Environmental Educator (Contract Position)

Blue Heron Nature Preserve is seeking contract educators with experience teaching programs on wildlife and ecology, environmental stewardship, gardening, nature arts, and outdoor adventure. Our educational programs include school field trips for PK-8th grade, afterschool programs, school break camps, Girl and Boy Scout programs, birthday parties, and weekend public programs. Hours range from 0-25 hours per week, depending on program demand and educator availability.

• Candidates must have prior experience teaching and working with children, and a college degree in education, ecology, biology, art or a related field.
• Candidates should be familiar with, or willing to become familiar with, the Reggio Emilia philosophy and an emergent curriculum.
• Candidates must provide their own transportation to off-site programs. Two or more years of environmental education experience is preferred.
• CPR and First Aid Certification (or the ability to get certified in the first 30 days) is required.
• Ability to speak Spanish is a plus.
• All candidates must pass a background check prior to employment.

Job Description:

Blue Heron Environmental Educators plan and teach nature based programs for students in grades K-8. The primary purpose of our programs is to give children a chance to explore and learn about science, nature, and the urban environment in a fun and engaging manner. We are guided and inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, and use an emergent curriculum. Educators will lead groups of 5-25 children in activities at the Preserve or at local schools. Educators are responsible for planning and running activities, coordinating with other staff, behavior management, daily prep and clean-up, and any other tasks necessary to run a fun, safe youth program. Training is provided, however staff should have experience in developing and leading activities.

Job Schedule:

• Blue Heron schedules field trips and off-site school programs weekday mornings on an as-demand basis.
• Boy and Girl Scout programs and afterschool programming typically run weekday afternoons from 3-5 p.m. Some weekend scout programming is scheduled, based on educator availability.
• School Break camps run during Atlanta Public School holidays from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Summer Camp runs weekdays from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. and 1 p.m. - 4 p.m., for 11 weeks during May-August.
• Birthday parties are scheduled on Saturdays and Sundays based on educator availability.
• Educators are expected to arrive 30 minutes prior to scheduled on-site programs and remain 30 minutes after a program's conclusion. Educators must allow sufficient time to gather supplies and teaching materials for on-time arrival to off-site school programs.
• All programs include additional hours for staff meetings and trainings as scheduled.

Hours per week: Between 0-25 hours per week depending on availability.

Minimum Qualifications

• College degree in education, science, ecology, art or related field. Ability to speak Spanish is preferred, but not required.
• Experience with teaching formal or informal education programs for children.
• Excellent group dynamic and behavior management skills, ability to engage children and direct them in an active teaching environment.
• Ability to represent Blue Heron in a positive and professional manner.
• Genuine desire to teach about nature in an urban environment.
• CPR and First Aid Certification. Lifeguard certification is a plus.

Salary$15 - $18 per hour based on experience and qualifications.

Location:

Blue Heron Nature Preserve
4055 Roswell Rd. NE
Atlanta, GA 30342

Expected Start Date:

We are seeking candidates who are able to start as soon as possible. Please note that this position does not include housing, and any educator hired must be able to live locally and provide their own transportation to and from Blue Heron. 

How to apply:

Please e-mail a resume and cover letter to andrewl@bhnp.org. Interviews will be scheduled for qualified applicants at the convenience of Blue Heron and the applicant. Hiring is ongoing until positions are filled.

All candidates should explore our website to familiarize themselves with the organization prior to applying.

https://bhnp.org/