Environmental Educator (FT/Seasonal)

The Aldo Leopold Nature Center (ALNC) seeks adaptable, creative, and engaging environmental educators to teach summer camp programs from mid-June through the end of August. ALNC is a non-profit educational organization guided by Aldo Leopold’s land ethic, with a mission to engage and educate current and future generations, empowering them to respect, protect, and enjoy the natural world. ALNC serves more than 50,000 children, teachers, members, and families annually through year-round programming that includes field trips, camps, a nature preschool, and public and private events.

ALNC is an equal opportunity employer committed to building and serving a culturally rich, inclusive staff that is well-equipped to serve our diverse community. We strongly encourage applicants from all backgrounds and identities to apply.

Time Commitment: June 5 - August 30, 2023

This full-time seasonal position includes one week of staff training (June 5-9), eleven weeks of summer camp (June 12-August 25), and three days of camp clean up (August 28-30). Educators must be available from 8:00am-4:00pm Monday-Friday, as camps run from 8:30am-3:30pm on weekdays. Opportunities for planning and prep will be built into the weekly schedule.

Responsibilities

The primary responsibility of this position is the planning and delivery of experiential nature programs for campers ages 4-10 years old. Environmental educators are responsible for the physical and emotional well-being of the children in their care and are expected to facilitate a welcoming environment that is safe, inclusive, and fun for all participants. Additional responsibilities include:

• Overseeing a group of 8-10 children throughout their one-week camp session.
• Designing hands-on activities that take into account camper ages, interests, and abilities.
• Assessing group dynamics and applying appropriate behavior management techniques. 
• Collaborating and communicating with other camp leaders.
• Following and enforcing all camp policies, including covid safety protocols.

Qualifications

Ideal candidates will be able to manage a full-time weekly schedule, work well in a team environment, communicate effectively with colleagues, and represent ALNC in a professional manner. Flexibility, initiative, the ability to problem solve, and a sense of humor are a must.

Required:

• Experience working with children in formal and/or informal educational settings.
• Basic understanding of child development and some level of experience supporting young children socially, emotionally, and behaviorally in small group settings.
• Respect, concern, and excitement for the natural environment and a demonstrated ability to share those things with others.
• Ability to plan and implement fun, enriching, and engaging activities for children. 
• Ability to maintain auditory and visual contact with children in your care at all times.
• Ability to work outside in all summer weather conditions.
• Certification in First Aid/CPR (ALNC will provide this training for those who need it).
• Fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
• Successful candidates must pass a background check and fingerprint screen.

Preferred:

• Degree in environmental education, education, natural science, or a related field. However, experience can supplant a degree, as ALNC values wisdom that may not come through a formal academic program.
• Familiarity with and knowledge of regional flora and fauna.
• Spanish language proficiency.

To Apply

Email cover letter, resume, and three references to Shaina Stewart, Education Manager at shaina@aldoleopoldnaturecenter.org. Interviews will begin February 20, 2023.