Lead Educator

Lead Educator  

Job Description 

Full-time, year-round, non-exempt 

Sept-May: Tues-Sat or Sun-Thurs (negotiable) 

June-Aug: Mon-Fri 

2/3/25 

Job Summary: 

Tyler Arboretum’s education programs are designed to serve our community, attract and retain members, boost visitation, earn revenue, and reach new audiences, all in support of our mission to conserve our historic landscapes and connect people with the natural world. The Lead Educator designs and facilitates experiential nature-based education programs for children, teens, families, adults, and special audiences. From June-August, the Lead Educator will lead groups in our summer camp program. From September-May, the Lead Educator will perform a mix of curriculum writing, program delivery, and relevant administrative duties.    

The Lead Educator will work as part of a highly collaborative team. The Lead Educator reports to the Director of Education.  

Supervisory Responsibilities: 

The Lead Educator position does not manage other staff; however, it does have responsibilities to help supervise volunteers, assistant educators, and counsellors-in-training temporarily during program delivery.  

Essential Functions: 

• [35%] Design, create curricula, coordinate, and evaluate education programs for a wide range of audiences both independently and as part of a collaborative team 

• [35%] Be a lead educator for summer and holiday camps, children's programming, and other education programs 

• [10%] Manage program purchasing, inventory, storage, and restocking 

• [10%] Create public-facing content and marketing materials, internal communications, grant submissions and reports, etc., in collaboration with other departments as necessary  

• [5%] Liaise with contracted instructors and external vendors as needed 

• [5%] Perform cross-functional duties to support department-wide goals, interdepartmental initiatives, and Tyler Arboretum’s public events 

Some weekend or evening work outside of the regular schedule is required, approximately 6-8 times per year 

Required Skills/Abilities: 

• Safely facilitate nature connection activities, free exploration, and imaginative play outside with children of all ages 

• Use age-appropriate tools to maintain safe, kind, and firm boundaries and a growth-oriented approach to discipline and group management 

• Create engaging, hands-on, experiential curricula for a wide range of audiences 

• Communicate professionally with parent/guardians and program participants  

• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills  

• Fluid use of Microsoft Office products including Word, Excel, and Teams 

Our ideal candidates may also have some of the following: 

• Experience with plant ID, animal tracking, herbal medicine, wild foraging, primitive skills, wilderness survival, or other practical naturalist skills 

• Experience with trauma-informed and inclusive teaching practices 

• Experience working with students with special needs 

• Spanish language or other languages commonly spoken in Delaware County 

Education and Experience: 

• At least two years' experience working with groups of children outside 

• At least two years' experience writing curriculum for nature connection, outdoor education, natural science programs, or equivalent 

Physical Requirements: 

• Ability to be active throughout a full day of work, including the ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions, run, jump, squat, sit on the ground, stand for prolonged period, and the ability to walk at least 5 miles on and off trail while carrying a backpack 

• Ability to sit at a desk and work on a computer for a full workday 

• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds 

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: 

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until Monday, Feb 24th.  

Start date on or before Monday, March 17th.  

To apply, please email your resume and answers to the following questions (no more than one paragraph per question) to clauf@tylerarboretum.org. No cover letters please. 

1. Why do you most want to work as Lead Educator at Tyler Arboretum?  

2. What three components do you feel are most important to consider when designing and delivering a nature connection program?  

3. How do you maintain your own connection to nature? 

4. What are the top three reasons we should consider you for this position?  

5. What else should we know about you that may not be reflected in your resume?