Exploring Nature Instructor (Two-Week Summer Program)

The Exploring Nature Program at Rice Creek Field Station seeks an enthusiastic instructor for the Grade 3 level (both program weeks) and the Grade 6-7 level (one program week). Pre-K-12 teachers and environmental educators are welcome to apply for these positions, joining a team of educators passionate about getting kids outside and engaging with nature. 

The Exploring Nature team seeks an instructor with experience working with children in formal or informal settings. Instructors should have an interest and/or experience in nature and environmental education. Some natural history knowledge (local flora, fauna, ecology) and/or outdoor program experience (such as working at or attending a summer camp) is helpful. Exploring Nature is a loosely structured program with no set curriculum; instructors should be comfortable developing their own daily plan of activities, which usually include nature walks and hikes, habitat exploration, games, and arts and crafts. Each instructor is responsible for one group of 10 children each week, with support from an assistant (aged 15-22).

A half-day of training and orientation (on June 19) is provided, including the opportunity to meet and speak with returning instructors about activity ideas.  

Exploring Nature takes place at Rice Creek Field Station, located on Thompson Road in Oswego. Compensation is $1,620. The schedule is:

• Week 1: July 6-10, 2026, 9:30 am to 2:30 pm
• Week 2: July 13-17, 2026, 9:30 am to 2:30 pm

Application Instructions

For optimal consideration, please apply by May 19, 2026. To apply, please email the materials below to Kristen Haynes, Director of Exploring Nature, at kristen.haynes@oswego.edu:

• Cover letter detailing interest and related experience
• Contact information for two professional references

About Exploring Nature

Exploring Nature is a two-week summer program, inviting children and young adults ages 5 to 14 to experience Rice Creek Field Station's state-of-the-art science facility, 350-acre natural area, and 5 miles of trails skirting forests, fields, ponds, and streams.

Through guided immersion in a natural environment, participants develop a sense of place, a connection to nature, an understanding of their local environment, and learn how to be good stewards of the Earth.