Field Study Instructor, Spring/Summer 2009

Full-time position.

Smokey House Center: Smokey House Center partners with public schools to provide adolescents with a hands-on, environmentally-based curriculum that integrates academic disciplines and work-readiness skills. At Smokey House, young people work with experienced adults on conservation, ecological research and land management tasks - - learning, in the process, science, math, ecology, communications, reading, writing, problem-solving, critical thinking, and teamwork. We offer two applied-learning programs -- our Youthwork Program for at-risk high school students and our Environmental Field Studies Program for middle school students.

Job Description: Field Studies Instructors guide crews of six middle school students as they conduct field research and analyze and present their findings. Research covers a broad range of topics including: wildlife tracking, reptile and amphibian studies, nesting bird monitoring, and water quality monitoring. Studies are conducted on our 5,000 acres of forest and farmlands and in the surrounding towns. This is a non-residential program.

Job duties include:

· work, both independently and with the Field Studies Coordinator and other staff, to provide a safe and learning-rich experience for students as they carry out their research work, both in the field and in the classroom

· have a sound understanding of natural science and experience in the scientific process

· use a hands-on environmental research as a vehicle to teach academic, inter-personal, and work readiness skills

· plan the daily activities and learning opportunities for a team of students

· assist with creating hands-on, integrated, intensive, and relevant curriculum based on environmental research

· assist in training and supervising interns during their work with the Field Studies Program

· assist with maintaining communications between Smokey House Center and schools, parents, teachers and the general public

· assist in the administrative aspects of the Field Studies Program

· evaluate and document each student’s progress regularly (including checking daily assignments)

· communicate clearly using both spoken and written expression

· teach students verbal, written, and multi-media communications skills

· assist students in group process as they organize and carry out their research and report their findings

· learn to use, and assist students in learning to use, software, instruments, and other technology needed to conduct or communicate about the students’ research

· conduct scientific research related to the environment and natural resources

· carry out other duties as assigned, including purchase and maintenance of equipment, general upkeep and maintenance of SHC property, assisting in managing natural resources, and assisting the Youthworker Program

Qualifications: A genuine desire to work with youth, ability to facilitate learning through hands-on work, a strong background in natural history, a driver's license in good standing, and excellent oral and written communication skill are essential. The ideal candidate will also have experience working with teenagers, experience in field research in one or more of the areas mentioned above, and be proficient with MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel. Experience with ArcView, statistical software and networks helpful.

Compensation: Salary depends on experience. Housing may be provided. Full-time, year-round employees also receive benefits and paid vacation.

Closing date: Hiring now, open until filled.

For a full Field Studies Instructor description, click here

To apply, submit a cover letter, resume, completed application, and phone numbers for three references to Shana Stewart sstewart@smokeyhouse.org or Smokey House Center, 426 Danby Mountain Rd. Danby, VT 05739.