Outdoor Educator

Job Overview:

You will provide hands-on ecology and group-building immersions for students as part of our Open Air Classroom. All school programming is customized to meet the class’s needs and is centered on our Earth Connections curriculum and  BEETLES teaching methodology. Programs work with students across grades K-12. As an Educator, you will develop and implement the program curriculum, schedules, and new projects. Programs are either day or short-term immersive in nature.

We are looking for staff to join us for the entire program season from April to early November, but we are open to discussing shorter one-season options or seasonal combinations. Our true Open Air Classroom season is April-June and September -late October. We add in the option for a summer stay to provide longer-term employment options. 

• Position Title: Outdoor Educator
• Department: Cooperative Extension
• Location: Tanglewood 4-H Camp and Learning Center, Lincolnville, ME
• Your Direct Supervisor: Open Air Classroom Program Coordinator, Reed Bridge-Koenigsberg
• Position Type: Full-Time, Temporary (April 14 to late-October)
• Salary Range: $500-$550 a week minimum, for about 7 months
• We are not able to consider applicants who require Visa sponsorship support.

Responsibilities:

Spring and Fall Appointments: 

• You will help develop and teach hands-on, ecology, STEM, group building, and outdoor skills-based lessons to grades K-12 for the day, overnight, and after-school programs
• You will deliver programs in schools and at multiple sites, including our learning centers in Lincolnville and Tenants Harbor, ME (some travel is required)
• You can contribute ideas for the continual development of programs, interpretive trails, and educational displays
• You will need to work independently and with staff to develop and maintain teaching resources
• You will need to participate actively in staff training, ongoing professional development, and daily staff meetings to plan and evaluate programs
• You will take part in routine tasks of cleaning and kitchen duties, gardening, general camp chores, and upkeep of program spaces to support the staff community
• You can demonstrate responsible and safe decision-making skills in all aspects of outdoor programming
• You will need to transport students in University vans to program sites
• You can foster interpersonal relationships that reflect courtesy, civility, and mutual respect
• You are responsible for assisting with some meal preparation and clean-up
• You may have additional duties that may be assigned or reassigned based on camp needs.

Additional Summer Responsibilities: 

• You will plan and carry out camp activities such as afternoon elective programming (teaching 1 lesson per day), special events, opening and closing ceremonies, evening programs, campfires, etc.
• You may live in a cabin with campers and, along with a co-counselor, create the necessary atmosphere for a safe and positive camp experience (staff/camper ratio = 1:4-8).
• You may design and co-coordinate, implement and evaluate a hands-on curriculum for youth in a week-long, morning program (8-16 youth per group, 1:8 ratio max).
• You may co-lead outdoor leadership programs for teenagers, each lasting 1, 2, or 3 weeks, which include exciting 3-6 day camping, hiking, and canoeing trips (note that some weekend work will be required during the program sessions).
• You may plan lessons and schedules, implementing a leadership curriculum that covers a variety of skills such as listening, communication, team-building, low-impact camping, conflict resolution, canoe safety, canoeing skills, map and compass navigation, general ecology, personal health and safety, and knot-tying.

Special Benefits

Benefits:

• Rustic and Shared Housing with kitchen facilities at no charge
• Meals when overnight programs are in session
• Internet Access

Requirements

Knowledge and Skill Qualifications:

Required: 

• You are 21 years of age or older
• You have a High school diploma or equivalent
• You have a valid US driver’s license and are eligible to be authorized and approved as a university driver based on the Driver Administration Policy.

Preferred: 

• You hold a certification:
  • Basic First Aid/CPR
  • Wilderness Responder Certification
  • Small Craft Water Safety Certification
  • Maine Trip Leader Permit
• You have experiential education experience with youth, preferably in an outdoor setting
• You know ecological concepts and natural history
• With or without accommodation, you can lead groups outdoors over various terrains with 35+ lbs. packs for extended days and the ability to assist in carrying canoes (85 lb.) with others in a variety of weather conditions
• You demonstrate responsible and safe decision-making skills, ensuring a secure and enjoyable experience during programming
• You have a genuine motivation to work with children in a vibrant, high-energy outdoor setting where every day is an adventure.
• Degree in environmental science, education, adventure education, childcare, or a willingness to learn and self-teach new skills
• Experience facilitating team-building initiatives, as well as course activities
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions while managing the needs of all participants

Why work here

Join the team at Tanglewood and Blueberry Cove, where the beauty of coastal Maine meets supportive camp communities. We seek talented and curious individuals to join our team. Whether you're an educator leading a group of students on a forest exploration or a camp counselor facilitating friend-making with a new team-building activity, you'll play a vital role in creating unforgettable experiences. Here, you'll have the opportunity to grow holistically while contributing to and being part of something meaningful and life-changing. Come share your skills, passions, and ideas with us, and let's make the incredible happen!

Tanglewood & Blueberry Cove are both unmistakably beautiful places to work, nestled in the woods along the Ducktrap River and overlooking Tenants Harbor respectively. Our communities are welcoming ones, for we recognize that every individual who works here plays an equally essential role in carrying out our mission.