Naturalist Educator and Garden Manager

About us:

Located on 12 acres of forested wetland and pasture, Cedar River Montessori is an American Montessori Society accredited, independent, non-profit school for students ages 3 through 14 in Renton, Washington. Cedar River Montessori students follow their natural interests as they explore their world, discovering the interconnectedness of personal responsibility, environmental stewardship, and social equity. Students learn how to work independently and collaboratively, experiencing a transformative education as they grow into the next generation of engaged, global thinkers who compassionately challenge the status quo. Founded in 1981, we strive to be a diverse and inclusive community.

This job is for you if you:

• Are inspired by our mission and values
• Have a deep and broad understanding of Pacific Northwest ecology, habitats, native plant and animal species, organic gardening, and invasive species removal
• Embrace outdoor experiences in all kinds of conditions
• Love children and supporting their development
• Have a commitment to high quality education and whole child learning
• Welcome opportunities to stretch yourself by learning and implementing new techniques and strategies in the garden and in environmental lessons and activities
• Are a skilled classroom manager, inspiring children to be their best selves and patiently coaching them through solution-finding processes
• Delight in the details of maintaining shared outdoor spaces
• Are a highly relational and effective communicator
• Are able to multi-task and manage a variety of responsibilities
• Have a positive attitude and are able to roll with a dynamic and creative organization
• Care deeply about equity, inclusion, and social and environmental justice
• Enjoy working in a progressive, relational, collaborative, and nature-loving team of dedicated and talented individuals

Principal Responsibilities:

• Plan, prepare, and carry out a year-round gardening program using a place-based approach and organic cultivation methods
• Maintain records of plantings, incorporating student input in the planning process
• Provide age-appropriate, hands-on gardening and ecology lessons to students ages 3-14
• Incorporate diverse perspectives in lessons and activities, including indigenous uses of native species
• Build community connections with organizations with similar environmental focuses
• Coordinate several community events each year (Stone Soup, Seed Exchange, and more)
• Provide guidance and input to campus-wide forest restoration, and contribute to caring for and maintaining restoration areas and trails in conjunction with contracted groups
• Collaborate with animal behaviorist and outdoor educator on student lessons and care for outdoor spaces
• Create and maintain a healthy, safe, and positive environment for children
• Take initiative and communicate with classroom teaching teams about garden and naturalist project and curriculum ideas
• Observe and assess individual student growth and progress, and follow up with teaching team and administration when there are areas of concern
• Collaborate with Cedar River Montessori staff to foster a sense of community and belonging
• Implement daily practices and routines in the garden and throughout the campus restoration areas
• Observe, document, and facilitate children’s progress in the areas of their social, emotional, physical, creative, and cognitive skills
• Organize and maintain materials and tools so they are clean, safe, and developmentally appropriate for each child
• Model safe and responsible behavior during outdoor activities, and motivate students to participate in all types of weather
• Help guide students through self-directed activities, allowing each student to develop at their own pace
• Foster a nurturing and stimulating non-competitive environment

Education/Experience:

• Strong knowledge of and formal experience with Pacific Northwest agriculture, native species, and invasive species
• Commitment to and knowledge of organic gardening methods
• Experience working with children and families in a group setting
• CPR, First Aid, Bloodborne Pathogens certified or be willing to obtain
• Positive Discipline training, or willing to take
• Anti-biased/Anti-racist training, or willing to take

Desired Skills and Abilities:

• Self-directed and flexible work style
• Strong communication skills with children, parents, and colleagues
• Strong decision-making skills to respond to risk management, emergencies, or difficult situations
• Ability and desire to support children with learning differences
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and roles, patiently and professionally

Desired Behavioral Traits and Attitudes:

Leader, team player, fun, outgoing, passionate, organized, flexible, creative, resourceful, critical thinker, results-oriented, and self-motivated.  Aligned with Cedar River Montessori’s mission and values and environmentally and socially conscientious.