Discovery Aide

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Support staff in leading engaging environmental education programs for school groups and other members of the public along the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway and throughout the greater St. Croix Watershed, fostering connections with nature and creating memorable experiences.

Service Details

• Programs include classroom presentations, outdoor field trips, and special events.
• Volunteer shifts take place at various sites throughout the watershed, including schools, parks, visitor centers, and on the Wild River Journey paddlewheel boat.
• Shift length will vary depending on the program but are generally 2-4 hours.
• Volunteers can sign-up for volunteer shifts as available through the Conservancy’s scheduling system.
• Volunteers must attend a Rivers Are Alive volunteer training session or meet with program staff prior to volunteering.

Goals for Position

• Provide support to staff during environmental education programs for school groups and other educational groups.
• Foster connections between program participants and the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway.
• Create enjoyable and educational experiences for program participants.

Working Environment and Safety Considerations

• Work Location: Work location will vary depending on the location of the program but may be indoors or outdoors. Common locations include school classrooms and grounds, parks and trails, and on paddlewheel boats during the Wild River Journey program.
• Physical Requirements: The work requires light to moderate physical effort. Tasks may involve walking/hiking over steep, uneven, rocky, and sometimes slippery terrain which may present tripping hazards such as rocks and tree roots. Work may also include going in or in close proximity to water bodies such as lakes and rivers for mucking.
• Weather Conditions: The work may include exposure to adverse weather conditions including hot and cold temperatures, rain, ice and snow.
• Outdoor Hazards: Outdoor conditions may also include exposure to insects such as ticks, mosquitoes, and stinging insects, as well as poisonous and/or irritant plants.
• Training: All volunteers must receive training on safety and program support protocols.

Description of Duties

• Visit schools in the St. Croix watershed to support curriculum-based classroom and outdoor activities.
• Assist with education activities and classroom management on field trips.
• Support educational programs for visiting groups.
• Conduct established St. Croix National Scenic Riverway programs.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Volunteers must attend a Rivers Are Alive volunteer training session or meet with program staff prior to volunteering.
• Volunteer must be comfortable working with large groups of K-12 students.

Start Date - 2025-02-01

End Date - 2025-12-31