Outdoor Education Docent

Outdoor Education Docents (OED) lead small groups of 3rd-5th grade students on a field trip based at the Daniels Nature Center adjacent to Alpine Pond in Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve. Day to day support of OED's is managed by the Environmental Education Specialist who reports to the Interpretation & Education Program Manager. 

Field trips take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays during the spring and fall of each year.

Responsibilities

• Using Midpen's unique "Spaces & Species" curriculum, teach children about the natural world, providing opportunities for environmental learning while fostering a fun atmosphere for discovery and exploration.
• For an up-to-date Outdoor Education Docent volunteer position description, please email the Environmental Education Specialist. 

Training

• OED trainees participate in an initial 4-6-week (approximately one 5-hour weekday session per week) training and orientation program. 
• Training includes observation of Spaces & Species field trips. 
• OEDs receive enrichment and refresher training opportunities at quarterly docent meetings and other scheduled sessions. 
• Training subjects include Midpen history, biotic communities, environmental education, pond ecology, aquatic invertebrates, interpretive techniques, inquiry methods, wildlife signs, trail safety, and communication skills.

Requirements

• Participate in at least 2 of 4 quarterly docent meetings per year.
• Attend the in-person meeting at the end of each field trip season.
• Must be at least 18 years of age. Previous experience working with the public, youth, and involving nature/environment is desirable but not required. Midpen provides all necessary training and ongoing enrichment opportunities.
• Must be able to comfortably hike ~3.5-4miles per field trip on easy-to-moderate trails adjacent to the Daniels Nature Center. 
• Must complete fingerprinting/background check prior to beginning volunteer work with minors. (MROSD will reimburse for cost of this)
• Must sign volunteer release of liability waiver prior to beginning volunteer work with the district. 

Submit your interest to join the OED program by clicking Become a Fan in the upper right corner of this page. When you click Become a Fan, you will be asked to make an account if you don't already have one; only Midpen staff will have access to the contact information you provide. We will notify you of upcoming trainings and opportunities to get involved.

 If you have questions about this program, please email Jeff Butterworth, Environmental Education Specialist