Environmental Educator

Goshen College is a Christian liberal arts institution that prepares students to thrive in life, leadership and service. We strive to model an inclusive community committed to transformative justice, peace, and sustainability. A respect and appreciation of the Anabaptist‑Mennonite faith perspective and practices, and a commitment to the mission, vision, core values and community standards of Goshen College, are important for teaching and administrative faculty members.

The Part‑Time Environmental Educator supports Merry Lea’s Environmental Education and Outreach (EEO) programs by delivering engaging, high‑quality educational experiences for preK–12 students and public audiences both on‑site and at off‑site locations. This role contributes to program coordination, curriculum development, and continuous program improvement while helping to ensure a positive and inclusive learning environment for diverse participants. The Environmental Educator also assists with program logistics, site and materials preparation, and the care of ambassador animals.

Working collaboratively with staff, students, and volunteers, this position plays an important role in advancing Merry Lea’s mission through hands‑on, place‑based environmental education. Evening and weekend work is required.

This is a part‑time position, or approximately 1200 hours of work per academic year.

• Deliver EEO Programs
  • Deliver preK–12 and public programs at Merry Lea and offsite locations, providing excellent customer service to all participants.
    • Serve as program coordinator on designated program days.
    • Assist/lead Nature PreK as designated.
  • Support training for new and existing educators, including volunteers, graduate/undergraduate students, and staff.
  • Assist with daily and seasonal preparation of program sites, maintaining organization and proper care of facilities, materials, and equipment.
  • Contribute to daily and seasonal preparation of program sites. Maintain organization and care of facilities, materials, and equipment during use.
  • Apply a diversity, equity, and inclusion lens to support and engage diverse program audiences.
• Curriculum Review and Development
  • Participate in the ongoing evaluation and improvement of EEO programs.
  • Revise and develop curriculum for preK–12 and public programs aligned with program goals and audience needs.
  • Integrate current content knowledge, research, educational best practices, and professional learning into program design.
  • Support implementation of program evaluation and assessment tools.
  • Plan, execute, and lead Program for Outdoor Wilderness Learning (PROWL) and Spring Break Day Camp (SBDC).
• Other Responsibilities
  • Assist the Public Programs Coordinator/Environmental Educator with care of ambassador animals, including feeding, handling, and habitat maintenance.
  • In collaboration with the Associate Director of Communications and Marketing, develop and implement advertising strategies for PROWL & SBDC.
  • Participate in environmental education conferences and professional development opportunities as available.
  • Attend Merry Lea staff meetings and appropriate subgroup meetings.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the EEO Director.

• Occasionally provides guidance to volunteers, graduate and undergraduate students, and Merry Lea staff in EEO programs.

• Bachelor’s Degree in environmental sciences, environmental education, biology, natural resources, education, outdoor education or related field, or relevant professional experience.

• First Aid certification required (may be obtained after hire).
• Valid driver’s license required.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to effectively support and work with undergraduate and graduate students.
• Demonstrated commitment to working with individuals and groups from diverse backgrounds and experiences.

• Ability to perform physical activities including sitting, standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and lifting/carrying up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work outdoors in variable weather conditions.