Fiddleheads Forest School Associate Teacher

Purpose of Position

This position will serve as the Associate Teacher in the Fiddleheads Forest School. It reports directly to the Fiddleheads Head of School.

Teachers at Fiddleheads act as guides, helping children to cultivate senses that are attuned to the affordances of their surroundings during a developmentally crucial time. Daily observation and experimentation on an individual and group level foster a love of science as well as social and emotional development. By providing structure in the environment, teachers encourage children to guide their own learning experience in a way that fosters the development of responsibility, independence, and executive functioning skills in order to create a strong foundation for future growth.

This position will assist the Fiddleheads Forest School Lead Teachers with all aspects of implementing a weekly, part-day nature preschool program. This position will assist teaching classes of up to 14 students, M–F from 9:00am – 1:00pm, while spending the vast majority of that time outdoors, exploring the natural world through age-appropriate lessons and activities. This position is a 32 hour per week role, with typical work hours of 8:00am–2pm or 2:30pm M–F, with occasional early mornings, some evenings and weekends for special school events.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Help 3–6 year olds discover and develop a relationship with the natural environment by assisting students with established activities using items found in nature, while modeling healthy engagement with the environment, positive social interaction and self-regulation, and curiosity for the natural world. Ensure the health, safety and well-being of students through overview, site surveys and risk assessment.
• Co-lead prepared curricular activities that are developmentally appropriate and culturally responsive for 3–6 year olds, incorporating foundational natural science and social and emotional learning concepts as well as emergent interests of student population.
• Maintain clear communications with fellow staff, interns, students, and their families to achieve common goals, support the development of all students, and avoid potential conflicts.
• Assist with documentation of student learning.
• Assist in efficient preparation, organization, and maintenance of teaching supplies and materials including regular cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting according to health guidelines.
• Other related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Licensing requires the following for an Associate Teacher in an Outdoor Nature-Based program:
  • Be at least 18 years old;
  • Have a high school diploma or equivalent as approved;
  • Have an ECE initial certificate or equivalent by August 1, 2026, or within five years of being hired or promoted into this position, whichever occurs later;
  • Beginning August 1, 2026, an assistant teacher must have an ECE initial certificate or equivalent within five years of being hired or promoted into the position.

DESIRED SKILLS

• Associate or bachelor’s Degree or formal training in early childhood education, environmental education, or related areas.
• Minimum of two years of experience working with early learners in a formal setting.
• Ability to communicate effectively with children at an age-appropriate level.
• Understanding of cultural competency in the context of early childhood education.
• Creativity, flexibility, and understanding necessary for working with children, parents, and staff members.
• Ability to work as part of a team and make contributions through collaboration.
• Ability to stand, stoop, squat, bend, kneel, and sit for 15–20 minutes at a time.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to walk 0.5 a mile.
• Ability to work outdoors in all types of weather.

Equivalent education/experience (personal and professional) may substitute for all required qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

TO APPLY

Please electronically send application materials, including resume and cover letter, to Seattle Botanic Gardens: jobs@arboretumfoundation.org. Please, no calls or in-person visits without an appointment. Position open until filled.