Environmental Educator

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 friendly ones, for we recognize that every individual who works here plays an equally essential role in carrying out our mission. Everyone who works here has the opportunity to play different roles from time to time; for example, our instructors often help out in the kitchen or work with our facilities crew. And members of our facilities staff include an educational component to their work, which allows them to occasionally work with children. We do fun, meaningful, silly, and often deep work. We get to learn and grow alongside the youth we serve and spend our work days outside.

Job Overview

As an Environmental Educator, you will provide hands-on ecology immersion for students as part of our Open Air Classroom. All school programming is customized and highlights 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.

Educators will have the option to focus on our day and overnight programming or our daily after school and day programming.

Spring/Fall/Winter Responsibilities:

• 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
• Deliver programs in schools and at multiple sites, including our learning centers in Lincolnville and Tenants Harbor, ME (some travel is required)
• Contribute ideas for the continual development of programs, interpretive trails, and educational displays
• Work independently and with staff to develop and maintain teaching resources
• Participate actively in staff training, ongoing professional development, and daily staff meetings to plan and evaluate programs
• Take part in routine tasks of cleaning and kitchen duties, gardening, general camp chores, and upkeep of program spaces to support the staff community
• Demonstrate responsible and safe decision-making skills in all aspects of outdoor programming
• Transport students in University vans to program sites
• Foster interpersonal relationships that reflect courtesy, civility, and mutual respect
• Typical work week Monday through Friday with some evening (1-2 nights per week no later than 9 PM) and weekend program responsibilities

Special Benefits

Dates and Compensation:

• April 10-June 2, 2023, September 6-November 3, 2023, and/or November 6-March 29, 2024
• $450-$500/week (pre-tax) with increases dependent on experience and certifications
• 1-2 weeks of paid training, and ongoing professional development opportunities
• Rustic housing with kitchen facilities provided; meals provided when overnight programs are in session, staff are responsible for assisting with some meal preparation and clean up

Minimum Requirements

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Experiential education experience with youth, preferably in an outdoor setting
• Knowledge of ecological concepts and natural history
• Ability to work in an active, outdoor environment in a variety of weather conditions
• Safely lead groups over various terrain (uneven ground, roots, uphill hiking), while carrying a small backpack with teaching and first aid supplies
• Basic First Aid/CPR certification, complete upon arrival
• Hold a valid driver’s license with the ability to drive camp vehicles, tow canoe trailers at times

Preferred Qualifications

• Wilderness First Aid; lifeguard certification