Seasonal Nature Educator

Duties and Responsibilities: 

● Lead schools and other youth-based community groups from diverse socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds on 90-minute field trips. 

● Engage students and teachers, preK and up, in a way that connects them with a greater understanding of the natural environment around them. 

● Develop content and lead free drop-in educational programs during school breaks. 

● Provide quality education opportunities for youth and their caregivers in programs such as scouts, homeschool, and free learning events. 

● Ensures the health and well-being of participants on field trips, tours, and events.

● Becomes familiar with Hoyt Arboretum safety and communication protocol. 

● Becomes familiar with trail systems, native flora, and common tree species that are within Hoyt Arboretum. 

● Perform other duties as needed. 

Preferred Skills and Experiences: 

We recognize that there are many different paths, experiences, and non-traditional backgrounds that add value to one’s work, and we encourage applicants to apply even if they do not have all of the preferred skills and experience. 

● Background in inquiry-based environmental education or natural sciences. 

● Over 50% of schools who visited Hoyt Arboretum in 2025 denoted their students included Spanish speakers. Strong priority will be given to applicants with Spanish proficiency. 

● Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Comfortable interacting with the general public and speaking in front of groups of people. 

● Knowledge of trees, plants, and wildlife of the Pacific Northwest. 

● Love of the outdoors and comfortable leading groups on trails in varying weather conditions (heat, rain, cold, etc.). 

● Familiarity with childhood development and age-appropriate group management techniques. 

● Demonstrates a team spirit with enthusiasm, flexibility, and creativity. 

● Knowledge and understanding of equitable and inclusive practices to apply when working with a diverse population of youth and the public. 

● Demonstrates cultural competency. Personal experience or strong familiarity with the historical context of under-served/under-resourced communities. An understanding of Portland’s history of discriminatory practices is highly desired. 

● Ability to carry a messenger-style bag and lift up to 20 lbs. 

● Ability to walk over one mile on uneven terrain, lift, bend, and kneel as required. 

● In addition to English and Spanish, Russian, Chinese, or Vietnamese fluency is preferred. 

● All employees will undergo a background check.