to lift/move equipment up to 40 lbs.
• Must hold valid driver’s license and complete institutional defensive driving program.