Goshen College seeks a Residence Life Coordinator and Environmental
Educator to support its Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center's mission
by: a)serving as residence life coordinator for undergraduate students living
at Merry Lea, b) providing support for undergraduate learning experiences,
and c) delivering PreK-12 environmental education programs.
In serving as residence life coordinator, this position works to establish and
maintain harmonious group living and a positive learning community dynamic for
undergraduate students during the fall Sustainability Semester. They also
serve in this capacity during other times of year, especially during the
summer, for non-student residents such as interns. This person is the first
point of contact for residents' issues and concerns, and will facilitate
engagement with other Merry Lea personnel as needed. Specific related
responsibilities include making room assignments, checking students in and
out, clearly communicating expectations and policies, performing periodic
inspections for cleanliness, and facilitating living community meetings. This
position also provides academic support for Sustainability and Environmental
Education Department (SEED) faculty, such as coordinating field trips and
guest speakers, gathering supplies, and providing logistical support. In
serving as an environmental educator, this position supports Merry Lea's
Environmental Education Outreach program by delivering environmental education
programs for PreK-12, family, and adult audiences, and contributes to related
curriculum review and development.
Responsibilities related to students-in-residence at Merry Lea
Community Life
Serve as residence life coordinator for students and non-student residents living at Rieth Village (RV) during the fall SEED Sustainability Semester and other times of year, including the summer.
Assist RV residents on a path to harmonious group living through modeling creative leadership, group guidance, and positive engagement.
Facilitate weekly community meetings during periods when Goshen College students are in residence. Periodically tend to group dynamic needs when non-student persons (e.g., summer interns, researchers from other organizations, etc.) are in residence.
Facilitate organization of group tasks performed by RV students in residence, such as cleaning and grocery shopping, and manage related financial tasks when necessary.
In collaboration with the MAEE Coordinator, assist in supporting community living aspects of Master of Arts in Environmental Education (MAEE) students.
SEED Academic Program Support
Provide logistical support for learning experiences related to the SEED Sustainability Semester (e.g., coordinate field trips including the Sustainability Semester canoe trip, make arrangements with outside speakers, gather necessary supplies, provide tech support).
Together with the Sustainability Semester director, guide the formation of a learning community within the context of that immersive program. This will involve creating and implementing a “co-curriculum” across the semester that builds group function and learning capacity over time.
In coordination with the Sustainability Semester director and other SEED faculty, plan and coordinate occasional non-academic social activities for Sustainability Semester students.
Assist with purchasing, inventorying, and maintaining equipment and tools for the Sustainability Semester program.
Administrative
Gather, organize, and summarize information related to the SEED Sustainability Semester (e.g., create/manage a database for equipment, track money spent for individual activities, and create spreadsheet files with useful information for following years).
Support SEED faculty in planning for program revisions and enhancements.
Ensure that student living spaces at Rieth Village (i.e., Pewamo, Washtenaw, Oshtemo South Kitchen, and Oshtemo South Bathroom) remain clean at all times. This includes assisting Merry Lea operations staff in performing deep cleaning of these spaces after residential cohorts depart and before new cohorts arrive.
Host prospective undergraduate visits to Merry Lea and tours of Rieth Village.
Responsibilities related to Environmental Education Outreach (EEO) programs
Deliver Environmental Education Outreach (EEO) programs
Deliver EEO programs at Merry Lea and offsite program sites.
Assist with and contribute to training for new & existing educators (i.e., volunteers, graduate/undergraduate students, and other staff educators).
Model appropriate pedagogical practices for volunteers, graduate and undergraduate students, and contribute to mentorship of designated students.
Contribute to curriculum review and development
Participate in regular review of EEO programs.
Assist in the revision and development of curriculum that supports identified goals and considers needs of internal and external audiences.
General Duties
Attend Merry Lea staff meetings and appropriate subgroup meetings, such as EEO.
Develop special projects as requested by the supervisor.
Education and Experience:
B.A. or B.S. degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Education,
Outdoor Recreation, Biology, or related field
1-2 years experience in crafting/managing cohesive group identity (e.g.,
supervising student group living, collegiate Resident Assistant, camp
counselor, outdoor expedition leader, etc.)
Certifications, Licenses, Registrations:
First Aid certification required (could be obtained after hire)
Must have a valid driver's license
Skills & Competencies
Required:
Work or educational experience that demonstrates responsibility, self-
direction, organization, and flexibility
Basic computer skills
Responsible, resourceful, and flexible
Logistically savvy
Strong people skills and sense of empathy
Preferred:
Experience with spreadsheet management, social media, and database use
Experience delivering environmental education programs
Canoeing, boating, and camping skills
Cooking skills
Experience with mini-bus/passenger van driving and driving with a trailer
Work Environment/Environmental Condition:
The location of this position is at Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center,
which is 28 miles southeast of Goshen. Merry Lea is comprised of 1,189 acres
of diverse ecosystems and is managed as a preserve. There are multiple program
sites and facilities including classroom and office space.
Inside environmental conditions for a portion of the time, but does include
significant work outside where there may be exposure to inclement weather,
exposure to pollen and spores, venomous snakes, ticks, biting insects and
other elements that are a part of an intentionally natural environment.
All of the essential job functions are subject to reasonable accommodation.
All job requirements listed indicate the minimum level of knowledge, skills
and/or ability deemed necessary to perform the job proficiently. This job
description is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties,
responsibilities or requirements. Individuals may be required to perform other
job-related instructions as requested by the supervisor, subject to reasonable
accommodation. This position description is not all-inclusive and may change
at the option of the (supervisor or department head). Any major change will
result in the position being reviewed for reclassification.
How to Apply for this Position:
Required materials may be attached to the Teaching & Administrative
Application Form (see link below) or sent electronically to [email protected]
Complete the online Teaching & Administrative Information Form
Letter of application
Resume or CV
Provide names and contact information of 3 professional reference
Review of applications will begin April 3, 2023, and continue until the
position is filled. This is a full-time position that pays $37,730 annually.
Goshen College is an equal opportunity employer, committed to enhancing
diversity across the institution. Goshen College does not discriminate on the
basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, age, sexual
orientation, gender identity or any legally protected status. To protect the
welfare and provide for the safety of the students, employees, visitors, and
resources of Goshen College, background checks are conducted by the Office of
Human Resources on all new and re-hired employees.
Human Resources
Goshen College
1700 S. Main Street
Goshen, IN 46526-4795
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: (574) 535-7111
Fax: (574) 535-7319
