Job Description

Full-Time/Part Time: Full-Time

Overview:

The Lorado Taft Field Campus is Northern Illinois University's outdoor education and conference center and is located in Oregon, Illinois, on the bluffs of the Rock River. Taft Campus' outdoor education program exists to provide students with positive experiences in learning and self-discovery in nature. The Outdoor Education Instructor is responsible for the instruction of outdoor education experiences for elementary and middle school students, with classes including outdoor science lessons, skill-based activities, and team building.

Position Summary:

The primary responsibility of this position includes facilitating, teaching, and leading outdoor education programs. On-site residency is required.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and teach classes, primarily in the outdoor environment, to students in the 4th to 8th grades.
• Develop curricula and resources for the program.
• Assist in the maintenance and upkeep of campus teaching, habitat, and resource storage areas.
• Participate in staff training and profession development opportunities.
• Assist in the coordination of the residential outdoor education program.
• Provide guest services and assist in security and emergency procedures.
• Complete projects assigned by the faculty supervisors.

Minimum Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in education, science, natural resources, recreation, history, or related field
• Two months experience teaching or facilitating learning experiences for youth. This may include classroom teaching, summer camp, natural history or environmental education, facilitating outdoor recreation experiences and other non-formal teaching experience.

Additional Requirements:

• Ability to work effectively with co-workers and supervisors to achieve the goals of the program. 
• Ability to convey information about environmental topics without bias and with the goal of encouraging lifelong learning.
• Ability to effectively engage in behavior management in order to maintain students' interest and participation in outdoor classes and activities.
• Ability to manage work time effectively and with little supervision to ensure preparedness and project completion.
• Flexibility and the ability to deal with the unexpected and quickly changing nature of outdoor activities and children.
• Demonstrated competence in verbal communication, particularly the ability to present information, ideas, directions, etc. in a clear and concise manner.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience as an educator, program staff, naturalist or related position at a residential outdoor education center, nature center, or similar facility preferred.
• Previous experience in preparing lesson plans, outlines, or guides in preparation to teach or facilitate activities.
• Previous experience leading or facilitating groups in team building activities.
• Demonstrated enthusiasm for the outdoors and outdoor education, even when conditions are challenging. 
• Demonstrated professionalism as related to the field. 
• Demonstrated initiative to go above and beyond minimum assigned duties. 

Salary: $27,300.00

Application Procedure:

For full consideration, please submit application and required documents as listed below through NIU online employment system at . Applications received by February 11, 2024 , will receive full consideration. Applications received after this date are welcomed and will be considered as needed.

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• List of Three References
• Transcripts (unofficial with official required at hire)

For questions contact Lorado Taft Campus director, Melanie Costello, melcostello@niu.edu .

EEO Statement Summary:

In accordance with applicable statutes and regulations, NIU is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, political affiliation, or any other factor unrelated to professional qualifications, and will comply with all applicable federal and state statutes, regulations and orders pertaining to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action.

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:

Ethics and Compliance Officer, Title IX Coordinator
Health Services 230
TitleIXCoordinator@niu.edu
815-753-5560

About Northern Illinois University

Northern Illinois University's vision is to be an engine for innovation to advance social mobility; promote personal, professional and intellectual growth; and transform the world through research, artistry, teaching and outreach.The mission of Northern Illinois University is to empower students through educational excellence and experiential learning as we pursue knowledge, share our research and artistry, and engage communities for the benefit of the region, state, nation and world.

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