Teacher Naturalist

New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill believes diversity in nature promotes a healthy, vigorous garden. We believe that diversity among our staff promotes a healthy work environment and a vigorous organization. We recruit, employ, train, compensate and promote regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, veteran status, and other protected status as required by applicable law. We believe in diversity of race, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, national origin, ability, and all the other traits that make us unique. New England is an equal opportunity employer.

All NEBG at Tower Hill employees must be fully vaccinated with at least one booster (verification required) or be approved by Tower Hill as exempt for medical or religious reasons.

Teacher Naturalists are expected to carry out the responsibilities of the job in ways that support NEBG at TH’s mission and its commitment to creating a diverse and welcoming organization.

• Being welcoming to all staff and the public
• Be respectful of staff differences and preferences
• Use gender neutral communication styles
• Respect everyone’s pronouns
• Attend IDEA workshops and training sessions
• Make efforts to support a diverse work force
• Develop and support a culture within the department that recognizes and supports NEBG at TH’s IDEA initiatives (Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility).

Are you passionate about nature and enjoy working with children? Share your passion with students and families and join our team! Under the direction of the Manager of Youth Education, Teacher Naturalists assist in the delivery of a variety of mission-related learning experiences for families and children in grades PreK through 12. These programs include school field trips, community group visits, scout programs, birthday parties, and youth and family drop-in activities and paid classes. Teacher Naturalists are part of a dynamic, creative team that are responsible for leading children and families in inquiry-based outdoor exploration using hands-on activities, songs, games, stories, and projects. This position works on an as needed basis with a flexible schedule.

Responsibilities

• Learn and deliver a set curriculum and inquiry-based lessons and activities focused on plants, botany, gardening, ecology, etc. for PreK-12 school and community groups.
• Lead scout group, youth group, and school group programs that meet state education standards and badge requirements.
• Lead youth and family classes, and birthday parties focused on gardening, botany, and local plant ecology.
• Monitor groups in all types of indoor and outdoor environments and be mindful of the safety and welfare of all participants and fellow staff.
• Set up and break down program materials and supplies.
• Attend staff trainings and meetings as required.
• Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Leadership and Interpersonal Relations

• Ability to work with diverse groups and exercise cultural competence and inclusion.
• Ability to carry out responsibilities both independently and collaboratively.
• Strong organizational, time management, oral, and written communication skills.
• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills, including the ability to deal tactfully with visitors, students, volunteers, instructors, and staff.
• Basic classroom management skills and demonstrated ability to work with children in grades PreK through 12.

Schedule

This position is on an as needed basis with varying opportunities throughout the year – a majority of which being during field trip season which begins in April and ends in mid-June. Shifts are self-selected based on individual availability. A flexible schedule is desired with the ability to work during the week and/or on weekends and evenings as needed. 

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum of one year of teaching experience in a formal or informal setting, experience teaching in outdoor or camp settings a plus.
• Experience working with a variety of young audiences, including PreK-12 school groups, community groups, scouts, and families.
• Demonstrated enthusiasm for working with young audiences and leading programs focused on natural science topics.
• Experience learning and delivering a provided curriculum.
• Ability to present information at the appropriate age and grade level of the group and manage behavior. 
• Strong organizational, time management, oral, and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated creativity, reliability, flexibility, and enthusiasm.

Physical Demands / Working Conditions:

• Must be able to lift 25 pounds and work outdoors in all seasonal extremes.
• Must be able to bend, squat, kneel, stand, and walk for extended periods of time and to navigate uneven grounds and stairs evenly.

• Must be able to work with appropriate computer and communications equipment.

Note: Duties described above, other duties, and physical demands have been identified as essential functions as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Safety

• Works with an awareness of surroundings and vigilant to any possible threat to the safety of staff and the public, or to NEBG at TH property. Ensures all concerns are reported promptly.
• Reports all accidents and injuries immediately to an immediate supervisor and/or Chief Financial & Operations Officer, or designee.
• Complies with provisions of the current Employee Handbook, all published personnel policies, and the requirements of the job description.

In addition to being an Equal Opportunity Employer, NEBG at Tower Hill aims to create an inclusive workplace that values each member of our team. We aspire to reflect and serve our visitors as well as the communities of Worcester County, Massachusetts and New England.