Education Volunteer openings
*Homeschool Assistant | Sep-Nov, Jan-Mar, Apr-May
Description – Help inspire young learners in the great outdoors! Homeschool students come from all over southeast Wisconsin to Riveredge Nature Center to learn about science and the environment. Homeschool Assistants are responsible for aiding our education staff in keeping the group together while outdoors, supervising for short periods, helping children with their activities and crafts, and creating a safe, positive environment for children. Assistants are not expected to teach or lead the program, but to help with student needs and materials used during activities.
Time commitment – Classes are 3 hours every other week on Mondays or Fridays. Volunteers are asked to sign up for at least one season, which consists of 5 classes, and are welcomed to assist for the entire school year of all three seasons, with breaks in between.
Age Requirement – Assistants must be at least 15 years old, with a signed parent or guardian letter if under 18 years. Background check required.
*Field Trip Educator | September – May
Description – Volunteer will first shadow and train for any programs of interest. These can include, but are not limited to: Looking at Life, Communities and Ecosystems, Garden Explorations, Sensitizing, and many more based on the season. Once they are comfortable with the material, they will lead school groups of about 10-14 students on their own for that designated program, usually including a teacher or parent chaperone.
*If teaching Pond or River programs, the volunteer educator will always be co-teaching with another Staff Educator.
Time commitment – programs typically run anywhere between 90 minutes and 3 hours, with both morning and afternoon options available. We ask that volunteers lead at least three programs each season if available (Fall, Winter, and Spring).
Age requirement – Volunteer Educator Leads must be at least 18 years old. Background check required.
*Weekend Naturalist | Year-Round Opportunities
Description – Volunteers would train and, based on comfort levels, guide weekend programs for groups such as birthday parties, scouts, or family events.
Time commitment – Programs vary by event and group, but typically run 1.5-2 hours long.
Age Requirement – Volunteers must be at least 18 years old to lead programs on their own. Background check required.
*Trails Aglow Assistant | January – February
Description – Enjoy getting outside in the winter months? Interested in hiking by candlelight? We have just the opportunity for you! Trails Aglow Volunteers will help with setting up luminaries on the trails, running the front desk, hiking the trails, and facilitating fun community experiences.
Time commitment – Trails Aglow runs each Friday January through February from 4:30-8pm. Trails Aglow volunteering varies, but shifts typically last 2-4 hours depending on what area of the program volunteers are supporting. Volunteers may commit to just one Friday or every week!
Age Requirement – Volunteers must be 18 years old to help independently. Particular event opportunities can allow for volunteers as young as 15 years old, with a signed waiver from a parent or guardian.
*Community Outreach Volunteer | Year Round
Description – Volunteers staff tables at outreach events at local partnering organizations and events. Use your experience as a Riveredge volunteer or member to encourage others to check out various programs at Riveredge including volunteering, Community Rivers Project, and general Riveredge information. Volunteers can also help by taking flyers to local businesses and organizations to promote Riveredge programming.
Time commitment – Tabling is on a by-request basis. Usually outreach programs last 2-4 hours on weeknights or weekends. Flyering occurs regularly a month or two before Riveredge events and can be completed in volunteers’ own time.
Age Requirement – Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age. Some exceptions may be made for volunteers between the ages of 15-18.