OVERVIEW

The Aldo Leopold Nature Center is hiring environmental educators to teach a variety of early childhood, school age, and community programs. Weenday, after-school, and weekend hour sare available. Educators engage with students from diverse backgrounds with the goal of nurturing children, their well-being, and environmental sustainability through connecting and learning in nature. 

SCHEDULE

The ideal start date for this position is the week of August 25, 2025. 

This part-time position is scheduled on an as-needed basis based on the program calendar and educator availability. Some programs (preschool, homeschool, and after-school) follow consistent schedules, while others (field trips, Vacation Days, weekends) are more variable. Below is a list of program needs; we encourage you to combine as many programs as works for your schedule.

WEEKDAY EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS:

Nature Beginnings - Twice-weekly drop off program for children ages 3-4.

• Schedule: Tuesday & Thursday, 8:30am-11:30am
• Hours per week: 6

Lunch Bunch - Extended care for half day Nature Preschool students.

• Schedule: Tuesday through Thursday (or any combination of days), 11:15am-12:45pm
• Hours per week: 1.5 to 4.5

Cottontail Lunch - Full-day Nature Preschool classroom coverage.

• Schedule: Tuesday through Thursday, 11:15am-12:15pm
• Hours per week: 2

Cottontail Lunch/Rest/Play - Full-day Nature Preschool classroom coverage.

• Schedule:  Wednesday, 11:15am-3:00pm
• Hours per week: 3.75

After Care - Extended care for full-day and afternoon Preschool students.

• Schedule: Monday-Friday (or any combination of days), 3:15-5:30pm
• Hours per week: 2.25 to 11.25

WEEKDAY SCHOOL AGE PROGRAMS:

Nature Club - Weekly after-school program for students in grades K-3.

• Schedule: Monday, 1:30-5:30pm
• Hours per week: 4.5

Nature School - Weekly homeschool program for students ages 5-12.

• Schedule: Wednesday, 12:00-4:00pm
• Hours per week: 4

OAKS - Daily after-school program for students in grades K-5.

• Schedule: Monday, 12:30-5:45pm and Tuesday through Friday 2:00-5:45pm
• Hours per week : ~20

Field Trips - Nature-themed field trips for students of all ages.

• Schedule: variable weekdays, usually between 8:30am-2:00pm
• Hours per week: variable

Vacation Days - Full-day programs for children in grades K-5 when area school districts are not in session.

• Schedule: variable weekdays, 8:00am-4:00pm 
• Hours per week: variable

WEEKEND PROGRAMS:

Birthday parties, scout programs, and other community programs.

• Schedule: variable, usually Saturday and/or Sunday between 8:30am-4:00pm
• Hours per week: variable

RESPONSIBILITIES

The primary responsibility of this position is the planning and delivery of engaging and age-appropriate outdoor nature activities for diverse audiences. Additional responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Facilitate a welcoming environment that is safe, inclusive, and fun for program participants.
• Create or modify curriculum to meet student needs.
• Maintain shared program spaces and supplies.
• Arrive for scheduled shifts timely and consistently.

Ideal candidates will be able to manage a full schedule, work well in a team environment, and represent ALNC in a professional manner. Flexibility, initiative, the ability to problem solve, and a passion for working with children is essential.

QUALIFICATIONS

• At least 18 years of age and have completed high school or its equivalent.
• Certified in First Aid/CPR or willingness to get certified.
• Must pass a child care background check.
• Experience working with and supporting youth socially, emotionally, and behaviorally, preferably in small group settings.
• Ability to develop rapport with students of differing ages and backgrounds.
• Comfortable making quick decisions in response to changing circumstances.
• Ability to maintain sight and sound supervision of students.
• Ability to work outside in all seasons and weather conditions.

COMPENSATION

The starting pay for this position is $17 to $20 per hour depending on experience.