Education Field Instructor in Gulf Shores, Alabama

Training dates: May 16, 2021 – May 28, 2022 with variable hours

Camp dates: May 31, 2022 – July 30, 2022

Camp Hours required: May 31, 2022 – July 1, 2022: 7:30am – 5:30pm, Monday to Friday; July 5, 2022 – July 29, 2022, 7:30am – 1:30pm with opportunity for additional hours 2:00pm – 5:30pm, Monday to Friday.

Description: The Gulf Coast Center for Ecotourism & Sustainability (the “Center”) works to promote sustainable tourism, raise environmental awareness and encourage stewardship of the Gulf Coast’s natural resources. We are looking for leaders and educators passionate about building competency in kids through outdoor education, camp counselors experienced in residential overnight or adventure travel programs, or guides with leadership experience in outdoor recreation and summer camp programs. Applicants with a background or interest in Environmental Science, Education, Outdoor Leadership and similar fields of study are encouraged to apply.

Position Summary

The Gulf Coast Center for Ecotourism & Sustainability welcomes applicants who are capable of inspiring primary and secondary education students and families to learn and play in the unique Gulf Coast habitats. The Outdoor Field Instructor will assist the Center staff with many different aspects of the Ambassadors of the Environment summer camp education programs including guiding outdoor recreation and team building. Field Instructor positions are part-time or full time seasonal depending on the applicant’s availability and the Center’s programming needs.

Field Instructors will work under the guidance and direct supervision of the Executive Director, while project-based and education programming work will be conducted with the Program Director and Program Coordinator. Field Instructors will also work with the general public, various school groups, Valor Hospitality, Alabama Gulf State Park staff, local governments and citizen science groups. Field Instructors will utilize hands-on experience and on-the-job training within the environmental education programs, community outreach events, and during outdoor recreation leadership.

The Center’s Field Instructors will also have the opportunity for professional development, to add insight and ideas to the operations of outdoor environmental education programs, build relationships with local schools and environmental/NGO groups, partake in and lead students in local environmental restoration work, and assist with program development.

This position will last for specific time sets according to Field Instructor availability and the Center’s programming needs. Field Instructor positions may be part-time seasonal (not exceed 30 hours per week) or full-time seasonal (40 hours per week). Field Instructors will be based out of Alabama’s Gulf State Park Learning Campus in conjunction with the Center. Assistance can be provided to locate housing, if needed. Field Instructors are responsible for payment of their own housing in or near the Gulf Shores area, if required, and transportation.

Essential Functions

• Teaching summer youth environmental science curriculum (beach ecology, invasive species, conservation, organic gardening, composting, etc) as written and reviewed by the Ocean Futures Society and the Center
• Leading outdoor recreation (hiking, bicycling, kayaking, etc) and team building in a way that emphasizes safety and encouragement of student participants.
• Leading eco-art and crafts projects
• Building relationships with contacts with visiting school groups, Gulf State Park staff, Valor Hospitality staff, local governments, Gulf Shores City Schools, colleges and universities across the southeast for the Center’s program/internship recruitment, community members, and environmental/citizen science NGO groups.
• Communication and outreach through various avenues such as social media, print media, and more (as directed by supervising staff).
• Other duties as needed and assigned.

Qualifications and Experience

• Field Instructors must be 19 years of age or older, have completed or are working towards a college degree in environmental science or the equivalent in life experience, and have a sincere desire to work with children in outdoor settings.
• Adventurous spirit, willingness to learn, passion for the outdoors, and enjoys connecting with youth and environmental professionals.
• Demonstrate a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in all environmental education and outdoor recreation activities.
• Be comfortable working in field locations with often adverse environmental conditions, including heat, humidity, biting insects, and tropical thunderstorms.
• Commit to the full predetermined duration of the Instructing position and/or program.
• Have an aptitude for field work, which may require wading into water with potentially dangerous wildlife (e.g., alligators, venomous snakes), handling aquatic fauna (fish, crustaceans and/or other macroinvertebrates), and safely operating bicycles, kayaks, etc.
• Demonstrate the ability to exercise sound judgment, adapt to changing work conditions, and maintain a positive attitude.
• Be a self-starter, yet able to work effectively as part of a team. Experience working with or leading school groups or clubs is preferred. Remember that you will be an example for young students and represent the Center to the community! You will be leading by example, so it’s extremely important to know the profound impact your actions, habits, and words have on your students.
• Background clearances required. Initial drug screening is required.
• Possess valid identification.

Preferred:

• Experience in outdoor education & leadership training in a camp setting.
• Experience working with school groups.

• Demonstrate exceptional attention to safety of students, your co-workers, and yourself (First Aid, CPR, and Lifeguard certifications are required; on-the-job training can be provided).
• Proficiency in swimming (tread water for 2 minutes; continuously swim 550 yds) is a plus.
• Experience teaching or assisting in teaching science curriculum
• Experience with environmental sampling (ex: water monitoring, etc)