"4-H Environmental Educator – Fortson"

This job is a temporary Environmental Educator at Fortson 4-H Center located in Hampton, Georgia. The primary responsibility is to independently lead K-12 grade students through multidisciplinary classes in an outdoor setting. Class subjects offered include life and earth science, ecology, team building, outdoor skills, and living history. Other responsibilities include animal care, maintenance of teaching areas and resources, facilities, grounds, and support of general operations of the facility.

Since our founding in 1785, the University of Georgia has operated as Georgia’s oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 235 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly formed School of Medicine.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Independently lead, teach, manage K-12 grade students and chaperoning adults through multidisciplinary classes in an outdoor setting. Class subjects offered include a focus on ecology, life science, earth science, living history and more. (60% of time)
• General support of overall center operations including and not limited to: maintenance and upkeep of facilities (dorms, classrooms, education materials, vehicles), operating a UGA vehicles, dining hall support and assistance, and projects as needed. (20% of time)
• Animal care husbandry and maintenance for residential education reptiles, amphibians, farm mammals, poultry and more. (15% of time)
• Lead staff responsibilities to support on-going reservations and guests. (5% of time)

Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, Certification: Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Education, Environmental Education, Forestry, Natural Resources, Outdoor Education, Science, or related field. First Aid/CPR/AED certification (or willingness to obtain).

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: Teaching qualities include commitment, genuine interest in youth development, strong passion for education, enthusiasm for life-long learning and seeking opportunities for connecting students with meaningful experiences in science and the natural world. Work qualities include dynamic personality, well-developed communication skills, positive attitude, creativity, leadership ability, integrity, willingness to connect and build relationships, and the desire to grow and be challenged. Skills in teaching a wide variety of subjects to K-12 grade youth, group management, broad knowledge of outdoor education, communicating effectively with youth and adults, customer service, working in a team, independently, flexibly, adaptably, and caring for live teaching animals. Ability to work outside in various weather conditions.

Physical Demands: Work exposed to outdoor elements, lift 20-40 pounds, walk approximately 3 miles daily, comfortable with heights and climbing ladders, driving.