Professionalism

An article from the Spring 1997 AEOE Northern Newsletter by Stephen "Hoppy" Hopkins, AEOE Northern past chair, current liaison to NAAEE

Salaries, hours and benefits and improved working conditions have been my mantra for the last year as your chair-elect and as chair for the AEOE organization it will remain the same. We are humbled by nature but should not be humbled in our work. We are professionals. We need to act and be treated that way.

Let me fill you in on how I got on this kick. As a young teacher/naturalist fresh out of university I applied for an interpretive position at a program (to remain unnamed) in the Bay area. I was one of two finalists for the job. Wanting to observe our skills in the field our interviewers requested that we lead an interpretive walk. As we proceeded along the trail it was obvious that the other candidate was versed in Native American legends, habitat variety and general nature lore. I relied heavily on my science background and identified the trail side flora and fauna citing the scientific name at least to the genus. The other candidate was much more interesting and, personally I felt deserved the job. But the park director didn't see it that way and at the end of the walk he dismissed the other naturalist with the callous comment of "people like you are a dime a dozen." He offered me the job. I was in shock. Alternately flattered to have the work, but aghast that this cold-hearted SOB was going to be my boss I told him I would need a day to think over his offer. Ultimately, I turned him down. That incident happened some twenty years ago. It still irritates the heck out of me.

The vast majority of individuals in this profession are not like that. They care about the environment and more importantly, they care about people. Moreover, most programs treat their employees fairly and with respect. But there are some areas that do demand our professional collective attention. The most egregious offenses involve working out of classification. (i.e. "interns" working as naturalists but at a reduced salary) and working for a pittance in excess of 40 hour week without overtime compensation. As professionals it is imperative to have zero tolerance in these matters.

Here are some points to consider when looking for employment as a naturalist/teacher/interpreter.

• Talk to current and former teacher/naturalists.
• Ask about the turnover rate.
• Is the job offer in writing. Are the hours, salary and benefits clear.
• Is there any affiliation with some union or employee organization.
• Ask questions and check out any red flags.

And, if you find yourself in a questionable situation consider taking the following action:

• Speak discreetly to you director.
• Enlist the support of other members of the staff. And, support one another in job related concerns.
• Contact your employee organization.
• Speak to your personnel director (if you have one). His/her task is to rectify contract violations.
• Gripe out loud. Write a letter for inclusion in this newsletter.
• Participate in the salaries, hours and benefits workshop at the conferences.
• Call the U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division nearest you. The Sacramento number is 916-979-2040. Be prepared to give them detailed information on your specific situation.
• Most important DON'T buy into the myth that your environmental education program will terminate if the instructors are paid a fair wage. The truth is that dedicated professionals are the backbone of any program and institution. Environmental education is no exception.

Stephen (Hoppy) Hopkins is now retired as principal with the Sly Park Environmental Education Center. He can be reached at 530-644-3487 or e-mail: