Seasonal Environmental Educator

The Missouri River Bird Observatory (MRBO) seeks a Seasonal Environmental Educator from approximately 1 April to at least 31 July. This is a salaried position with a possibility of extension based on funding and performance.

The Missouri River Bird Observatory (MRBO) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of birds and their habitats via science, education, and advocacy. We are based in the unique village of Arrow Rock, Missouri, which is a state and national Historic Site adjacent to the Big Muddy National Wildlife Refuge Jameson Island unit. MRBO is a small organization with a big impact; this is due to the dedication and hard work of the staff, board, and volunteers.

We are seeking a highly motivated individual to fill the position of Seasonal Environmental Educator. This position is a great opportunity to utilize a variety of skills, share your passion for birds and conservation, and develop and implement unique programming.

The educator will receive training in local habitats, natural history, the Missouri conservation community, and MRBO’s programming and organizational background during the first two weeks of employment and then be responsible for conducting programs independently as well as part of the MRBO team.

Primary

• Lead Arrow Rock natural history programs - ecology and natural history walks for 3rd – 6th grade classes during the period of 15 April – 25 May. These programs involve extensive interaction and collaboration with representatives of the local non-profit Friends of Arrow Rock and the Arrow Rock State Historic Site.
• Educate visitors at MRBO’s “BirdHouse” Visitor Center on Arrow Rock Main Street

          - Develop visitor programs in collaboration with MRBO Board members, volunteers, and other staff.

• Represent MRBO via tabling or providing activities at numerous nature festivals.
• Coordinate, develop, and present custom bird programs throughout mid-Missouri to schools, other non-profit organizations, clubs, businesses, and the public.
• At times, assist MRBO Education Coordinator with the Arrow Rock Nature School, a place-based learning center based on the model of the Teton Science School.
• Assist MRBO Education Coordinator with inquiry-based day camps for 8-11 and 11–14-year-olds over three weeks in June.
• Contribute content regularly to MRBO’s e-newsletter, printed newsletter, reports to funders, and social media.
• Work with and develop relationships with MRBO’s partner organizations and agencies.
• Assist with a variety of other public outreach opportunities as needed.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in coordinating and conducting wildlife and conservation programs (both indoor and outdoor) for youth and adult audiences.
• Highly detail-oriented, rational, resilient, and organized in their thinking and planning.
• Deeply inspired by environmental education and conservation.
• Ecological understanding from former education and/or experience.
• Solid bird identification skills and the ability to lead groups on bird outings.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Powerpoint) and cloud sharing services (i.e. Google Drive, One Drive etc). Experience with Mac computers and apps such as Keynote is preferred.
• Committed to including all people in nature experiences and is motivated to reach underserved communities.
• Professional in written and verbal communications.
• Comfortable working and teaching outdoors and in the field (moderate physical fitness is needed).
• Enjoys growing partnerships, networking, and collaboration.
• An academic background in wildlife or conservation biology is important, but a strong commitment to conservation and background knowledge of Missouri’s ecosystems and conservation issues are critical.

Salary is $2500-2750/month dependent on experience, plus a $300/month health insurance stipend paid via payroll. All work-related travel will be paid for or reimbursed, including motels/AirBnbs and personal vehicle use at the $0.655/mile Missouri state mileage rate. Work schedule will be 5-6 days per week including frequent weekends and some evenings. To apply, please send a letter of interest, resume, and three professional references to Dana Ripper (dana.ripper@mrbo.org) and Ethan Duke (ethan.duke@mrbo.org). Application deadline is February 20th, 2024, but applications will be reviewed as they are received and interviews scheduled accordingly. If a suitable candidate is found, the position will be filled on or before March 1st.

MRBO values diversity of all kinds and is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where we all learn from each other. Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people with diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and culture. Individuals from non-traditional backgrounds, historically marginalized, or underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.