Employment

Current Open Positions:

Environmental Educator

Research Internships

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATOR

Reports to:              Assistant Education Director

Position type:          Part-time, Seasonal (mid September – June)

Hours:                     As needed for educational programs and program development, typically 10 – 25 hours per week between the hours of 8am-2pm M-F

Compensation:        $12-13 per hour

Closing Date:           August 18, 2023 or until position is filled

Multiple positions available: lower elementary educators (preK-1st grade) and upper elementary through high school educators (2nd-12th grade)

The Environmental Educator job duties include the following:

  • Leads and assists with tasks associated with Phinizy Center’s Education programs, such as:
    • PreK – 12th grade school field trips
    • Summer programs
    • Homeschool programs
  • Leads, motivates, and ensures the safety of students as they participate in age-appropriate activities
  • Assists with set-up and clean-up of school field trips and other education programs
  • Assists with off-site education/outreach events, as needed
  • Cleans, maintains, and ensures proper use of education facilities and equipment
  • Acts as a park ambassador for visitors and the public
  • Follows all emergency procedures and enforces park rules
  • Other duties as needed

 DESIRABLE JOB PREREQUISITES:

Education/Training/Experience:

  • Bachelor Degree in Science, such as Environmental Science, Environmental Education, or other related field preferred for lower elementary educators and required for all other positions
  • Demonstrated knowledge of natural history
  • Experience working with children

 Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:

  • Ability to work well in a team setting and set personal high performance and quality standards, which enable the team to be successful
  • Takes initiative and has a high level of responsibility and accountability
  • Effectively communicates orally and in writing with co-workers, supervisors, the public, and all other customers, including being sensitive to professional ethics, gender, cultural diversities, and disabilities
  • Strong customer service ethic in delivery of services
  • Upbeat and engaging with strong public speaking skills
  • Ability to work with and manage students of all ages
  • Punctual with good time management skills
  • An appreciation for and understanding of natural habitats and systems; comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions
  • Physical ability to participate in activities, run, climb, lift, or support the weight of children
  • Knowledge of standard office practices and basic computer skills, and ability to apply such knowledge of interrelated processes, tasks, and operations
  • Ability to pass a background check
  • First aid and CPR/AED certified (preferred, but will provide if needed)

To Apply Send Cover Letter, Resume, and 3 References to:  education@phinizycenter.org

RESEARCH INTERNSHIP

POSITION CLASSIFICATION: Volunteer

HOURS: 8-16 hrs/wk between 9-5 Monday-Friday, September – December 2023. Must be available one full day/wk

REPORTS TO: Research Manager

APPLICATION DUE: August 28, 2023; applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis.

POSITION DESCRIPTION: The Water Quality Research Internship will provide an intern with field and lab experience relating to water quality monitoring, analysis, and data management at a nonprofit. This is an unpaid position, with the purpose of providing an intern with experience and practice, which will expand the skills and knowledge they have acquired from previous education.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Attain experience with field sampling methods and laboratory procedures
  • Learn techniques for macroinvertebrate collection and identification
  • Implement laboratory procedures and learn analytical techniques
  • Gain competence in laboratory safety and best management practices
  • Assist with urban watershed water quality monitoring
  • Hands-on experience with long term Savannah River continuous monitoring
  • Learn to communicate verbally and in writing with other team members in a scientific manner
  • Learn data management and record keeping techniques
  • Obtain experience with water quality analysis

Responsibilities of Phinizy Center and mentor:

Provide intern with the necessary orientation, administration, safety, and operational guidelines essential to the internship

  • Provide intern with on-site supervision, mentorship, and instruction
  • Record attendance and maintain records of work completed
  • Offer evaluation of internship and work completed as needed
  • Provide intern with appropriate laboratory and field safety precautions including PPE, lab safety training, etc

DESIREABLE INTERN PREREQUISITES

Education, Training, and Experience:

  • Junior or Senior undergraduate or graduate in Biology, Ecology, or recent graduate

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:

  • Demonstrate strong work ethic and the ability to foster teamwork
  • Task-oriented, an appreciation for native habitats, and be comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions
  • Knowledge of standard office practices and basic computer skills, and ability to apply such knowledge of interrelated processes, tasks, and operations
  • Be punctual and demonstrate good time management skills

 License(s) or Special Requirements:

  • Must be able to work a minimum of 8-16 hours a week Monday-Friday for 9-12 weeks. Must be available one full 8 hr day/wk
  • Must have transportation to and from the place of work (Phinizy Center for Water Sciences)
  • Must have a current valid driver’s license or valid form of ID

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Physical Demands, Hazards, and Working Conditions: The intern will have to meet these requirements, with or without reasonable accommodation, to succeed in this position.

While performing the duties of this position, the intern is frequently required to stand, walk, sit; use hands to handle and reach; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear. The intern must be able to lift and/or move at least 50 lbs.

While performing the duties of this position, the intern is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions. Fieldwork will take place outside, and the intern will be exposed to the outdoor elements such as heat, rain, and insects. Hiking, carrying field equipment and wading (with waders) will be required. Lab work may occasionally include performing tasks involving toxic or cause chemicals, and proper lab safety is expected.

To apply send Cover Letter, Resume, and Reference Contact Info to:

Rachael Gonzalez, Phinizy Center Research Manager: Rachael.gonzalez@phinizycenter.org by August 11, 2023

We are also always looking for good volunteers!