Cooper Hiring Environmental Educators
July 26, 2021
Join Our Team of Educators
• Full & Part-Time Positions Available
• Outstanding UArizona Benefits Including Tuition Reduction
• Make an Impact on Tucson Students Through In-Person Instruction
Who We Are
Our mission is to increase ecological understandings and deepen feelings for nature. We do this by providing hands-on, research-based programs in science and earth education, by creating lifelong memories, and by inspiring learners of all ages to live more lightly and sustainably on the Earth. A key element of our mission at the Cooper Center for Environmental Learning is to provide an inclusive space for all to learn about and care for our environment. We work to foster supportive relationships throughout our community, honoring and valuing the heritage and diverse perspectives of the students, teachers, and families we serve.
What We Do
Environmental educators cultivate a love for the Sonoran Desert by engaging with the community and encouraging each student to develop a meaningful relationship with the natural world, becoming the next generation of environmental changemakers. Educators will participate in creating and facilitating culturally responsive programming that reflects the knowledge of Southern Arizona’s Indigenous, Latinx, Black, and other ethnic and racial communities related to place and environment. Our goal is to have the lived experiences of our staff reflect the communities that we serve. Educators exercise their creativity as they teach students, assist with program development and design, and grow as leaders in environmental learning. The individuals hired for this position will be mentored by a dedicated and experienced team of educators in the practices of environmental learning.
Hiring & Benefits
This position has the flexibility in hiring 2 employees at 1.00FTE or 4 employees at .50FTE contingent FTE. Positions of .50 FTE or greater are eligible for outstanding UA benefits.
Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; state and optional retirement plans; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!
Pay: $16.70/hr
Duties & Responsibilities
- Lead and assist educational programs in outdoor and virtual/online settings
- Engage and work effectively with diverse student groups, including but not limited to age, ability, race, ethnicity, culture, and gender
- Assist with program scheduling, communications, and tracking program activities and outcomes
- Participate in special events at the Cooper Center, on UA campus, and in the community
- Maintain the general upkeep and cleaning of the facility and educational props
- Provide basic First Aid/CPR for program participants (training provided)
- Collaborate with UArizona students as interns and volunteers
- Support the development and facilitation of culturally rich and relevant practices and programming
- Hours are primarily Monday through Friday with some weekend event commitments. Daily schedules vary depending on program needs. Some flexibility will be required as some programs and events may require a non-traditional work schedule.
- Cooper Center is 20 minutes west of the main UArizona campus. Reliable transportation is required.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Ability to work both collaboratively and independently and bring unique experiences and perspectives to your work
- Positive attitude and enthusiasm for working outdoors in the Sonoran Desert
- Ability to carry out physically demanding tasks including carrying props and setting up activities over rugged terrain
- A flair for the theatrical (character roleplaying, wearing costumes, etc.)
Minimum Qualifications
- Experience teaching in informal and/or formal settings with youth
- Experience in motivating and engaging youth from diverse cultural, racial, ethnic, and experiential backgrounds
- High school diploma or equivalent, or equivalent learning attained through experience required.
- Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience required.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in universal design and inclusive spaces
- Proficiency in Spanish both spoken and written
- Experience working with people with different learning preferences and abilities
- Experiences/comfort in the outdoors
- Experience in designing youth activities and/or curriculum
- Remote teaching/learning experience
- Experience in data collection and/or program evaluation
- Experience in Sonoran Desert ecology
- Experience in administrative and organization.