Classification: Full-time, limited-term (40hrs/week)
Dates: May 2025 – October 2025
Supervised by: Director of Community Programs
Supervises: Volunteers, Church and Community Conservation Interns
Description
The mission of Au Sable Institute is to inspire and educate people to serve, protect, and restore God’s earth. This role will aid the Institute’s mission in a wide range of programmatic responsibilities including delivering our REYS, Sacred Grounds, and Field School programs, assisting with the Institute’s native plant propagation and greenhouse operations, and representing the Institute at local outreach events.
Education and Outreach
1. Assists with delivery of REYS, Sacred Grounds, and Field School programs (descriptions on website).
2. Assists with management of Church and Community Conservation Interns.
3. Assists with other education programs as needed.
4. Communicates equipment inventory, maintenance, repair, and replacement needs to supervisor.
5. Instructs lessons in natural and cultural history, science, the arts, recreation activities, and other subjects in support of environmental education programs.
6. Assists with site preparation, installation, monitoring, and maintenance of planting projects.
7. Represents Au Sable at community events.
Greenhouse Responsibilities
1. Assists with management of greenhouse and native plant garden.
2. Oversees watering, weeding, and transplanting duties.
3. Coordinates garden and greenhouse volunteer work-bees and other opportunities.
4. Aids in seed collection and harvest.
In addition to other responsibilities, all staff are expected to: work cooperatively with other staff; actively participate in staff communications; work on select special projects as assigned by their supervisor or the Executive Director.
Qualifications
1. Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science/Studies, Biology, Education, or related field.
2. Enthusiasm and experience leading and/or teaching elementary and/or middle school youth.
3. Good judgement, flexibility, and the ability to work independently.
4. Must possess an enthusiasm for native plants and plant propagation, prior gardening and/or greenhouse experience is a plus.
5. Prior experience organizing events or managing group activities.
6. Must be creative, energetic, motivated, and professional.
7. Ability to work outdoors in a variety of environmental conditions.
8. Ability to lift 40 lbs. unassisted.
9. Must possess a valid Driver’s License
10. Must profess commitment to Christian faith.
Setting
Au Sable Institute of Environmental Studies. Mancelona, MI.
Our campus is located 35 miles east of Traverse City and is situated on 120 acres of mixed-coniferous forest, pond, bog, meadow, and kettle lake ecosystems. Opportunities for outstanding outdoor recreation abound in every season, with forest environments of deciduous and coniferous trees covering a landscape interspersed with a glacial lakes, pristine rivers and scenic bogs. Au Sable is within 80 minutes of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and the Straits of Mackinac leading to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and Lake Superior. Numerous state and national forest lands, as well as national, state and local parks and nature preserves surround the Institute.
Compensation and Benefits
$15/hour at 40 hours/week; free housing with private room available (communal kitchen, living room, and bathroom). Meals are provided during the summer months (June – August) and as programs dictate.
Application Process
Please submit a cover letter speaking to your desire and qualifications to perform the work of this role and a resume or CV to Paul Wiemerslage, Director of Community Programs at paul.w@ausable.org. Qualified applicants will be contacted for references.
Final offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.
A review of applications will begin February 9th. Open until filled.