The Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center (DPNC) is a nonprofit nature center in Mystic, Connecticut that provides environmental education programs for all ages. Please visit thei website at dpnc.org to learn more about the organization.

DPNC is seeking an early childhood educator to primarily assist the preschool and school age programs.  Hours at the preschool consist of Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 8-1pm for the duration of the school year, with the potential to teach summer camp.  Additional hours would include early childhood programs on Wednesday and Friday mornings and after-school programming hours from 3-6pm.

DPNC will consider applicants who can fill only the preschool hours, however preference will be given to applicants who can fully commit to the position which will be 35-40 hours per week. 

Tasks include:

• Teaching preschool skills, with a substantial amount of time outdoors, including in the woods, meadows, wetlands, ponds.
• Working with school aged students in an after school setting.
• Handling education animals, including snakes, turtles, and birds of prey
• Various other duties as assigned by the Education Director 

Qualifications:

• Completion of at least 2 years of college education in the fields of early childhood education, environmental education, biology, natural resources or a related field. Equivalent experience may be considered.
• Prior relevant work experience is not required, but preferred. Knowledge of CT Early Learning Standards, a plus
• Must be comfortable spending most of the time outdoors in all kinds of weather conditions.
• Willingness to work a varied schedule and sub occasionally in other programs
• Willingness to work with live animals
• Enthusiasm for interacting with children and teaching them about the natural world
• Comfortable managing small and large groups, both in a classroom setting and outside
• Basic knowledge of the area's natural history
• A valid driver's license
• Must provide proof of a Covid-19 vaccination

Compensation: $15 per hour