Job Opportunities

The University of Virginia's Blandy Experimental Farm seeks a full-time Environmental Educator to work with both our preK-12 Education and general public programs.

This Environmental Educator position is shared between two sectors of Blandy’s community outreach, preK-12 Education and Scientific Engagement, performing multiple functions within each outreach program. The preK-12 Education team includes the Director of Education, the Lead Environmental Educator, and two Environmental Educators (including this position). The Scientific Engagement team consists of the Director of Scientific Engagement, the Environmental Educator (this position), and three Weekend Visitor Services Aides. A willingness to learn and work collaboratively is essential.

Duties within the Department of preK-12 Education (primarily Spring and Fall)

• Serve as an essential instructor for our diverse population of approximately 6500 students from 70 to 80 schools (urban, rural, suburban) representing about 16 different public school divisions as well as private and home schools who participate in our preK-12 environmental education programs each year.
• Assist with annual program review and revisions; especially collaborating with other EE team members to adapt existing education resources to better serve diverse audiences
• Collaborate with members of the Education Team to brainstorm, create, test, and revise education programs
• Help plan and serve as an instructor in professional development programs enhancing the science knowledge and teaching skills of 400 to 600 preK-12 educators annually.

Duties within the Department of Scientific Engagement (primarily Winter and Summer)

• Collaborate with the Director of Scientific Engagement to create and plan youth summer camp programs.
• Serve as the Team Leader for summer camp staff and volunteers.
• Assist Director of Scientific Engagement in developing and leading science outreach programs for all ages (youth, families, adults).
• Support the Director of Scientific Engagement in developing engaging outreach materials using multiple modes of communication (e.g., posters, presentations, interpretive signs, web pages, infographics, brochures) tailored to a wide range of audiences.
• Collaborate with the Director of Scientific Engagement to adapt programming for diverse audiences.

In addition to the above job responsibilities, other duties may be assigned.

A successful candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in a natural science or education field and at least one year of experience teaching environmental education in an outdoor setting. Equivalent experience, such as classroom teaching with a strong emphasis on outdoor instruction, is relevant. The employee in this position will teach outdoors in all types of Virginia weather, during all seasons of the year. Must be able to stand for prolonged periods (up to 7 hours) and walk distances of up to 3 miles/day in various types of terrain (e.g., flat, hilly, sloped, wetlands, forest, meadow). This job requires lifting and carrying up to 50lbs. Experience creating digital education and outreach materials is preferred (i.e., websites, social media, newsletters, infographics, articles, reports).

This is a full-time non-exempt position with University Staff benefits.

The anticipated salary range is $37,000 - $42,000.

The position will remain open until filled. Application review will begin June 14, 2021.

Apply through Workday at this link. Complete the online application and attach:

• A cover letter/letter of interest summarizing your qualifications & describing why you want to work for Blandy Experimental Farm’s Education & Science Engagement Programs 
• Your current resume or curriculum vitae, and contact information for three professional references (name, email address, and telephone number)
• A portfolio with examples of your environmental education work with preK-12 students & teachers, out-of-school programs, and adult natural history programs (digital portfolio link  preferred)

For questions about this position contact Candace Lutzow-Felling, [email protected]. For questions about the application process or about employment with the University of Virginia, please contact Rich Haverstrom, Faculty Search Advisor, at [email protected]

Click here for a pdf description of this position with photos!

The University of Virginia is seeking an hourly Grounds Worker to perform basic grounds maintenance duties such as mowing, weeding and mulching at Blandy Experimental Farm in Boyce, Virginia.

This is a seasonal position. Employment will continue through the growing season only - spring, summer and early fall.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education: High School diploma or equivalent

Experience: None, although the ideal candidate will have some grounds maintenance experience.

Licensure: Valid Driver's License is preferred

Must be 18 years of age or older

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The person in this position must be able to perform manual labor outdoors in a variety of harsh environmental conditions, using mowers, other landscape equipment, and hand tools. The use of both hands and a repetitive motion will be required while performing duties.

Position Compensation Range: $13.00 - $14.50 Hourly

To apply, go to Workday and submit an online application.

The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment.  (SPAKA)

Questions about the job? Contact Chris Schmidt, [email protected]. Questions related to the application process may be directed to Brandi Shifflett, HR Specialist at (434) 243-4095 or [email protected].

This is a wage position which is not eligible for leave or other benefits and is limited to 1500 hours of work in a year. For more information, refer to the Wage Employment link: http://uvapolicy.virginia.edu/policy/HRM-029.