JOB DESCRIPTION
Outdoor Education Intern
Lorado Taft Field Campus
Northern Illinois University
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Reporting to the Environmental Education Coordinator, this person is primarily responsible for the
instruction of resident environmental education experiences for elementary and middle school groups at
Lorado Taft Campus, Oregon, Illinois. This person works closely with other staff to develop and deliver
outdoor education programs. This person assists other staff in the care and improvement of a project area.
This person will also be responsible for creating an educational display for a classroom bulletin board.
Training programs include, but are not limited to, Taft Campus policies and procedures, writing lesson
plans, group management techniques, observing seasoned educators, and co-teaching.
WORK ACTIVITIES
1.
Create and deliver lessons to elementary through high school students.
2.
Research relevant information regarding Taft programs in order to have the necessary background
knowledge to teach classes on topics such as ecology, cultural history, outdoor skills, and team
building.
3.
Participate in training activities and weekly staff meetings.
4.
Assist staff in overseeing project areas.
5.
Research and create a relevant, educational display for a classroom bulletin board.
6.
Opportunities for other projects exist as time allows. These could include curriculum
development, habitat restoration, development of teaching areas, etc.
REQUIRED SKILLS
High school diploma or equivalent. Prior experience working with youth in a role such as a camp
counselor, mentor, teacher, or coach. Must possess the desire to work primarily outdoors, in all kinds of
weather conditions. Strong verbal communication skills and the ability to represent Taft Campus and
NIU in a knowledgeable and professional manner are essential. A high degree of initiative, mature
judgment, and a strong work ethic required. A pre-employment criminal background investigation is
required.
PREFERRED SKILLS
Prior experience working in a similar environment (outdoor/environmental education facility, summer
camp, nature center) preferred.
WORK HOURS
15-20 hours/week. Weekly schedule varies based on the needs of the schools on site. Some evenings
required.
COMPENSATION
$8.50/hour. A private, furnished room is provided. Meals when the dining hall is in operation.