Education Specialist
Wissahickon Trails is seeking a dedicated Education Specialist to deliver high-quality watershed-based and historical education programs throughout the Wissahickon Watershed. This role is responsible for implementing programs in schools, outdoor field settings, and at the historic Evans-Mumbower Mill, including classroom visits and hands-on field experiences such as creek explorations at Wissahickon Trails’ preserves.
The Education Specialist primarily implements programs and experiences while also providing feedback to support program refinement. The Education Specialist plays a key role in stewarding the Evans-Mumbower Mill for public demonstrations and interpretation and serves as the lead staff liaison to the Mill Committee, supporting meetings, planning, and public-facing events. This is a mid-level, part-time, seasonal, non-exempt position reporting to the Engagement Director.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Teach and facilitate inquiry-based, education programs in classrooms, outdoor settings, and at Wissahickon Trails preserves, aligned with PA Academic Standards.
- Facilitate interpretive programs at the Evans-Mumbower Mill, including demonstrations, open houses, guided tours, and workshops for school groups and the public.
- Adapt programs to meet the needs of different age groups, learning styles, and settings.
- Support data collection, observations, and informal evaluation to strengthen educational offerings.
- Work with teachers, school administrators, and community partners to coordinate programs and support ongoing watershed education.
- Collaborate across departments to support public engagement programs that connect communities to nature and local history.
- Serve as staff liaison to the Evans-Mumbower Mill Committee.
- Operate the Evans-Mumbower Mill machinery, including the water wheel, millstones, and related components (training will be provided). Operate the Mill in a historically accurate and educationally engaging manner.
- Conduct routine inspections of Mill equipment and assist with general upkeep to ensure safe and reliable operation.
- Manage supplies for programming, including corn for grinding at the Mill.
- Train volunteers in Mill operations, safety procedures, and public demonstrations, as needed.
- Follow all safety protocols and assist with related documentation.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications and Core Competencies
The ideal candidate will meet approximately 75% of the following qualifications.
- Minimum of two years of experience in environmental education, informal education, or related fields is required.
- Experience facilitating educational programs or leading groups in formal or informal learning settings is required.
- Strong oral and written communication skills.
- Comfort with public speaking and leading hands-on demonstrations.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills.
- Experience working with diverse groups across a wide age-range is strongly preferred. Commitment to practices that support access and inclusion for all students is essential.
- Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills and ability to work collaboratively with staff, volunteers, educators, and community partners.
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple responsibilities.
- Familiarity with Pennsylvania Academic Standards and inquiry-based education practices.
- Experience operating machinery or willingness to learn technical systems.
- Experience working with or training volunteers is preferred.
- Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Education, Environmental Education, Ecology/Biology, History, or a related field is preferred.
- Passion for environmental conservation and place-based education.
- Willingness to learn and use new technologies in alignment with organizational policies.
- Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required.
Physical Demands / Work Environment
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job, unless the requested accommodation would cause undue hardship.
This role requires travel to schools, preserves, the Evans-Mumbower Mill, and community locations across the watershed for periods of 1–6 hours. Work includes standing, walking, lifting, and operating equipment, as well as time spent at a desk using standard office equipment. The role requires the use of hands, arms, and legs to lift, move, or operate program equipment. Programs and Mill work often occur outdoors in varying weather conditions and may involve physically demanding tasks, including lifting up to 60 lbs.
Compensation
Hourly rate of $28–30 per hour for an average of approximately 500 hours per year. Spring and fall are the primary program seasons; there may be opportunities for additional hours in the off season for planning. This position includes a retirement benefit (401(k) with up to 5% of salary matched by Wissahickon Trails after six months of employment).
To Apply
Please send a cover letter and resume or CV to hr@wissahickontrails.org. Applications will be accepted until February 20th, 2026.