Nature Play Early Learning Programs Specialist

The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) is seeking a full-time Nature Play Early Learning Programs Specialist to launch and oversee its nature play early learning initiative to connect young children to the natural world creatively, authentically, and equitably. This three-year term position is located at NZCBI as part of the Center for Learning Innovation (CLI), with a duty station based at the National Zoo in Washington, DC.  CLI offers a variety of public programs conducted in-person and virtually that seek to develop a passionate global community that celebrates their connection to nature, takes meaningful action to protect it, and inspires others to do the same. 

The successful applicant will be responsible for working as part of a team to develop and facilitate education programs and resources for young children (ages 0-8) and their caregivers, focusing on hands-on, in-person learning opportunities, materials, and resources rooted in the philosophies of nature play.   

The purpose of the position is to: 

1. Develop, coordinate, deliver, and evaluate nature play-based learning programs for young children (ages 0-8) and caregivers in person at NZCBI’s DC campus and related sites as applicable.  
2. Create and produce learning resources and materials as part of a nature play program model that can be customized and replicated by other units within the Smithsonian Institution (SI) as part of the pan-institutional “Life on a Sustainable Planet” Initiative.  
3. Coordinate and deliver training to SI staff and volunteers on interpretation for young children and families and using nature play to support broad, long-term implementation.  

For full details and specific tasks related to this position, please see job announcement at https://nationalzoo.si.edu/education/nature-play-early-learning-specialist-job-announcement

Who Should Apply:

The successful candidate for this position will possess the following qualifications: 

Education 

• Bachelor’s degree in education, museum studies, science, or related field. 
• Applicant may possess an appropriate combination of courses plus experience which provides knowledge comparable to that normally acquired through the successful completion of a 4-year course of study in education or in an appropriate subject field 
• Certification, training, or professional development courses/workshops in nature-based early childhood education, nature play, NatureStart or similar a plus. (Please identify specific courses/workshops in resume if applicable) 

Experience 

• Minimum of two years’ experience in a formal or informal education environment, preferably in a zoo, aquarium, museum, or nature-based preschool setting 
• Experience with developing and leading learning activities for children ages 5 and under 
• Experience developing nature play learning activities or leading activities in a nature play or outdoor play space preferred 
• Experience creating both print and digital education materials 
• Experience supervising and coordinating interns and/or volunteers preferred 
• Familiarity with inclusive and accessible program design and facilitation 
• Experience in interpretation and/or National Association for Interpretation certifications a plus 

Abilities/Skills 

• Ability to engage with young children creatively, enthusiastically, and authentically using best practices in play-based learning, early childhood education, museum education, and/or informal science learning 
• Must be comfortable engaging with and developing activities for children of a variety of ages, backgrounds, and abilities 
• High level of energy and enthusiasm, creativity, flexibility, and the ability to work in both indoor and outdoor settings regularly 
• Must feel comfortable and relate well to diverse populations (staff, students, community members, etc.) of all ages, as well as exhibit cultural sensitivity and people-skills 
• Comfort speaking with the public both in-person and during virtual programs  
• Ability to understand and interpret scientific information 
• Computer proficiency in typical software (MS Office, Dropbox, Goo9gle Drive) required. Proficiency in Adobe design software, instructional design software, learning management systems, and/or digital evaluation tools preferred  
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to prioritize tasks 
• Ability to work both independently and as a member of a larger team 
• Excellent written and oral communication skills  
• Detail-oriented, excellent organizational skills and the ability to prioritize tasks 
• Demonstrated flexibility, problem solving and creativity 
• Ability to set and meet project objectives, timelines, and budget  
• Ability to organize and facilitate trainings and meetings 
• Ability to collect and analyze data for program evaluation purposes
• Customer service oriented with the ability to interact with staff, volunteers, and guests appropriately 

The position requires both outdoor and office tasks, therefore the applicant must be able to work in an outdoor/park environment including walking on trails, over uneven terrain, bending, lifting, digging, and planting. The individual must be able to lift and carry at least 45 pounds and be able to work in sometimes adverse conditions that include rain, heat, insects, etc.

How to Apply:

To apply for this position, please email a cover letter, resume, and the contact information for at least two professional references to NZP-Education@si.edu by 5:00pm EST on March 15, 2023.