Education Program Coordinator

Company: Penn State

Job Location:

Category: Extension and Outreach

Type: Full-Time

Job Number: REQ_0000077633

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

This position is funded for 1 year(s); continuation past 1 year(s) will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.

POSITION SPECIFICS

Shaver's Creek Environmental Center is seeking applicants for the position of Education Program Coordinator. This role serves as the year-round assistant director of Shaver's Creek Camp Programs and School Programs. This position carries out preparation and delivery of curriculum for both programs in all seasons. This position also participates in the operation of the Environmental Center, including serving on leadership teams and supporting Center-wide activities.

Supporting School Programs (mid-August to mid-May)

For this portion of the position, the EPC works with the School Programs Director and seasonal environmental educators to develop and teach outdoor science lessons. Shaver's Creek cultivates and maintains intentional partnerships with local school districts to support science curriculum with outdoor experiences. This includes a mix of field trips to Shaver's Creek and lessons in classrooms and outdoors on school grounds. The scaffolded model of Shaver's Creek's School Programs centers around relationship-based and place-based teaching, and this position has a critical role in building relationships with both students, teachers, and Shaver's Creek's seasonal environmental educators.

Primary responsibilities include:

• Providing instruction independently and in collaboration with the School Programs Director and seasonal environmental educators to K-5 students during programs at schools (in classrooms and outdoors) and at Shaver's Creek (outdoors on trails).
• Teaching in accordance with a philosophy based in inquiry, connection to place, relationship-building, and an asset orientation towards students.
• Leading the development, design and revision of standards- and curriculum-aligned outdoor, environmental science programs.
• Creating, preparing, organizing and maintaining teaching equipment and materials.
• Communicating with teachers, community partners and Shaver's Creek staff to plan and coordinate curriculum and learning experiences.
• Collaborating with, training, and supporting seasonal environmental education staff with care for cultivating positive staff dynamics and a growth mindset.
• Engaging in critical reflection individually and collaboratively with the director and educators to improve program design and teaching practice for equity and effectiveness.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

General Equivalency Diploma (GED) or High School (HS) 2+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None

Desired qualifications include:

• Experience teaching, planning and coordinating science programs for elementary-aged students both indoors and outdoors.
• Curiosity, a growth mindset, and a desire to learn in community.
• Passion for engaging and learning with young children, in and about the natural world.
• Professional and proactive communication skills; flexibility and dependability.
• Enjoys working in a team, thinking critically to approach challenges creatively and optimistically, and taking initiative.

Supporting Day Camps (responsibilities year-round)

For the Camp Program, the EPC is part of the leadership team that supports and creates the highest quality experience for everyone at camp. They will be involved in facilitating staff training, creating program materials, assisting with logistics associated with camp, developing programs, teaching if needed, and cultivating a positive, flexible atmosphere centered around learning and growth. During the camp season the majority of the program day is spent outdoors in the field with staff and campers.

All members of the leadership team float across the various day camps at Shaver's Creek, including Wee Wonderers (ages 4-5), Discovery (ages 6-8), Explorer (ages 9-11), Investigators (ages 12-14) and Leaders In Training/LITs (ages 14-17). The camp week runs Monday through Saturday and this position will generally work 7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. during staff training and while camp is in session for six to eight weeks from June to early-August. Friday has an overnight program that extends into Saturday morning. During the program season this position can expect to work 50 - 60 hours a week (with overtime pay). When camps are not in session, the position is a 40-hour work week with chance of additional hours. Full participation is required during all hours worked.

General responsibilities and requirements of this position include the following:

• Prior camp and outdoor environmental education teaching experience; prior program administration experience preferred.
• Abiding by requirements to keep everyone safe. This includes staying within eye shot/ear shot of another adult at all times while around minors and following all camp policies/expectations.
• This position will be working with children and staff outdoors for up to 13 hours/day. Applicants must be physically able to work outdoors for long hours in all types of weather and potentially over rough terrain.

Preparing for Summer Camp (September - May)

• Help facilitate Shaver's Creek Summer Camp reunion, LIT on-site interviews, and additional LIT/staff programs that may occur in evening or on weekends (~5 dates total)
• Conduct LIT phone interviews
• Obtain certification in Wilderness First Aid
• Answer phone calls on member registration opening day
• Update or create program materials and activities
• Assist in logistical preparations for camp
• Use Asana, Google Drive, and other systems shared by Summer Camp
• Aid in physical site preparations

Weekly/Daily Summer Camp Operations (June - mid-August)

• Gather materials for and lead training sessions
• Assist with camper sign-in and sign out process
• Assist in running AM and PM camp community circle
• Assist with daily teaching observation and provide feedback to staff
• Set out Camp Stamp Puzzler clues and assist in other areas of program as needed
• Assist Friday during family program and as designated on Saturday mornings
• Assist in emergency situations, group management situations, and any other situations in which a staff member is in need of help from a director
• Spend time in field across all programs to the benefit/needs of staff, LITs, campers, and program
• Assist in enacting staff recognition program
• Help with other program or logistical parts required to run a smooth camp experience

A qualified candidate will have a passion for working with children, prior experience in a camp setting, patience, a plethora of flexibility, be enthusiastic, want to grow, work well with a team, and foster a desire to make the camp experience the best that it can be every single time for every single person.

Applicants must be able to work outdoors in all types of weather and potentially over rough terrain with or without accommodation.

The anticipated start date for this position is in August 2026.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

This position requires the following clearances in addition to applicable background checks: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check. This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver's license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks. Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $38,300.00 - $55,500.00.

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.