Interpretive Educator

Job Description

Bernheim Forest and Arboretum, a 16,000+ acre protected forest in Kentucky, about 25 miles south of Louisville, is seeking a team member to connect individuals with the natural world through hands-on activities, exploration, and environmental critical thinking.

The Interpretive Educator is responsible for leading nature-based lessons in a variety of environments in collaboration with team members and community partners. Nature-based learning occurs when education is connected to the natural world, including outdoor experiences that complement and enhance programming, or making outdoor artifacts and ideas available to adult visitors and audiences, to create more robust educational opportunities. Team teaching and collaboration are keystone components, with creativity and fun always encouraged.

About Us

Bernheim is home to a 600-acre, Level IV accredited arboretum. The natural landscape features 40+ miles of hiking trails and extensive natural areas managed for conservation and research purposes. Its woodlands, prairies, and wetlands make up the largest privately-owned forest in the Eastern United States dedicated to education and conservation. Bernheim is a privately owned not for-profit, relying on donations and memberships, whose mission is to connect people with nature. Annually, over 300,000 people experience Bernheim through visits, educational programs, field trips, and Bernheim festivals.

Duties & Responsibilities

Essential Duties/Responsibilities
• Develop nature-based programming at Bernheim, including conducting research to support programming, program outlines and lesson plans, program materials and resources, and basic program training structure.
• Implement engaging, hands-on activities that promote exploration, curiosity, and an appreciation of nature.
• Assist Interpretive Programs Manager in planning and executing Adult Day Camps.
• Present and exhibit at community events, education fairs, educational conferences, and other outreach opportunities to market programs and expand engagement opportunities with the public.
• Offer nature-based programming to Bernheim visitors, including the public, adult audiences and tour groups, and others.
• Collect program evaluation data and track findings.
• Support all regular functions and programming of the Education Department, including program development, evaluation, and operations, including teen day camps and other youth and family programming.
• Maintain and manage necessary materials, including equipment, supplies, and resources.
• Serve as liaison to and maintain partnerships with community partners.
• Work with Director of Education and Interpretation to create partnerships with Bourbon Trail partners to increase attendance at Bernheim.
• Develop and execute group tour programming.
• Collaborate with other Bernheim departments through education initiatives and involved in staff workdays, on site events, off-site research, and general tasks.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

Experience and Expectations
• A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree and at least one year of experience in a similar role, required. Equivalent or non-traditional education or work experiences may be considered but must be documented.
• History of presenting nature-based education content to diverse populations and communities.
• Clear communication, written and verbal.
• Effective organizational and time management skills.
• Keen attention to detail with the ability to adapt to the unexpected while still progressing toward core objectives.
• Ability to work independently, as well as collaboratively and as part of a team.
• Written communication skills that support the development of quality interpretive materials, website resources, instructions for onsite activities, development of self-directed visitor experiences, and similar deliverables.
• Comfort and ability to work and teach in outdoor environments ranging from fully accessible teaching spaces to wilderness areas without trails, in all weather conditions.
• Ability to speak effectively in front of diverse public audiences in a manner that is engaging and entertaining.
• Ability to adapt to the unexpected while still progressing toward core objectives.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and clean driving record at time of hire.
• Role may require the ability to continuously walk, stand, bend, twist and/or stoop and lift up to 50lbs.
• Flexibility to work a variety of hours, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events, as needed. Mandatory attendance for all major events is required.

Additional Information

This full-time, hourly position reports to the Director of Education and Interpretation.
Pay range: $18-$20/hr.
Normal schedule: Tuesday through Saturday.
Competitive benefits package includes health/vision/dental insurance, retirement 403(b) match benefit and paid sick, holiday, and vacation leave.

Bernheim Forest and Arboretum is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote without regard to race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, disability, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.

Application Instructions

Please send all inquiries and resumes to: HR@bernheim.org.