Teacher Naturalist

The Teacher-Naturalist will work with the Director of Education and the education staff to provide informative and experiential programs for schools participating in ECO throughout Central Vermont; collaboratively lead nature immersive afterschool, homeschool and summer camp programming for ages 4-14; and develop and implement natural history, community science, and other nature-based educational programming as needed.

Compensation and Benefits: Salaried position, with a starting base salary of $36,360 - $37,440, commensurate with experience. Benefits package includes health insurance, paid holidays, paid sick time, retirement, and earned time off.
Job status: Full time, exempt, year-round position.
Reports to: NBNC Director of Education.

Start Date: August 29, 2022

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Work as a team member to support all areas of whole-child development and promote a nature- and place-based approach to learning.
• Provide a supportive, inclusive and accessible outdoor learning environment for all children.
• Adhere to all NBNC and host schools’ safety protocols, and manage risk in an outdoor setting.
• Uphold NBNC’s commitment to justice, equity, diversity and inclusion (JEDI).
• Develop, write, and implement lesson plans that align with the Next Generation Science Standards, Common Core and additional objectives as determined collaboratively with classroom teachers. 
• Collaborate with regional public school teachers to lead students on weekly ECO outings.
• Work with other teacher-naturalists to plan and lead weekly after school sessions. 
• Develop lessons that are child-led and take advantage of local phenology during ECO Homeschool sessions, and write weekly summaries and extensions for parents.
• Develop and implement experiential summer camp activities based on weekly themes.
• Perform periodic safety assessments at all outdoor teaching sites.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities

• Attend education staff meetings, all-staff meetings, and committee meetings. 
• Observe and document student learning.
• Contribute to the preparation and implementation of other education related events and activities at NBNC.

Qualifications:

• At least two years experience in environmental education, place-based education, or similar nature-based, outdoor, educational programming.
• Bachelor’s Degree in education, environmental education, environmental science, natural science, or related field, or commensurate life experience.
• Professional training in nature-based education, place-based education, community science, or outdoor education.
• Experience with and interest in working with children in an outdoor environment.
• Is willing to teach outside in all Vermont weather conditions.
• Is Wilderness First Aid certified or First Aid and CPR certified, or is able to obtain those certifications before the school year starts on Sept. 5, 2022.

Preferred Skills and Education 

• Knowledge of local natural history, including flora, fauna, geology, and Vermont’s historical land use.
• Professional training in anti-bias education.
• Knowledge of local Indigenous cultures and history.
• Experience with storytelling, singing, and nature-inspired art in daily teaching routine.
• Proficiency in outdoor skills such as fire tending, tool use, and knot tying.
• Experience performing risk benefit assessments and seasonal site assessments.

How to apply:

Apply by sending a letter of interest and resume by March 20th, 2022 to [email protected].  See full posting here.