Environmental educators are responsible for teaching students about the environment and how to protect it. They may focus on a variety of topics, including ecology, conservation, wildlife management, sustainable forestry, carbon sequestration, natural resource careers or other related subjects. Environmental educators often work in schools or other educational institutions, but they may also be employed by government agencies or nonprofit organizations. Regardless of where they work, their job is to educate others about environmental issues and inspire them to take action to help preserve our planet’s natural resources.
An employee in this class performs a variety of assignments in the preparation and the implementation of a scheduled environmental interpretive program at a state park. Work involves conducting guided hikes and tours of park buildings and nature centers and identifying and providing information on park plants and wildlife to park visitors. Work also involves conducting slide programs for senior citizens and youth groups on wildlife, collecting and maintaining nature centers and specimens for exhibits, observing and recording habits of wildlife and their characteristics, and serving as a naturalist in a nature center or museum. Work also includes establishing and maintaining close liaison with local and state conservation groups, civic organizations, schools, and the public concerning environmental education. Work assignments are received in either written or oral form. Work is reviewed in progress and upon completion by a professional superior for completeness, technical accuracy, and quality.
Environmental Interpretive Technician ● Environmental Education Specialist
Developing curricula for various environmental education programs such as summer camps, after-school programs, and conservation-themed school days.
Communicating with community members and industry leaders to determine what environmental issues are most important to them and how they can be addressed.
Conducting field trips for students to local parks, nature preserves, museums, and other sites of environmental interest.
Conducting programs for children about topics such as recycling, water conservation, and pollution prevention techniques.
Developing hands-on learning activities that are fun and engaging for children.
Conducting workshops on topics such as global warming and conservation of natural resources.
Providing information about environmental issues to the public through brochures, pamphlets, and other informational materials.
Promoting environmental awareness through events such as Earth Day celebrations and Arbor Day ceremonies.
Developing lesson plans and activities based on current scientific research on environmental topics.
Participating in coordinating and implementing environmental education and interpretive programs at a state park.
Conducting special programs for schools, scouting groups, senior citizens, and social organizations in a state park.
Conducting guided hikes, tours of park buildings, and nature centers.
Conducting guided tours of parks and identifying and providing information on park plants and wildlife to park visitors.
Conducting audio-visual programs for schools, teachers, senior citizens, and other special interest groups.
Participating in conducting in-service workshops for teachers on environmental education and interpretive services.
Collecting and maintaining specimens for exhibits in nature centers and museums.
Observing and recording habits of wildlife and their characteristics for public information.
Serving as a naturalist in a nature center or museum.
Preparing letters, reports, correspondence, and other written material as required.
Performing related duties as required.
Knowledge of the trees, shrubs, wildlife, and lower forms of plant life native to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Knowledge of the mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, amphibians, and insects native to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Ability to use photographic equipment for both long-distance scenic color photos and color slides, and close-up color photos of wildflowers, insects, and animals.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with school officials, local, state, and Federal conservation officials, and the public regarding environmental education and interpretive services.
Ability to operate and maintain audio-visual equipment.
Ability to plan, develop, and coordinate work activities.
Ability to read and write English at the GED 4 level.
