The University of Virginia's Blandy Experimental Farm seeks a part-time, seasonal Environmental Educator to work with our preK-12 education program team.

Blandy is a 700-acre. University of Virginia ecological field station located in the northern Shenandoah Valley, about 10 miles east of Winchester and 60 miles west of Washington, D.C. Its mission is to increase understanding of the natural environment through research and education. The State Arboretum of Virginia, located within Blandy Experimental Farm, is a public garden displaying more than 5500 trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants in a diversity of habitats including woodlands, meadows, wetlands, and open fields.

Blandy’s education program has been providing hands-on field learning experiences for preK-12 students with approximately 6,000 public, private, and homeschool students participating in our programs each year. Our education programs engage students in authentic, age appropriate, science investigation experiences that align with Virginia’s Science Standards of Learning.  We use hands-on, inquiry-based teaching techniques which we adjust to meet the specific needs of the teachers. The Education Team consists of the Director of Education, Lead Environmental Educator, two full-time Environmental Educators, and two part-time Environmental Educator positions. We are excited to add a new member to our team! 

The seasonal Environmental Educator will assist with program preparation and instruction of students from area schools participating in Blandy’s preK-12 environmental education programs. This is a part-time, hourly wage position. This Environmental Educator will work approximately 10-15 hours per week from mid-September through mid-November and March through mid-June.  

Our Environmental Educator will: 

Provide high-quality, enthusiastic instruction of established outdoor lessons aligned with Virginia science standards for school groups, grades preK through 12. Organize and maintain program supplies and help set-up and break-down daily programs. Interact with others in ways that reflect the University’s commitment to respect and inclusion. In addition to the above job responsibilities, other duties may be assigned. 

Minimum Requirements:

Education: Bachelor's degree

Experience: At least one year of experience. In lieu of a degree, a combination of five years of relevant education and/or experience may be considered.

Licensure: None

Preferred Qualifications:

Have a bachelor’s degree in a natural science or education field, or working towards one. Experience teaching in an outdoor environment. Relevant student experience may be considered.  Equivalent experience, such as classroom teaching with a strong emphasis on outdoor instruction, is relevant. Be flexible about work days & hours; a typical work week would include some hours between 7:30 am-3:00 pm, Monday-Friday (no evenings or weekends). Have a positive, professional attitude and good interpersonal skills, and have the ability to follow through on tasks with attention to detail. Be proficient with Microsoft 365 and Google Office Suites Have energy, enthusiasm, and passion for learning and teaching about nature. Enjoy being part of a dynamic education team and possess a collaborative work style. Embrace change: We frequently adapt our program content based on grade level, learning needs, and requests from teachers. Have a strong commitment to safety while working with our students. 

Physical Demands:

The employee in this position will teach outdoors in all types of Virginia weather: cold or hot; windy or calm; dry or wet. Must be able to stand for prolonged periods (up to 5 hours) and walk distances of up to 3 miles/day in various types of terrain (e.g., flat, hilly, sloped, wetlands, forest, meadow). This job requires lifting and carrying up to 40 lbs. Good hearing, speech, vision, movement, and dexterity are necessary to perform the essential functions of this position. 

More Information:

The anticipated hourly range for this position is $19-22 per hour

The position will remain open until it is filled.

This position will not sponsor applicants for work visas and is not eligible for remote work.

This is a wage position which is not eligible for leave or other benefits and is limited to 1500 hours of work in a year. For more information, refer to the Wage Employment link: http://uvapolicy.virginia.edu/policy/HRM-029

To apply, please submit an application online at https://jobs.virginia.edu and attach a current resume and cover letter. Search on requisition number: R0075633

The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment. 

Questions related to the application process may be directed to Jen Krahn, Sr. HR Specialist, at jak8w@virginia.edu

Questions about the position? Contact Harrison Jackson, Director of preK - 12 Education, at cfh5qd@virginia.edu

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Click here to read more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.