Who We Are:

NatureBridge provides environmental science education experiences for more than 30,000 students and their teachers every year in the world’s best classrooms: our National Parks. Our mission is to connect young people to the science and wonder of the natural world, igniting self-discovery, and inspiring stewardship of the planet. 

What You Will Do:

This multi-campus Environmental Science Educator will work at different NatureBridge locations in California and Virginia throughout the 2022 season. Please read the season dates carefully:

• March 20 – June 3: Prince William National Forest (Virginia/Washington DC)
• June 6 – August 19:  Golden Gate National Recreation Area (California)
• Late August –Mid November: Prince William National Forest (Virginia/Washington DC)

Schedule Requirements

Environmental Science Educator (ESE) schedule varies week-to-week. ESEs can expect to deliver programs from 9am - 4pm for 3-5 day programs Monday - Friday, with variability during schools’ arrival and departure days. ESEs also run evening programs 2-3 times a week from 6:30pm - 8:30pm. On a regular program day, the ESE receives up to 30 minutes of paid preparation time. ESEs attend regular biweekly meetings with other ESEs, the education manager, and operations team to discuss program updates and collaborative feedback to the community workplace. In addition to educational responsibilities, ESEs help in other departments when needed or asked.

Tasks and functions

During Program: 

• Use a student-centered approach to lead participants through multi-day, hands-on, experiential & investigative learning in outdoor settings.
• Cultivate an inclusive learning environment by delivering culturally relevant content that presents multiple perspectives and connects to students’ background.
• Create and lead differentiated programming, including 2-3 evening programs a week, that honor the needs and backgrounds of each group of participants.
• Manage students’ physical safety in outdoor settings using sound judgment and applying appropriate risk management decisions.
• Work to support an inclusive workplace community by establishing and maintaining respectful, supportive, and compassionate relationships with staff and participants.

Outside of Program:

• Participate in continuous professional development, as well as personal and professional goal-setting.
• Keep records and assessments of student experiences in order to provide insight on student learning and program outcomes, as well as to share stories from the field with staff, board members, and donors.
• For those in provided housing, follow NatureBridge housing policies and work agreements; cultivate a respectful home environment by setting and being accountable to agreements and boundaries among housemates. 
• Fulfill other duties as assigned, such as supporting donor engagement events, program support tasks, providing feedback on special projects, and participating in campus stewardship or. 

Compensation:

• $15.75/hour; this position is considered Exempt in Virginia, and Non-Exempt in California. You will be paid for travel between NatureBridge Locations
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Option for a 403b retirement plan
• Paid vacation, training days, and sick leave.
• On-Site Housing is provided as a benefit of employment. See an example of our Golden Gate housing Here. Housing varies by campus.

Who You Are:

We are looking for candidates who have:

• At least 1 year of relevant formal or informal teaching experience
• The social and emotional skills to build rapport and positive relationships with people from all backgrounds, abilities, cultures, orientations, identities and communities.
• A demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusion within your teaching and workplace community. We especially encourage you to apply if you have lived experience as a member of (and/or extensive experience working with people from) any communities that are impacted by the historic and current system of oppression that has limited access to environmental education, or the outdoors in general.
• The ability to communicate clearly to different groups, including students, coworkers, supervisors, and educational partners.
• A desire to learn and grow, and an openness to feedback and coaching.
• A valid Wilderness First Aid or Responder Certification or a willingness to attain the certification prior to the start date. Stipends are available to hired candidates to offset costs of a re/certification; need-based scholarships up to 100% of cost are available to qualifying candidates who attend NatureBridge-sponsored courses.
• The ability and willingness to perform physically challenging work outdoors and in all weather conditions on uneven terrain; able to hike 5-7 miles in uneven terrain
• Ability to work flexible hours and split shifts, including evenings.

*All NatureBridge Employees are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Final shot must occur 15 days or more before the start date. Here is the link to our full policy: NatureBridge COVID-19 Vaccination Policy. You must also pass a background check in order to be eligible for employment.

Why should you join the NatureBridge team?

• We are a mission-driven organization that values your contributions and supports you in making a positive impact on youth and the environment
• You will work in beautiful natural settings with other dedicated educators who are passionate about the environment
• We’ll help you build skills and experience in multiple ecosystems working with a wide variety of communities and age groups