About NatureBridge

Founded in 1971, NatureBridge provides environmental science programs for students in the world’s best classrooms—our national parks. Our mission is to connect young people to the wonder and science of the natural world, igniting self-discovery and inspiring stewardship of our planet. Our programs do so by taking students into our national parks to explore the outdoors, connect with their peers, discover them selves and develop a lasting relationship with the environment.

As the largest residential education partner of the National Park Service, NatureBridge serves more than 30,000 students and their teachers each year and offers programs in four national parks: Yosemite National Park, Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Olympic National Park, and Prince William Forest Park. For more information, visit: naturebridge.org

Summary

NatureBridge is seeking qualified candidates for environmental science educator positions for our 2019-2020 school year programs. NatureBridge environmental science educators are skilled professionals who provide diverse student groups with meaningful experiences in nature's classroom. Our educators have significant experience and training in environmental education content, curricula, and pedagogy. NatureBridge values diversity, equity, and inclusion and strives to diversify our workforce and seek applications by individuals from all backgrounds, abilities, cultures, orientations, identities, and communities.

During each program, NatureBridge educators create an outdoor experience for their students with a focus on ecology, geology, history of Yosemite, the scientific process, and more. Educators incorporate academics with team building, personal growth, and stewardship while connecting the students' experiences to their lives and communities back home. Each educator works with approximately 10-15 students, grades K-12, on programs that last three to five days. Environmental science instruction takes place from late August through mid-June. Individuals seeking year-round work may also apply for positions with our summer program. NatureBridge encourages opportunities for growth and professional development.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead students through multi-day, hands-on, experiential learning experiences in outdoor settings
• Use a student-centered approach to facilitate interactive, community-building environmental education activities for diverse student groups
• Provide students with opportunities to engage in the practices of science
• Lead by example to demonstrate positive and responsible environmental literacy and behavior
• Differentiate and tailor programs that honor the backgrounds and needs of each school group, incorporating teacher requests within our educational framework, program logistics, and student interests
• Cultivate an inclusive learning community using sensitivity to bring cultural relevance to program content and community relationships including students, teachers, and schools
• Create and lead evening programs and/or assist National Park Service staff during evening programs weekly for up to 200 audience members
• Provide occasional on-call and evening support when not teaching in the field
• Manage student's physical, social, and emotional safety in outdoor settings using sound judgment and applying appropriate risk management decisions; administer and document first aid as needed
• Actively participate in NatureBridge’s efforts to assess and evidence student learning and program outcomes
• Provide comprehensive post-trip program debriefs
• Actively participate in staff community by attending meetings and trainings as assigned
• Shared housing is provided as a condition of employment. By providing housing, NatureBridge can ensure that educators are available and accessible to provide support for program participants in emergency situations, and that educators can work odd hours and split shifts required during typical programs.
• Other duties as assigned.

Experience, Competencies and Education

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Qualifications include:

• Bachelor’s degree in science, environmental or multi-disciplinary studies, or a related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience and/or training 
• Current Wilderness First Responder and CPR certification
• One to two years relevant formal or informal teaching experience
• Ability to perform physically challenging work in the outdoors and in all weather conditions on uneven terrain
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and diversity within your teaching and community
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills
• A willingness to be coached and openness to feedback
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and occasional weekends

Desirable qualifications:

• Working experience with racial and ethnic minority groups, English Language Learners, urban youth, low-income communities, immigrant communities, LGBTQ communities, people with special needs, and other groups that are underrepresented in the field of environmental education
• Involvement in community service projects, leadership, social and environmental justice, and activism
• Ability to speak and teach in a language other than English relevant to our student populations. For example, Spanish, Chinese, Tagalog, Vietnamese, etc.
• Working experience with environmental education, science education, or residential outdoor education
• Working knowledge of inquiry-based, multi-disciplinary science and natural history
• Working experience leading wilderness trips for youth and/or adults
• Advanced degree and/or teaching credential