Environmental Science Educator - Olympic

NatureBridge • Port Angeles, WA

16h • $0 - $17 • Onsite

About The Position

NatureBridge provides overnight environmental science education experiences to students and teachers in National Parks. The Environmental Science Educator leads multi-day, student-centered, experiential environmental science and team-building programs for youth in outdoor settings at Olympic National Park in Port Angeles, Washington. Educators facilitate inclusive, culturally relevant instruction, engage students in hands-on scientific investigations, and tailor programs to each school group and teacher-defined outcomes.

Schedules vary week to week. Educators typically lead programs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for three-to-five-day programs Monday through Friday, with schedule variability on school arrival and departure days. They also lead or support evening programs two to three times per week, usually from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Educators receive up to 30 minutes of paid preparation time on a regular program day and attend regular meetings with education and operations staff. In addition to educational responsibilities, they may assist other departments and support campus operations as needed.

The role includes managing students’ physical and emotional well-being, following risk-management procedures, administering and documenting first aid as necessary, assessing student learning, maintaining gear, supporting campus stewardship, and contributing to program evaluation and improvement. On-site housing may be provided, depending on campus availability.

Requirements

• At least one year of relevant formal or informal teaching experience.
• Social and emotional skills to build rapport and positive relationships with people from varied backgrounds, abilities, cultures, orientations, identities, and communities.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusion in teaching and workplace communities.
• Ability to communicate clearly with students, coworkers, supervisors, and educational partners.
• Desire to learn and grow, and openness to feedback and coaching.
• Ability to pivot quickly and manage logistical changes with composure.
• A valid Wilderness First Responder certification, or willingness to attain it before the start date.
• Ability and willingness to perform physically challenging outdoor work in all weather conditions and on uneven terrain, including hiking 5–7 miles on uneven terrain.
• Ability to work flexible hours and split shifts, including evenings.
• Successful completion of a background check is required for employment eligibility.

Responsibilities

• Lead multi-day, student-centered, experiential environmental science programs in outdoor settings.
• Facilitate inclusive, culturally relevant instruction that incorporates multiple perspectives and connects learning to students’ lives and communities.
• Engage students in hands-on scientific investigations and tailor programming to school-group needs, teacher-defined outcomes, and the NatureBridge Theory of Change.
• Follow risk-management policies and procedures, use sound judgment to manage risk, and support students’ physical and emotional well-being.
• Administer and document first aid as necessary and appropriate, and complete required documentation.
• Foster a supportive, respectful learning environment and model responsible environmental behavior.
• Design and lead evening programs or assist guest presenters and partners, typically twice weekly following the field day.
• Serve as an educator on standby when scheduled.
• Assess and document student learning and contribute to program reflection, evaluation, and improvement.
• Participate in staff meetings, training sessions, and program debriefs, and complete required paperwork in a timely manner.
• Maintain gear and contribute to campus stewardship.
• Contribute to fundraising efforts by sharing stories from the field.
• Follow housing policies and community agreements if living in NatureBridge housing.
• Build respectful, supportive relationships with staff, volunteers, and participants and provide high-quality customer service.
• Support campus operations and organizational goals through additional assigned duties, such as event support, special projects, and community stewardship.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Option to participate in a 403(b) retirement plan with employer match after six months.
• Paid vacation, training days, and sick leave.
• Employee Assistance Plan (EAP).
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
• On-site housing may be provided as a benefit of employment; availability varies by campus.
• Tuition aid for hired candidates to offset Wilderness First Responder certification or recertification costs.
• Professional development and mentorship.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed