Environmental Educator and Naturalist

Friends of Rye Nature Center (FRNC) is a non-profit organization providing Westchester County with environmental and conservation education programs and events for diverse audiences. From a preschooler learning to maneuver around rocks and mossy logs for the first time, to an avid, senior citizen birder, Environmental Educators are enthusiastic about engaging new participants and experienced naturalists. Programs are conducted on our beautiful 47-acre preserve, as well as local schools, community sites, science fairs, and events near and far.  

The mission of FRNC is to encourage conservation, provide environmental education, and support access to nature. To achieve our mission, FRNC:

• provides environmental and cultural education to preschool, elementary and secondary school children through our Forest School,

• supports and conducts conservation research and citizen science, 

• provides opportunities for adults to learn about the natural flora and fauna of the region and the world through high quality public programs, events, and volunteer opportunities,

• presents programs that inform and entertain the community.

Job Summary

The part time environmental educator is responsible for delivering FRNC’s established public programs and Forest School curriculum designed for pre-k through high school grade levels.  In addition, the environmental educator will play an active role in creating and designing new programs and events that address the diverse learning needs of the communities FRNC serves. This position acts as a lead teacher/educator within the following programs/classes: elementary school field trips, after-school enrichment, special events, all summer camp programs, family programs, birthday parties, and our Forest Preschool program. We promote a team culture and support each other through positive attitudes and professional work ethics.  

Availability: Position is part-time, year-round. Position may be full-time for the right candidate. The educator must be able to work Saturdays and special events.

Hourly: Based on experience and education level. Salary: Based on full-time commitment and experience in the education field. 

Duties and Responsibilities

Teaching Requirements

• Develop and teach educational programs designed for preschool–high school students related to FRNC’s environmental and cultural education series.
• Assist in the development of educational objectives, course descriptions, activities and materials lists, acquisition and maintenance of appropriate instructional materials and props, pre- and post-class information.
• Leading nature programs for the public and mentoring volunteers.
• Teaching of programs includes site preparation, setting up materials/props, student instruction, taking down materials/props and returning to storage.

Administrative Requirements

• Attend FRNC meetings as requested.
• Assist in the development of FRNC’s long-term educational goals and strategic plan.
• Participate in program evaluations.
• Take inventory of program materials and provide budget estimates for program development (equipment, materials, props, staff time).
• Work with team to organize and maintain supplies.
• Perform other activities within the scope of FRNC’s educational programs as needed.
• Work special events and fundraisers as needed.
• Willingness to assist with the care of educational program animals and supervise animal volunteers.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of age-appropriate activities pertaining to environmental education for teaching pre-k–12 grade students and adult groups.

• Knowledge of innovative lesson planning.
• Knowledge and experience with local flora, fauna, and natural history for teaching in an outdoor environment.
• Knowledge of safety requirements pertaining to teaching outdoors.
• Ability to follow FRNC’s safety policies and respond appropriately to an emergency or crisis.
• Professionalism, excellent leadership, organizational and interpersonal skills.
• High energy and the ability to work well with others (staff, children, visiting teachers and parents) and to foster a team environment.
• Good judgment, tact, and courtesy in dealing with the public.
• Attention to detail, good problem-solving skills and flexibility.
• Ability to work without direct supervision.
• Strong oral and written communication skills. Grant writing experience and proficiency in other languages is a plus.
• Experience working with Microsoft Office, PowerPoint and Excel is a plus.
• Strong email communication (group emails, prompt replies).
• Comfort handling educational program animals.

Professional Requirements for Environmental Educator

• Bachelor’s degree in education, recreation and parks, interpretation, science, or related field.
• Experience with nature-based programming and education in non-traditional settings (nature center, forest school, camps, parks, etc.). Two years preferred.
• Demonstrated interest in conservation and environmental education.
• Must have or be willing to obtain pediatric and adult CPR/AED/first aid certification.
• Signed voluntary disclosure statement allowing FRNC to check status against NYS sex offender registry, criminal background check, and federal fingerprint database.
• Demonstrates a passion for continuous learning and professional growth, with a proactive approach to acquiring new skills, and knowledge.

Physical Requirements

Teaching outdoors requires a reasonable level of physical fitness. Educator must be able to:

• Walk long distances and pull garden carts with props and supplies over various surfaces and rough trails throughout a full day.
• Stand for extended periods of time, sit, kneel, stoop, crawl, twist, reach above head, climb stairs or ramps, and carry up to 25 lbs.
• Be outside most of the day, during all weather conditions including, but not limited to freezing temperatures, extreme heat, rain, snow, ice, etc.
• Be able to teach multiple classes a day with breaks.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate has a love and knowledge of nature and the outdoors and enjoys teaching people of all ages. The candidate has excellent teaching skills, nurturing students in a gentle and positive manner. The ideal candidate will thrive in an environment that fosters ongoing development opportunities and values personal and career development.

Also, the candidate embraces FRNC’s mission and is a seasoned professional with environmental education leadership experience and functions effectively as a member of a collaborative teaching team. Organization, reliability, flexibility, communication, and a love of being in nature are key to the role.