Lower School Naturalist

THADEN SCHOOL•Bentonville, AR

21h•Onsite

About The Position

Role and Responsibilities Plan for and lead classes for Grades K-4. Collaborate with other specialist teachers, grade level teams, and the Curriculum Specialist to ensure high-quality Naturalist instruction. Stay abreast of regional opportunities for learning, collaboration, partnerships, and field trips. Occasionally attend Forest Days. Attend in-service days and faculty meetings as requested by the Head of Lower School. Perform duties outside the classroom during set hours (e.g., recess, class coverage, reception desk, carpool, and/or lunch duties). Maintain Lower School raised garden beds. Keep inventory of outdoor supplies and equipment. Perform all levels of required maintenance in nature playscape, including but not limited to: selective weeding, watering, pruning, and planting. Maintain clear paths, safe trails, and play surfaces, including the operation of an electric leaf blower while adhering to safety measures.

Requirements

Experience partnering with other educators to create interdisciplinary learning experiences for students.
Ability to think broadly and creatively about student-centered learning.
Commitment to providing detailed feedback on student work in a timely manner.
Excellent verbal and written skills.
Bachelor’s degree in education or a science field.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
Frequently required to sit, stand, or walk for extended periods.
Occasionally required to reach with hands and arms.
Ability to lift, push, or pull heavy objects, sometimes exceeding 50 lbs.
Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions, including heat, humidity, windy conditions, cold, snow, and ice.
Occasionally required to bend, twist, or climb.
Moderate concentration/intensity, which includes prolonged mental effort with limited opportunity for breaks.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Nice To Haves

Master Naturalist certification preferred.

Responsibilities

Plan for and lead classes for Grades K-4.
Collaborate with other specialist teachers, grade level teams, and the Curriculum Specialist to ensure high-quality Naturalist instruction.
Stay abreast of regional opportunities for learning, collaboration, partnerships, and field trips.
Occasionally attend Forest Days.
Attend in-service days and faculty meetings as requested by the Head of Lower School.
Perform duties outside the classroom during set hours (e.g., recess, class coverage, reception desk, carpool, and/or lunch duties).
Maintain Lower School raised garden beds.
Keep inventory of outdoor supplies and equipment.
Perform all levels of required maintenance in nature playscape, including but not limited to: selective weeding, watering, pruning, and planting.
Maintain clear paths, safe trails, and play surfaces, including the operation of an electric leaf blower while adhering to safety measures.