Position Overview:    
The Education Program Coordinator is responsible for delivering high-quality, hands-on environmental and outdoor education programs to diverse audiences, primarily school-aged children. This role focuses on connecting people to the natural world through science, active recreation, and stewardship action. As part of the year round staff, the Coordinator will also contribute to general NorthWoods events, outreach, and programming. 

Main Roles and Responsibilities include: 

• Instruction & Curriculum: Lead and facilitate natural science and outdoor education lessons for school groups, summer camps, and public outreach events.
• Wildlife Ambassador Program Leadership: Maintain the health, safety, and habitat of  of wildlife ambassador animals, including Oberon, a barred owl. Incorporate wildlife education and natural science into programming for school groups, summer camps and public outreach. Use ambassador animals as a tool to connect people to the natural world through science and action. Maintain the health, safety, and habitat of the ambassador animals. 
• Outdoor Leadership: Guide active recreation activities, including hiking, canoeing, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and survival skills while adhering to Leave No Trace practices.
• Program Logistics: Assist in the development of new educational materials and coordinate program logistics with partner schools and organizations.
• Safety & Risk Management: Maintain a safe learning environment in remote or rugged outdoor settings and manage group dynamics effectively.

Qualifications: 

• Experience: Previous experience teaching or leading groups of youth in an outdoor or non-traditional setting. Demonstrated knowledge of local flora and fauna and a strong foundation in natural science principles preferred.
• Communication: Strong public speaking and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage learners of all ages.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to hike several miles, carry equipment, and work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Personal Attributes: High energy, flexibility, and a strong personal commitment to environmental conservation and justice, equity, and inclusion. 

Expectations: 

• Ensure that NorthWoods is a resource for the community for high-quality professional services, programming, facilities and expertise
• Maintain good communication and professional working relationships with NorthWoods staff, program participants, partners, and the general public
• Work independently and with coworkers to produce project outcomes on-schedule. 
• Adhere to all NorthWoods procedures and policies related to staff conduct, safety and project implementation
• Engage in professional development activities, as needed, to stay current with necessary job skills and knowledge.
• Attend meetings, workshops and special events as necessary to represent NorthWoods and support forestry programs.
• Complete other general support tasks for the organization as needed, including maintenance, weekend and evening hours, etc. 
• Maintain NorthWoods tools and equipment in good working condition; keep work sites organized and safe; ensure that offices, woodshop, storage areas, lodge, etc. are clean, usable and appealing to visitors

Employment Period: Flexible start date in Spring 2026.  Full-time, year round position.

Workweek: 40 hours per week between Monday-Friday, with occasional weekend and evening events. Option for reduced hours (32-36hrs/week) with prorated salary. This position is primarily in-person, with occasional opportunities for remote work

Salary: $41,000-42,500, dependent on experience, paid biweekly

Benefits: Health insurance, medical expense reimbursement program ($1000/year), ROTH or SIMPLE IRA retirement contribution with 3% employer match, 2 weeks paid time off (increases annually), 11 paid holidays, reduced winter hours at full salary (36hrs/week Nov-April), annual cost of living adjustment, 1 hour/week paid winter wellness

Housing: Option for on-campus housing by request

Reports to:  Andrew Cappello, Director of Education

To Apply: Email your resume, cover letter and contact info for two professional/academic references to Andy Cappello, Education Director, at  andy@northwoodscenter.org. Applications will be reviewed, and interviews scheduled, on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Justice, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at NorthWoods:

People of every race, color, gender, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, religion, belief system and background are encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodation will be made for applicants with disabilities.  NorthWoods believes that diversity in our workplace is essential to building vibrant human and natural communities and strives to provide opportunities for everyone without discrimination.

About NorthWoods

NorthWoods Stewardship Center is a non-profit conservation and education organization based in East Charleston, Vermont.  We serve the communities of Northern Vermont and New Hampshire, as well as facilitating conservation projects and programs throughout New England.  Our main lodge and facilities are part of a 1,500 acre conserved campus and demonstration forest, open to the public, year-round. We achieve our mission to connect people and place through the synergy of four program areas:  Environmental Education, the Conservation Corps, Conservation Science, and Forest Stewardship. Learn more about us.