Organization: rare Charitable Research Reserve
Website: http://www.raresites.org
Location: Cambridge, Ontario
Responsible for ensuring the successful preservation and restoration
of a unique 900+ acre site in one of the fastest growing urban areas
of the country, rare Charitable Research Reserve is an organization
situated in the Region of Waterloo of southwestern Ontario. Our
primary goal is to successfully conserve the natural area and improve
the ecological integrity of our landscapes. To do that, we need to be
a part of a community that values and connects with nature. Our
efforts to educate and provide hands-on opportunities to interact with
nature have result
ed in our Chain of Learning. This initiative
connects our research, restoration and education activities in order
to ensure maximum sharing of ideas and knowledge between all involved
– from visiting school children to the wide array of leading
professionals on our advisory committees, including senior scientists
and some of the best minds in a wide range of disciplines.
The school-based and youth environmental education program at rare is
called Every Child Outdoors (ECO); a name which signifies our belief
that all children deserve the opportunity to be active in nature. By
working with school and community groups, we have brought thousands
children and youth to our property for hands-on environmental learning
opportunities tailored to fit with school curriculum. Not only do
these opportunities build critical thinking and scientific inquiry
skills, they help young people form a bond with the natural world,
encouraging them to be better custodians of the landscape.
We have an exciting opportunity for a recent and enthusiastic graduate
with a background in environmental/ecological/biological studies
and/or outdoor recreation to fill the role of Educator. Preference
will be given to an applicant who holds an Ontario or equivalent
teaching certificate. Fluency in both English and French would be an
asset.
The Educator must possess the skills necessary to successfully design,
coordinate, and lead outdoor programs for primary and secondary school
groups, community organizations, and families as part of rare’s
leading education programs.
Specific Responsibilities
• With the Senior Educator, deliver rare’s elementary and secondary
school programs
• Lead interpretive hikes for community groups, and the general public
• Contribute to the development of rare’s environmental education
programs for various grades involving the Ontario Curriculum Grades
1-12
• Help with administrative tasks associated with accommodating
schools, community groups, and families.
• Occasionally provide and host special events and workshops at rare
during evenings and weekends.
• Provide assistance at Springbank education and demonstration gardens.
• Work with the Director of Research and Education to further link
ongoing research at rare to the education programs.
• Work with the land steward and volunteer land stewards to foster and
coordinate restoration opportunities for school groups.
• Attend staff meetings and report on ongoing activities.
• Assist the Senior Educator in strategic planning to further the
Every Child Outdoors education program.
Required Qualifications
• Completed university or college undergraduate degree or diploma with
a focus on the natural environment
• Demonstrates an interest in natural history, ecology, and
environmental interactions as they relate to education
• Demonstrates a passion for educating students about the natural world
• Strong leadership skills and the ability to work as part of a team
• Current police Vulnerable Sectors check
Funding Qualifications
• Between the ages of 15 and 30 (inclusive) at the time of intake/selection
• Post-secondary graduates
• Out of school
• Legally entitled to work in Ontario
Preferred Qualifications
• Standard First Aid/CPR
• Bachelor of Education diploma
• Familiarity with the Ontario curriculum
• Fluency in French or another language
The position is intended to provide valuable work related experience
that a recent graduate has been unable to obtain, and will be funded
by a governmental grant. The successful applicants must qualify to
receive this funding and be available from October 2014 to January
2015.
Salary is $525/week, based on a $15/hour, 35 hour work week.
To Apply
All interested candidates should submit by email, one file that
contains a cover letter, resume, and the names and contact information
for three references to the attention of rare’s Director of Research
and Education, Katherine McLeod:
katherine.mcleod@raresites.org
Applications must be received by 4:00 pm on Monday, September 29th, 2014.
Thank you for your interest.
