Share your passion for nature and education while teaching at a small Nature Center in western New York. Working with ages 3 to adults, in a variety of settings and situations, gives a well-rounded experience to anyone looking to enter the field of environmental and informal education full time.

The Nature Educator’s primary responsibilities include teaching nature and science-based contracted educational programs as well as public programs offered at the Nature Center and in the community. Programs include school classroom programs, guided nature walks, birthday parties, live animal programs, play facilitation programs, and intergenerational nature education programs. This person is educational support for various festivals, events, fundraisers, and programs as needed. Includes one Saturday per month, and the normal schedule is 40 hours per week though during events it may be slightly more. Candidates must pass a background check as the position involves extensive work with children.

Responsibilities

Education: Teaching Programs (75%)

• Teach contracted programs including those in classrooms, schoolyards, neighborhoods, at the Nature Center, and during birthday parties
• Teach and develop contracted and public programs including summer day camps

Education: Teaching preparation and assistance (15%)

• Maintain educational props used in programs
• Prepare for lessons by reading lesson plans, adjusting lesson plans, creating schedules, and developing themed lessons for Little Explorers

Education: Festivals and Events (5%)

• Provide educational programming and support

Additional Roles and Responsibilities (5%)

• Compose nature-related newspaper articles to be published locally
• Act as a community resource for nature-related topics

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or higher, or equivalent experience, in an education related field
• Experience teaching multiple age levels in both formal and informal settings
• Knowledge of and comfort in the natural world
• Ability to work with a flexible schedule
• Excellent customer service skills
• Self-directed, but also able to work in a team environment
• Flexible and open-minded

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficient with word processing, spreadsheets, database, and desktop publishing
• Excellent time management skills
• Exceptional organizational skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Previous experience working in a nature center type setting