Earth Friends Homeschool Environmental Educator

Earth Friends Homeschool Environmental Educator

Irvine Nature Center

Overview:

Irvine Nature Center is a non-profit educational organization that offers programs of environmental studies and natural science to children and adults of the greater Baltimore area. Our mission is to educate and inspire current and future generations to explore, respect and protect nature.

Position Summary:

We are currently seeking a creative, enthusiastic, and organized individual to join our team of educators as an Early Childhood Educator in our Earth Friends Homeschool program.

Responsibilities include planning for and facilitating onsite outdoors homeschool classes for children 4.5-12 years old. While the homeschool is anchored by environmental education principals, we approach learning through play and exploration. This individual will work in a variety of roles alternating between assisting, co-teaching, and leading.

Position Responsibilities:

· Co-teach one morning section of Forest Explorers (forest kindergarten) class with 13-15 children, ages 4.5-7 (turning 8) yrs.

· Co-teach the full-day Irvine Days class with 13-15 children, ages 6-11yrs.

· Collaborate with cos to plan and implement a nature-based curriculum which includes handling live animals, trail walks, and unstructured nature exploration and child-led wild nature play in all types of weather.

· Create an environment of joy, appreciation, and wonder through word, action, and presence.

· Approach teaching as a facilitator/guide and allow children to take the lead.

· Foster problem solving and collaboration amongst students.

· Regularly observe students to inform future planning and to share learning with families.

· Develop strong positive partnerships with families, students, and co-teachers.

· Regularly contribute to weekly summaries for families.

· Conduct on-going risk analysis and hazard-mitigation with cos and supervisors.

· Authentically reflect and evaluate self-practice and programs.

· Attend and contribute to regular program team meetings, roughly 2 special Earth Friends events a year, and all Irvine required training

Qualifications:

· Work experience with children 5-12 years old, preferably outdoors, and an understanding of child development

· Strong interest in natural sciences, environmental and science education, outdoor recreation, or related fields, or a willingness to learn

· Comfort and flexibility in adapting lesson plans as needed

· Willingness to get dirty and handle live creatures (small and large)

· Strong communication and organizational skills and the ability to work as a team

· Basic computer experience (i.e., Word processing, Outlook, digital photos, etc.)

· Current First Aid and CPR certification or Wilderness Survival First Aid and CPR or the ability to complete by end of October, 2026

· Physically able to walk up to 2 miles a day, in all weather, and lift objects of up to 50lbs

· Your own reliable transportation

Ideal Candidate:

· Has a college degree or pursuing a college degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Elementary Education, Environmental Education, or related fields

· Has completed coursework in forest schooling, nature-based education, or similar

· Has on-trail skills in foraging, fire-making, bush craft, and/or similar

· Is experienced with emergent curriculum, planning loosely, and teaching “off script”

· Has a back pocket of ideas for engaging students, redirecting behavior, and activities

· Demonstrates Excellent oral and written communication skills; strong interpersonal skills

Time Commitment:

· Full school year commitment, September through early June

· Availability Wednesdays and Thursdays, in person

· Typically, 16 hours a week

· Additional hours may be available in other department programs

Salary: Part-time hourly starting pay of $18.28/hour

To Apply: Please Send cover letter, resume, and three professional references to the attention of Stephanie Holzman, Head of Earth Friends Homeschool Program Irvine Nature Center, 11201 Garrison Forest Road, Owings Mills, MD 21117 or email HR@ExploreNature.org

Please note: Employment is contingent upon completing and passing a criminal background check

Irvine is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability status, or any other applicable characteristics protected by federal state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Pay: $18.28 per hour

Benefits:

• Employee discount

Work Location: In person