Outdoor Educator (Part-time)

Reporting To: Director of Education

Compensation: $18 - $20 per hour, based on experience

Hours: 20 hours/week minimum, occasional weekends or evenings, up to 30 hours/week in peak season (May-October). Ideal candidate will start January 5 and position will last 1 year. 

Status: In-person, Part-Time

Key Responsibilities

• Program Facilitation: Lead and deliver established K-12 outdoor environmental science lessons, and assess learning. Lessons are primarily outdoors and incorporated throughout hikes in the Forest. Topics include:
• Native Pollinator Garden ecology
• Amphibian studies (e.g., salamander surveys)
• Hike orienteering and map skills
• Bird Identification
• Water quality testing
• Student Engagement: Foster student curiosity, facilitate hands-on learning, and promote a strong sense of place and stewardship in the natural world. Ensure participants’ safety, fun and satisfaction. Share educational concepts, including natural history, cultural/historical information, and environmental knowledge with participants on outings.
• Preparation: Prepare and organize necessary field supplies and teaching materials before and after programs. Help to maintain science classroom and lab spaces. Work with staff to develop and implement engaging lesson programs for youth outdoor education.
• Safety & Supervision: Maintain a safe, positive, and inclusive learning environment for all students and accompanying adults. Work safely in an outdoor environment. Follow low-impact, Leave-No-Trace environmental practices in all instances.
• Communications & Outreach: Create new communications materials (social media, posters, newsletters, or audiovisual media content) for education in service of our non-profit mission. Represent the organization at community events and outreaches.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Environmental Science, or similar area of study
• Previous experience working with diverse groups of students and adults in a formal or informal K-12 education setting
• Must be curious, reliable, and possess a strong work ethic, with the ability to work independently and as part of a small team
• Ability to work flexible hours during the calendar year (typically Mondays through Fridays, occasional weekends or evenings)
• Must be able to lead groups for 1-5 mile hikes over varied terrain and in all weather conditions (snow, rain, heat, etc.)
• Must be comfortable working outdoors with insects, poison ivy, and wildlife, and be in good physical condition (must be able to lift equipment)
• Must have a valid driver’s license and personal vehicle, or reliable transportation
• Must be able to pass a background check
• Strong foundation in file organization on both Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, SharePoint, Outlook) and Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides, Forms, Meet)
• Has a commitment to social justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion

Preferred:

• First Aid/CPR certification or willingness to obtain
• Background knowledge of native flora and fauna of the Hudson Highlands or willingness to learn
• Has strong organizational skills & attention to detail
• Is flexible & adaptable under changing circumstances
• Has some proficiency in Spanish

How to Apply

Please submit your resume, names & contact for three references, and a cover letter explaining your interest in this position, detailing your experience working with K-12 students in an outdoor or science context on our website. Questions to jschnell@blackrockforest.org. The deadline for applications is November 30, 2025.