Metro Youth Educator (Closes May 22)

Youth Educator at Metro

Salary $24.65 - $33.05 Hourly

Location Portland, OR

Job Type Full Time

Department Property and Environmental Services

Job Number 2017-6037-PES-RCR

Closing 5/22/2017 5:00 PM Pacific

Position Summary

Are you eager to help diverse youth from across the greater Portland region discover how they can positively impact quality of life and the environment for current and future generations?

Do you have the skills and experience needed to develop, implement and administer dynamic, outcome-based educational programs that inspire, engage and teach 6-12th grade students?

As a versatile educator you will conduct exciting, interactive classroom presentations with thousands of students while having many opportunities to research, design and evaluate curriculum and other educational resources that focus on important issues such as climate change, environmental justice, over-consumption of the Earth's resources, waste reduction and recycling.
 
Plus, you will be joining a supportive team of six K-12 educators who serve thousands of students each year in all 18 school districts across the greater Portland region.

Does this sound like a great opportunity to you?  If so, please consider applying for the new Youth Educator position with Metro's Resource Conservation and Recycling division.

At Metro, we hire a workforce representative of the communities we serve, understanding that a diverse workforce strengthens our organization. We value diversity and support a positive and welcoming environment where all of our employees can thrive.

This position is full-time for one year at which time it will either be reduced to 24 hours/week or remain full time based on staffing and budgetary considerations. Both full-time and part-time positions are benefits eligible per the Contract Agreement. 

Application requirements
1) Electronic application, 2) answer to supplemental question, 3) resume, 4) cover letter describing your qualifications as they relate to the duties of the position.

Essential Job Duties

An employee in this position must be able to perform all the essential job duties listed below with or without reasonable accommodation. This list is not intended to include all of the specific tasks which an employee in this position may be expected to perform.
 

  • Delivers dynamic classroom presentations to groups of 15-45 students in grades 6-12 as a guest presenter 2-3 days/week. Often includes up to 5 or 6 back-to-back presentations per day.

  • Quickly builds rapport with students and presents content in a manner that is relevant, compelling, and authentic.

  • Practices proactive classroom management and uses interactive techniques to engage students.

  • Researches and creates new presentation offerings and materials in alignment with program logic models, identified learning outcomes and specific behavior change goals (e.g. using durable goods vs. disposable ones).

  • Coordinates marketing and scheduling of presentations and communicates regularly with teachers to confirm presentations and collect follow-up survey data.

  • Creates and maintains spreadsheets and databases, sorts and tabulates data to assist in tracking and evaluating program outputs and outcomes.

  • Actively collaborates with a team of educators while also having a strong ability to work independently when delivering presentations at schools.

  • Approaches work with a growth mind set and continually builds upon knowledge surrounding waste reduction, resource conservation, climate change, youth development, and behavior change in order to help the team move our work forward.


This position is represented by AFSCME Local 3580 is classified as an Education Specialist II (click to read the full classification). Classification descriptions are typically written broadly and do not include the specific duties and responsibilities of the positions.

 

Minimum Requirements

A minimum of two years of experience in education working with diverse youth ages 11-19 and a Bachelor's degree in education, environmental science, social studies or another field relevant to the program area or any combination or education and experience which would provide the applicant with the desired skills, knowledge and ability to perform the job.

Requires a valid driving license and clean driving record for driving Metro vehicles to and from off-site locations and successfully passing the Oregon Childcare Registry background check.

Preferred qualifications

Bilingual in Spanish and English and ability to deliver classroom presentations in both languages is helpful
Four or more years of experience working with diverse youth ages 11-19
Experience and/or education that provides the applicant an in-depth understanding of issues relating to diversity, equity, and inclusion
Content knowledge relating to waste reduction and resource conservation including topics such as ecological footprint, over consumption of goods, recycling, food waste and composting.

Necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities

  • Knowledge of general teaching and interpretation methods for formal and informal settings

  • Knowledge of education standards (NGSS, Common Core, etc.), different modes of learning, and teaching techniques relevant to formal and non-formal learning environments

  • Knowledge of fundamentals of classroom and group management

  • Ability to relate well to students and teachers and to build rapport with classes in a short period of time

  • Ability to deliver presentations repeatedly while keeping the material energized, fresh, and consistent

  • Ability to use interpretive methods and techniques to successfully present before groups of 15-45 students of various backgrounds

  • Ability to independently prepare materials and deliver presentations to schools

  • Ability to work cooperatively as a team member, contribute to a positive team atmosphere, and collaborate and commit to common agency goals and values

  • Ability to effectively organize work, manage time, prioritize tasks, and both provide and follow written and oral direction

  • Ability to effectively communicate ideas and program concepts both orally and in writing

  • Ability to use standard office equipment including computers, printers, fax and copy machines, and computer software including Microsoft Word and Excel

  • Ability to fulfill Metro's employee values of Public Service, Excellence, Teamwork, Respect, Innovation, and Sustainability

 

Additional Information

 

Working conditions: Ability to lift and carry educational materials, weighing up to 40 pounds, on a regular basis.

Online applications: Metro accepts job applications online. If you need assistance or accommodation with your application, or access to a computer, call 503-797-1570.

Accommodation: Reasonable accommodation is available to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in this process. To obtain confidential assistance please contact Human Resources at 503-797-1570.

Public Employees Retirement System (PERS): New employees will pay the employee portion of the PERS contribution.

Veterans' Preference: Under Oregon Law, qualified veterans may be eligible for veterans' preference when applying for Metro positions. If you are a veteran and would like to be considered for a veterans' preference for this job, please provide qualifying documents as instructed during the application process.

Criminal background check: In order to protect the wellbeing of its employees, the public and agency assets, Metro may conduct criminal background checks on candidates selected for Metro positions. Criminal convictions do not necessarily preclude employment and will be considered on a case by case basis. A background check will only be conducted if you are selected as a finalist for a position. If selected as a finalist, you will be contacted by Human Resources prior to the initiation of a background check.

Equal employment opportunity:  All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, familial status, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability for which a reasonable accommodation can be made or any other status protected by law. Assistance will be gladly provided upon request for any applicant with sensory or non-sensory disabilities.

An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer