Environmental Educator Assistants provide high-quality programming and interpretive experiences for our participants and guests. They both assist naturalists during various programs (school programs, scout programs, public programs, birthday parties, etc.) as well as design and facilitate independent interpretive stations. This position includes public speaking, program set-up/tear-down, animal handling, writing interpretive station outlines, and using biofacts (skulls, pelts, feathers, etc.).
Environmental Educator Assistants will demonstrate flexibility, good communication skills, comfort in working with all ages and abilities, and a passion for connecting with others. Volunteers will collaborate with nature center staff to develop and implement environmental education-themed activities for the general public and for special events at CCNC. Volunteers would be supervised by the Volunteer Coordinator as well as staff naturalists as they perform the work on-site.
Environmental Educator Assistants will be assigned specific programs to assist with and/or have a set schedule to facilitate interpretive stations. Schedule and the amount of time worked per week will be based on both your availability and the Nature Center’s needs. Work is done both indoors and outdoors throughout the year, occasionally in inclement (though safe) weather. The position requires some light lifting, walking on uneven terrain, prolonged standing, and bending. Volunteers must be 14 years of age or older. Due to the amount of training this position entails, we require at least a six-month time commitment to be considered for the position.
Fingerprinting and background check are required as you will be working closely with children.
Volunteer Application Process:
- Fill out and submit a volunteer application and participation waiver.
- Have two adults (unrelated to you) email a letter of reference to ccnc@rockvillemd.gov attn: Volunteer Coordinator.
- Letters of reference should outline:
- How the person knows you
- How long they have known you
- Speak of your character
- The Volunteer Coordinator will reach out to you once all the previous paperwork has been submitted to discuss availability.
- Attend a brief, in-person interview at the nature center to discuss the position.
- If you are still interested in the position and we feel you would be a good addition to our team, the Volunteer Coordinator will invite you to become an Environmental Educator Assistant.
- Read the provided volunteer handbook and sign the contract on the final page.
- Fill out and submit the required background check forms.
- Attend a mandatory 2-3hr training in either the fall or the spring.
- Begin your scheduled shift.
This opportunity is available for student volunteers to earn SSL hours. Student participation in this service project is at the discretion of the student’s parent/guardian and must be completed outside of school hours. Parents/guardians should contact the nonprofit organization directly with any questions and/or concerns. The nonprofit is responsible for maintaining student safety and privacy at any time the student is interacting with the nonprofit and its clients. The nonprofit will determine the number of SSL hours awarded based on the evidence submitted. For SSL hours to be added to a student’s record, students must submit MCPS Form 560-51, Student Service Learning Activity Verification Form, to the school SSL coordinator by the due dates on the form (no later than the first Friday in June), which can be found at bit.ly/SSLReflection. Students will need to complete sections 1 and 3 of MCPS Form 560-51 in full. In lieu of section 2 of MCPS Form 560-51, students should attach the “SSL Hour Form” completed and provided to the student by the City of Rockville supervisor.
