COMPENSATION: Contract position with a competitive hourly rate
LOCATION: Greater Charlotte region
REPORTS TO: Great Outdoors University Director
Job Summary
Do you love and appreciate North Carolina’s wild lives, wild places and natural resources? Are you a leader or teacher who enjoys spending time with kids and jumps at the chance to spend time outdoors? Does helping connect kids with nature and outdoor adventures sound like fun to you? Then North Carolina Wildlife Federation (NCWF) has the perfect opportunity for you to explore the natural world while inspiring future conservationists!
NCWF brings together citizens, outdoor enthusiasts, hunters and anglers, government, and industry to protect our state’s natural resources. Our work happens in the field, through conservation policy, educational engagement and outreach, youth outings, 1,500 volunteers, and collaboration with other conservation groups.
Great Outdoors University (GoU) is a conservation-based experiential education program that brings outdoor adventures to kids ages 4-18 who have limited opportunities to explore and make discoveries about the natural world. We partner with youth organizations to provide day trips to parks, preserves, farms and other destinations within an hour’s drive of Charlotte. Excursions include fishing, hiking, biking, canoeing, gardening, bird watching, archery, scavenger hunting, hands-on experimenting, and identifying wildlife and their habitat.
Field Trip Leaders must be strong role models and have excellent communication skills. They must interact appropriately and effectively with students, parents, volunteers and colleagues with various backgrounds and economic statuses. Ideal Field Trip Leaders are personable, welcoming, patient, kind, dependable, honest, flexible and mature.
Responsibilities and Duties
- Lead courses and activities outlined by Program Director or Field Trip Coordinator.
- Mentor kids to embrace personal responsibility and teamwork and master problem-solving abilities by learning hands-on outdoor skills.
- Abide by and exemplify GoU’s four “rules” and behavior outlined in our Adult Code of Conduct.
- Work in cooperation with other Field Trip Leaders and partner organization staff and adults on assigned trips.
- Create positive and inclusive environments where kids can make discoveries, be creative, learn new skills and build self-confidence.
- Impart science and math knowledge in a fresh and fun way.
- Educate youth about the importance of conservation.
- Foster appreciation for continued learning.
Qualifications and Experience
- General knowledge of North Carolina’s natural resources, flora and fauna. Expertise in related topics is preferred.
- Teaching or other leadership experience (not necessarily in a classroom setting).
- Awareness of outdoor safety concerns and risk management.
- Awareness of and appreciation for individual uniqueness and diversity.
Position Requirements
- Signed NCWF Great Outdoors University Hold Harmless and Release and Code of Conduct forms (provided upon application approval).
- Valid driver’s license and ability to drive.
- Willingness to travel throughout the Greater Charlotte area.
- Internet access and email account.
- Working cell phone with text messaging capabilities.
- CPR and First Aid certification.
- Criminal background check.
To apply, complete the online application. No phone calls, please.