Environmental Educator

The 4-H Learning Centers at Tanglewood and Blueberry Cove provide environmentally focused outdoor education programs for Maine youth in Lincolnville and Tenants Harbor. Programs emphasize community living, respect for others, fun, safety, responsibility, and the joy of being a part of the natural world. Tanglewood in Lincolnville, Maine has 900+ acres of forest, extensive hiking trails, and a pristine river with native Atlantic Salmon. Blueberry Cove, located on the ocean in Tenants Harbor, Maine, provides many outdoor opportunities including sailing and kayaking.  As an Environmental Educator, you will provide hands-on ecology immersion for students as part of our Open Air Classroom. All school programming is customized and highlights our Earth Connections curriculum and BEETLES teaching methodology. Programs work with students across grades K-12. As an Educator, you will develop and implement the program curriculum, schedules, and new projects. 

Spring/Fall/Winter Responsibilities:

• Develop and teach hands-on, ecology, STEM, group building, and outdoor skills-based lessons to grades K-12 for the day, overnight, and after-school programs
• Deliver programs in schools and at multiple sites, including our learning centers in Lincolnville and Tenants Harbor, ME (some travel is required)
• Contribute ideas for the continual development of programs, interpretive trails, and educational displays
• Work independently and with staff to develop and maintain teaching resources
• Participate actively in staff training, ongoing professional development, and daily staff meetings to plan and evaluate programs
• Take part in routine tasks of cleaning and kitchen duties, gardening, general camp chores, and upkeep of program spaces to support the staff community
• Demonstrate responsible and safe decision-making skills in all aspects of outdoor programming
• Transport students in University vans to program sites
• Foster interpersonal relationships that reflect courtesy, civility, and mutual respect
• Typical work week Monday through Friday with some evening (1-2 nights per week no later than 9 PM) and weekend program responsibilities

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Experiential education experience with youth, preferably in an outdoor setting
• Knowledge of ecological concepts and natural history
• Ability to work in an active, outdoor environment in a variety of weather conditions
• Safely lead groups over various terrain (uneven ground, roots, uphill hiking), while carrying a small backpack with teaching and first aid supplies
• Basic First Aid/CPR certification, complete upon arrival 
• Hold a valid driver’s license with the ability to drive camp vehicles, tow canoe trailers at times 

Preferred Qualifications

• Wilderness First Aid; lifeguard certification 

Apply at https://extension.umaine.edu/tanglewood/employment/