Positions are open until filled.

About NatureBridge

Founded in 1971, NatureBridge provides environmental science programs for students in the world’s best classrooms—our national parks. Our mission is to connect young people to the wonder and science of the natural world, igniting self-discovery and inspiring stewardship of our planet. As the largest residential education partner of the National Park Service, NatureBridge serves more than 30,000 students and their teachers each year in six national parks. In order to further our mission, NatureBridge is committed to supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion and to promoting equal opportunity for students and staff in the field of environmental education. We strive to diversify our workforce and seek applications by individuals from all backgrounds, abilities, cultures, orientations, identities, and communities. For more information, visit: naturebridge.org

Summary

Environmental Science Educators in Prince William Forest Park teach environmental science education programs to students from Virginia and Washington DC in a residential outdoor education setting. Most students are in 5th or 7th grade, and attend for a three-day program. NatureBridge environmental science educators are skilled professionals who provide diverse student groups with meaningful experiences in nature’s classroom. Our educators have significant experience and training in environmental education content, curricula, and pedagogy. NatureBridge encourages opportunities for growth and professional development.

 

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

  • Lead students through multi-day, hands-on, experiential learning experiences in an outdoor setting
  • Using a student-centered approach, facilitate interactive, community-building environmental education activities for diverse student groups
  • Provide students with opportunities to engage in the practices of science
  • Lead by example to demonstrate positive and responsible environmental literacy and behavior
  • Differentiate and tailor programs that honor the backgrounds and needs of each school group, incorporating teacher requests within our educational framework and student interests
  • Cultivate an inclusive learning community using sensitivity to bring cultural relevance to program content and community relationships including students, teachers, and schools
  • Provide regular on-call and evening program support
  • Manage student’s physical, social, and emotional safety in outdoor settings using sound judgment and applying appropriate risk management decisions; administer and document first aid as needed.
  • Actively participate in NatureBridge’s efforts to assess and evidence student learning and program outcomes
  • Provide comprehensive post-trip program debriefs
  • Actively participate in staff community by attending meetings and trainings as assigned
  • Shared housing is provided as a condition of employment. By providing housing, NatureBridge can ensure that educators are available to provide support for program participants in emergency situations, and that educators can work odd hours and split shifts required during typical programs
  • Other duties as assigned

 

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

 

Required Experience and Education

  • Bachelor’s degree in science, environmental or multidisciplinary studies, or a related field; or equivalent experience
  • Current Wilderness First Aid and CPR certifications, or willingness to obtain before start date
  • 1-2 years of relevant formal or informal teaching experience
  • Ability to perform physically challenging work in the outdoors and in all weather conditions on uneven terrain
  • Commitment to equity and inclusion within your teaching and staff community
  • Effective communication and interpersonal skills
  • A willingness to be coached and openness to feedback
  • Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and occasional weekends

Desirable Qualifications

  • Experience working with racial and ethnic minority groups, urban youth, low-income communities, immigrant communities, LGBTQ communities, people with special needs, and other groups underrepresented in environmental education
  • Involvement in community service projects, leadership, social and environmental justice, and activism
  • Ability to speak and teach in a language other than English relevant to our student populations
  • Working experience with environmental education, science education, or residential outdoor education
  • Working knowledge of inquiry-based, multi-disciplinary science, and natural history
  • Advanced degree or teaching credential
  • Wilderness First Responder certification

Compensation

  • Educators are considered exempt and paid on a daily rate basis, with additional compensation for running evening programs and being on-call overnight
  • Paid training and inservice days
  • Shared housing

 

How to Apply

Note that you will be asked to provide written answers to several questions in lieu of a cover letter. Please have the following documents ready when you start the online application process:

  • Your current resume
  • Contact information for three references

You will be asked to select your preferred campus. Please select ‘Mid-Atlantic Region.’

 

When your materials are complete, submit your application online at:

https://naturebridge.formstack.com/forms/environmental_science_educator_application

Please direct questions to Rae Parks at midatlanticsearch@naturebridge.org.