Education Technician III & Administrative Assistant
Ecology Learning Center - 230 Main Street, Unity, ME 04988
JOB TYPE: Hourly, 35-40 hours per week
REPORTS TO: Head of School, Leza Packard
SALARY: starting $20/hour, commensurate with experience & education
START DATE: August 20, 2025
OVERVIEW
The Ecology Learning Center is a charter public school in Waldo County, Maine with the mission to deeply root students in Maine’s ecological and cultural landscapes, foster authentic real-world learning through mentorship and craft, and cultivate compassionate and resilient leaders prepared to engage in the challenges of today and tomorrow. The Ecology Learning Center opened September 1, 2020 and has grown to serve over 100 students in grades 9-12. The Center was authorized as the tenth and final charter school in Maine following a rigorous application process and operating a successful pilot program from 2018 to 2020.
We believe all students have the right to rigorous, relevant, and joyful learning experiences led by exceptionally talented and diverse educators who promote student achievement and a sense of belonging. Our goal is to prepare students for college and careers while focusing on rural community development and environmental stewardship.
This position combines Ed Tech III and Receptionist work, approximately half time for each role. We are seeking a caring, patient, diligent mentor to our students who can serve as a "guide on the side" to support students with learning differences in the least restrictive setting during their general education classes, as well as support students with IEPs in small group instruction. In the Receptionist role, this person will support the Special Ed teacher with clerical work, and represent the Ecology Learning Center at the front desk and over the phone. We are seeking an outgoing, friendly people-person, with a passion for our mission and strong communication skills. This person would also recruit student and community volunteers to fill the role of volunteer receptionist when they are not at the front desk.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Education Technician III
- Provide support and assistance for students with special education needs.
- Review and reinforce learning previously introduced by teachers, providing classroom management functions with proactive behavior management, in-class academic support, and conducting 1:1 or small group instruction with indirect supervision.
- Support students with IEPs and 504 plans in special education and general education settings.
- Support students who need additional support in their learning.
- Support the regular assessment of student accomplishment by teachers through portfolio review and narrative assessment. Provide teachers with documentation of students’ work.
- Collaborate with teachers to connect learning across disciplines when possible (English, Social Studies, Math, Science, Health, Music, Art, World Languages)
- Align instruction with school-wide environmental themes when possible (Fall - Food Systems, Winter - Shelter, Spring - Water).
- Reinforce standards of behavior based on school guidelines during class time and field trips.
- Create a safe, supportive environment in which students treat one another with respect, develop awareness of diversity, and celebrate differences.
- Differentiate instruction and adapt the curriculum to the needs of each student. Coordinate with the special education teacher and classroom teachers to meet the needs of students with IEPs and 504 plans.
- Support the regular assessment of student accomplishment by teachers through portfolio review and narrative assessment. Provide teachers with documentation of students’ work.
- Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, materials, and facilities.
Administrative Assistant
- Perform clerical tasks such as filing & photocopying as assigned by Special Education Teacher, Dean of Students, and Head of School
- Hold a welcoming space at the front desk for students, staff, families, and visitors
- Answer the school's central phone, forward calls, screen calls, take messages
- Monitor hand-held radio to support communications between faculty and staff
- Sort and deliver incoming mail
- Maintain office security by following safety procedures and controlling access
- Redirect students from the foyer to their assigned classes
- Oversee permission slips, tickets, and sales for field trips and student-led fundraisers
- Ensure reception area is tidy and presentable with all necessary materials (pens, forms, copy paper)
- Recruit student and community volunteers to fill the role of volunteer receptionist
- Maintain confidentiality; Demonstrate loyalty, dependability, and integrity
- Demonstrate a respect for the legal and human rights of students, staff and parents
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in related field preferred
- Prior experience working with teenagers
- Ability to do appropriate reading, writing, math, reasoning and understanding of policies and procedures and related information, and to follow verbal or demonstrated instructions
- Proficiency in Gmail, Google docs, and Google sheets
- Hands-on experience with office equipment (e.g. printers)
- Solid written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to be resourceful and proactive when issues arise
- Excellent organizational skills
- Multitasking and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks
- Highly responsible, self-motivated, flexible, and capable of working in varied settings
- Has an abundance of patience working with teens, a good sense of humor, strong work ethic
- Be able to successfully pass all background, criminal record, fingerprinting, reference checks
TO APPLY
To apply, please send a completed “Ecology Learning Center Application” form, cover letter, resume, teaching philosophy statement and three references to: HR@ecologylearningcenter.org OR
Human Resources, Ecology Learning Center, 230 Main Street Unity, ME 04988.
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
The Ecology Learning Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Center does not discriminate in employment or in educational programs, services or activities based on race, color, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability, marital status or any other protected category in accordance with state and federal laws.