Permanent Substitute Educator: Prince William Forest Park

Job Description

Job Description

Are you looking for a flexible, part-time position where you can work with youth in National Parks? Are you a current or former educator who would like to keep their outdoor education skills sharp by teaching a few weeks a year? Become a permanent Sub for a NatureBridge Campus in your area!

About the Position

NatureBridge provides overnight environmental science education experiences for more than 30,000 students and their teachers every year in the world’s best classrooms: our National Parks. Our mission is to connect young people to the science and wonder of the natural world, igniting self-discovery, and inspiring stewardship of the planet. Through our programs, students explore the outdoors, connect with their peers, discover themselves and develop a lasting relationship with science and the environment around them. 

NatureBridge Educator Schedule - Video: What is it like to work at NatureBridge?

Environmental Science Educator (ESE) schedule varies week-to-week. ESEs can expect to deliver environmental science and team-building programs from 9am - 4pm for 3-5 day programs. On a regular program day, educators receive up to 30 minutes of paid preparation time. 

Substitutes work as needed, often during our busiest seasons (September-October, and April-May), and will be asked to commit to teach for a few weeks a year.

Tasks and functions

During Program:

• 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 scientific practices through hands-on investigations, while tailoring programming to meet the specific needs of each school group, align with teacher-defined outcomes, and reflect the NatureBridge Theory of Change.

• Follow NatureBridge risk management policies and procedures, and use sound judgment to make decisions and manage risk while managing students’ physical and emotional well-being when leading groups in outdoor settings. Administer and document first aid as necessary and appropriate, and document as required by NatureBridge.

• 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.

Outside of Program:

• Serve as an educator on standby when scheduled. 

• Assess and document student learning; contribute to program reflection, evaluation and improvement.

• Participate in staff meetings, training sessions, and program debriefs and complete all required paperwork in a timely fashion.

• Maintain gear and contribute to campus stewardship.

• Contribute to fundraising efforts by sharing stories from the field.

• For staff in NatureBridge Housing: Follow all housing policies and co-created community agreements.

• Build respectful, supportive relationships with staff, volunteers, and participants and provide high-quality customer service.

• Support campus operations and organizational goals through additional duties as assigned, such as event support, special projects, and community stewardship.

Compensation:

• $19.94/hour, daily and weekly work hours vary based on programming demand. 

• Option for a 403b retirement plan with employer match after 1000 hours of work

• Paid training days. All staff accrue paid sick leave.

Eligibility Requirements and Qualifications

We are looking for candidates who have:

• At least 1 year of relevant formal or informal teaching experience

• The social and emotional skills to build rapport and positive relationships with people from all backgrounds, abilities, cultures, orientations, identities and communities.

• A demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusion within your teaching and workplace community. We especially encourage you to apply if you have lived experience as a member of (and/or extensive experience working with people from) any communities that are impacted by the historic and current system of oppression that has limited access to environmental education or the outdoors in general.

• The ability to communicate clearly to different groups, including students, coworkers, supervisors and educational partners.

• A desire to learn and grow, and an openness to feedback and coaching.

• Capacity to pivot quickly and manage logistical changes with composure

• A valid Wilderness First Aid Certification or a willingness to attain the certification prior to the start date. 

• The ability and willingness to perform physically challenging work outdoors and in all weather conditions on uneven terrain; able to hike 5-7 miles in uneven terrain

• Ability to work flexible hours and split shifts, including evenings.

If you are interested in the role and do not meet every requirement listed, please still apply! We are interested in applicants with unique lived experience and skill sets.

*Employment eligibility is contingent on successful completion of a background check. 

Why should you join the NatureBridge team?

• We are a mission-driven organization that values your contributions and supports you in making a positive impact on youth and the environment

• You will get to work in a beautiful natural setting with other dedicated educators who are passionate about the environment

• We are invested in supporting our educators through professional development & mentorship.

NatureBridge is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate based on any protected category, including, but not limited to, race, color, religion, gender, gender expression (including transgender expression or pregnancy), political affiliation, age, immigration status or disability. We encourage qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply. Please let us know if you require any accommodation.