(Temporary) ecoEXPLORE Specialist

Are you passionate about fostering a love for STEM subjects in children while instilling a deep appreciation for the natural world? Join our team as an ecoEXPLORE Specialist! We are seeking a dynamic individual to lead engaging and immersive educational experiences that blend science, technology, engineering, and mathematics with outdoor exploration.

Nestled in the Southern Appalachian Mountains just south of Asheville, The North Carolina Arboretum offers acres of cultivated gardens and groomed trails featuring some of the most beautiful, botanically-diverse plants in the region. We are currently seeking an ecoEXPLORE Specialist to assist us with our ecoEXPLORE program.

This position is considered temporary employment under State of North Carolina rules. The Specialist will generally work up to 40 hours each week, from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, with up to two Saturday's a month. The pay is $18 per hour.

The ecoEXPLORE Specialist implements environmental education programs for the Youth Education Department. This position will report to the ecoEXPLORE Coordinator. ecoEXPLORE is an out-of-school incentive-based community science program for grades K-8 designed to engage students in scientific exploration outside of the school day and school year. ecoEXPLORE utilizes public libraries, parks and other partnerships for programming and participant engagement. Participants contribute photo observations of plants and animals, earn badges and field tools, and have the opportunity to participate in skill sessions across the state.
Learn more about the program at: https://www.ecoexplore.net/

Typical Tasks

Most of this position will be assisting with supporting the Arboretum's Outreach Education team to administer the statewide ecoEXPLORE community science program. This involves leading (and co-developing) youth science programs at The North Carolina Arboretum and supporting local partners in adjacent counties and on the Qualla Boundary. This position will also be responsible for ecoEXPLORE program administration, curriculum development, statewide partnership support, virtual programming, social media, graphic design, and interacting with participants via email, newsletter, and through ecoEXPLORE online platform.

A portion of this role will co-lead summer camp programming for grades Pre-K through 8 focused on outdoor education. This position will also help support and lead activities at Arboretum events, community events, and other outreach opportunities. This position will also periodically serve as front-line customer service representative at the Education Center Information Desk, including occasional on-call weekend shift.

In addition, this position will assist other team members and departments in their responsibilities when help is needed and support other outreach programs (Project PEACE and Project EXPLORE) with programming when time allows. Performs other job-related tasks as required.

Physical Requirements:

This position requires long hours of leading education programs outdoors in all seasons and a variety of weather conditions, including high temperatures, rain, snow and wind. The candidate must be comfortable walking on uneven terrains, often carrying a backpack with program equipment weighing up to 50 pounds and standing for extended periods of time while actively engaging youth in hands-on learning. The working environment often involves high levels of noise and crowded areas. While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to walk, stand, and occasionally stoop, kneel, or crouch. The candidate must be willing and able to travel long distances to community sites to deliver programming -mileage reimbursement and a state vehicle is available.

Primary Purpose of the Organizational Unit
The Youth Education program serves over 70,000 students through hands-on, outdoor lessons incorporating STEM education, recreation and outdoor exploration including field trips, student outreach, family programs and summer day camps.

Minimum Education, Experience, and Skills
Any combination of education or experience equaling a degree in environmental studies, outdoor education, biology, ecology or a related field. Enrollment in or completion of the North Carolina Environmental Education Certification program is preferred.
Possession of a valid driver's license; Applicants being considered must agree to a background check.

Knowledge of local flora and fauna of the Southern Appalachian region in order to perform a skills assessment; Youth leadership experience and good customer service skills are required; Experience working with children in an outdoor setting is strongly desired; Ability to work unsupervised and to display flexibility in an ever-changing environment. Experience with community outreach, managing administrative tasks, and project coordination is preferred. The ideal candidate will have experience working on large projects from start to finish independently and will have great attention to detail. . Experience working in a collaborative team environment is preferred.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to review the Arboretum and ecoEXPLORE website prior to interview and be prepared for a skills assessment.

• Classification: (Temporary) ecoEXPLORE Specialist
• Position Number: UNCSO-ATNCA5
• Appointment Type: Temporary
• Full-Time/Part-Time: Part-Time
• Location: 100 Fredrick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville, NC 28806 USA
• Posting Open Date: 7/28/2025
• Posting Close Date: 8/11/2025
• Posting Number: req610

EEO
The UNC System Office (includes PBS NC, NCSEAA, and NC Arboretum) is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.

The UNC System Office (includes PBS NC, NCSEAA, and NC Arboretum) is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

To claim veteran's preference, all eligible persons shall submit a DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, along with a State Application for Employment (Form PD-107 or equivalent) to the appointing authority.

The UNC System Office (includes PBS NC, NCSEAA, and NC Arboretum) participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

EEO Contact Information
Applicants needing assistance with the application process are asked to contact: ophiring@northcarolina.edu