Community Nature Educator
About The Position
The Community Nature Educator develops and delivers nature-based education programs that strengthen understanding of and connection to Pittsburgh’s parks and their natural and cultural resources. As a member of the Education Department, this position builds and sustains partnerships with community-based organizations to engage children, families, and learners of all ages. Current programming and outreach focus on Homewood, Hazelwood, the Northside, and South Hilltop, with opportunities to serve other communities. The position represents the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy in the community and advances its mission through programming that responds to community needs and partner priorities. The educator designs and delivers activities across afterschool programs, summer camps, community parks, and other learning spaces, while collaborating with colleagues and partners to provide inclusive and engaging experiences. The role also leads the Conservancy’s representation in the PNC Grow Up Great Buzzword Initiative, contributes to public programs and events, and documents program outcomes and outreach. The role is under the general supervision of the Director of Education.
Requirements
- Three or more years of experience engaging youth in environmental education, outdoor learning, and/or the arts; or a degree in environmental education or a related field.
- Obtain and maintain a Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Child Abuse History Clearance, Pennsylvania State Police Criminal History Record Check, and FBI Criminal History Background Check.
- Maintain a valid driver’s license.
- Maintain current First Aid and CPR certifications.
- Availability to work evenings as part of the regular schedule and occasional weekends.
- Ability to develop and adapt curriculum and lesson plans for school, afterschool, and camp settings.
- Understanding of natural systems and the role of parks and green spaces in individual and community well-being.
- Commitment to respecting human diversity and fostering appreciation for biodiversity.
- Ability to build collaborative relationships and respond to community needs and partner priorities.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and digital tools for research, data management, scheduling, and communication.
- Ability to manage multiple projects, establish priorities, solve problems creatively, and meet deadlines.
- Strong listening, interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively and adapt programming to different audiences and settings.
Responsibilities
- Design engaging, age-appropriate nature-based learning experiences that promote comfort in, curiosity about, and care for nature. Activities may include nature exploration, arts, crafts, games, gross motor play, mindfulness, and inquiry-based observation.
- Deliver nature-based learning experiences in afterschool programs, summer camps, community parks, and other community learning spaces, incorporating positive youth development principles, inclusive practices, and environmental justice.
- Develop and sustain partnerships with youth- and family-serving organizations, Citiparks, schools, universities, and other community partners through outreach, ongoing communication, collaborative programming, reflection, and assessment.
- Create safe, supportive learning environments through positive reinforcement, role modeling, and respect for learners’ diverse backgrounds and experiences.
- Serve as PPC’s lead representative for the PNC Grow Up Great Buzzword Initiative and coordinate programming, partner communication, and required deliverables.
- Collaborate with the education team to deliver K–12 school-based outdoor education programs and identify opportunities to connect school partnerships with community programs.
- Lead and contribute to the planning and delivery of family-based public programs and special events, including Earth Month and Community Campfire.
- Document program participation, outcomes, and outreach activities to support program assessment, grant proposals, and grant reporting.
- Contribute to training and professional development for part-time educators, camp counselors, volunteers, and interns.
- Collaborate with community engagement and visitor experience staff to coordinate work with community partners and stakeholders.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
Benefits
- Medical coverage through an Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement (ICHRA)
- Employer-paid dental and vision insurance
- Retirement plan with an employer match of up to 8%
- Employer-paid life insurance
- Short-term and long-term disability coverage
- Generous paid time off and paid holidays
- Paid parental, bereavement, and other applicable leave
- Professional development opportunities
- Flexible work environment with opportunities for hybrid work, based on position responsibilities and organizational needs
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Education Level
No Education Listed
