Youth Education Specialist

Please read full description before submitting form. All applicants MUST upload cover letter, resume and list of three references as a SINGLE PDF document to be considered.

The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy is a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming the Detroit Riverfront into a world-class gathering space for everyone. The Conservancy was founded in 2003 to develop, operate, steward, and program the Detroit Riverwalk and associated green spaces, including Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park, Dequindre Cut, Archer Greenway, and Southwest Greenway. Every year, the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy welcomes more than three million visitors who enjoy our public spaces through public programs, recreation, and community connection.

The Conservancy is responsible for the improvement, security, operations, maintenance, and programming of the Detroit Riverfront in perpetuity.

The part-time Youth Education Specialist will support the development, coordination, and execution of our guided field trip program at Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park. The Youth Education Specialist will develop place-based curricular resources grounded in the Wilson Park interpretive themes and Michigan State Science Standards. The Youth Education Specialist will support and/or lead guided field trips to youth of all ages across Metro-Detroit. The Youth Education Specialist will also adapt current programs to meet the needs of different ages of students and classroom curricular goals. The Youth Education Specialist will gain an overall understanding of the way educational programming is run through a large non-profit, such as The Conservancy. The position reports to the Educational Program Manager.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Co-lead and/or lead guided field trip experiences at Ralph Wilson Park
• Develop lessons and/or lesson materials for guided field trips grounded in the Ralph Wilson Park interpretive themes, Michigan State Science Standards, or other applicable standards
• Adapt existing curricular materials to meet the needs of the field trip group
• Collaborate with content-expert partners to build field trips that meet the needs of the field trip group and the Ralph Wilson Park interpretive themed programming
• Research methods, standards-based lessons, and general place-based ecology to support the diverse learning opportunities of the area
• Coordinate the logistics for field trip scheduling, lesson supply management, and content partners before and during the time of the event
• Assist with field trip set up, check in, and tear down
• Assist with data collection and program evaluation
• Connect with young people and encourage a love of the river, parks, and Detroit

Qualifications:

• Experience teaching, coaching, or leading groups of youth of all ages (pre-K – high school)
• Working toward or having earned a degree in education or natural sciences or a related field is preferred
• Experience in lesson planning and teaching in outdoor or indoor classroom settings
• Exceptional interpersonal communication skills (phone, email, face-to-face)
• Ability to adapt lessons depending on weather conditions, student interest, or other unforeseen circumstances
• Ability to respond to student behavior and conflict respectfully and appropriately
• Detail-oriented and strong logistic management skills (i.e. trip planning, registration info, partner coordination)
• Demonstrate teamwork and positive day-to-day work relationships with staff, field trip participants, teachers, chaperones, and community partners
• Experience with Microsoft Office and/or Canva

Who You Are:

• A champion and advocate for the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy’s mission and our visitors
• Enjoy being around, connecting with, helping, and guiding youth of all ages
• Action-oriented, decisive, quick study with proven ability to think analytically
• Enjoy being outside in parks
• Familiar with place-based education, Michigan State Science Standards, and outdoor learning
• Knowledge of Detroit and enthusiasm to work in Detroit
• Possess a growth mindset with an openness to collaborating
• Highly organized and detail-oriented
• Ability to work well under pressure with integrity and patience
• Willingness to move throughout parks and greenways with youth of varying ages and abilities
• Capacity to lift 20 – 25 lbs.

The Youth Education Specialist is part-time seasonal position (20 hours per week) paid at $17 an hour. Ideally, the Youth Education Specialist can begin mid-April and work through the end of August. Limited weeknight or weekend work may be required, and daytime hours will be adjusted as needed for evening and weekend work. Working hours will be scheduled based on planned field trip programs and will be communicated in advance.

To apply for this position, please upload your resume, cover letter, and a list of three references as a single PDF. We will be accepting applications until the positions are filled. Please, no phone calls.

The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy values a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, disability, or veteran status.