Full Job Description

About the Position: 

With a focus on food systems and the environment, the Environmental Educator will be a flexible, community-oriented, and enthusiastic team member who enjoys working with children, youth, and adults in a variety of programs in diverse settings, such as local schools, the community garden, and local trails. The Environmental Educator will work closely with our Environmental Education Coordinator to develop and implement programs that are immersive and connect learners of all ages to nature through, for example, making pine needle tea and building forts during the Farm & Forest Friday program, or starting seeds to plant in the garden with our Winter Explorers Homeschool program. We strive to develop creative programming that is engaging and learner led, and look to our education staff to be nurturing and empathetic as they create phenomenological and aesthetic learning experiences such as storytelling or developing a sensory guidebook of herbs. Our current programming includes a nature-based summer camp, a Homeschool series, and Farm & Forest Fridays at a local elementary school; future programming will include an after school program and vacation camps. We are looking for an enthusiastic, fun, lifelong learner who is excited to help expand our education programming as Taproot continues to grow.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

Plant, maintain, and harvest garden plots at school gardens and our education plot
Develop and implement a variety of environmental education programs for Homeschool, After School, and with community partners where appropriate
Lead groups of 6-14 year-old campers during our Vacation, Young Naturalists and Explorers Summer Day Camps
Work with our EE Coordinator and Executive Director on developing our Environmental Leadership Mentoring (ELM) program for high school students and college students
Create and implement environmental education lesson plans and maintain educational materials that align with Taproot’s philosophy of education
Help to maintain relationships with Education and community partners
Work closely with North Country Farm to School programs to help with procurement and education efforts to support eating locally and seasonally

Minimum Requirements/Qualifications:

Self-motivated with a high degree of flexibility, creativity, and independence • Ability to clearly and concisely communicate orally and in writing
Excellent organizational skills
Effective public speaker
Ability to use various types of technology (i.e. word processing, Microsoft Office Suite, GoToMeeting, on-line reporting system).
Possess a strong sense of stewardship and knowledge of natural history.
Possess knowledge of and passion for local food systems.
Demonstrate passion for inspiring healthful eating and for promoting local,
sustainable agriculture.
Must be comfortable working outside in northern NH in all four seasons.
Must have a BA/BS in environmental studies or related field and have some experience with outdoor and environmental education.
Must have a comfort level and demonstrate experience teaching (formal or non-formal) and leading groups in an outdoor, environmental education setting working with participants ranging from children to adults.
Possess a positive attitude, high energy, and exhibit patience.
Ability to lift 50 pounds.
Ability to pass a criminal background check.

Desired Qualifications:

Teaching style that aligns with Taproot’s education philosophy
Ability to teach in another language
Experience working in an organic garden or possess a willingness to learn. • Wilderness First Aid/CPR certification
Lifeguard certified
Has an artistic and/or musical background
Experience driving a 15-passenger van or a vehicle with a trailer
Experience leading overnight camping trips with teens

Full Job Description