Ecology Educator

We are seeking new members of our Educator team starting in March, 2025!

A successful Educator is someone ready to invest their time and energy into making our community, programs, and the experiences of our visiting schools and participants the best that they can be. As an Educator, you will be challenged and supported as you gain valuable teaching skills, as well as experience with, and insight into, a successful non-profit organization. We are looking for hard working individuals, who are excited to share place-based experiences with students and guests of all ages.

The Ecology School is an organization that works hard to practice what we teach and to teach with intention. Located at River Bend Farm in Saco, Maine, The Ecology School provides a variety of programming including conferences, workshops, camps, and school programs. Ecology Educators will work with our school programs as well with a variety of youth and adult programs. We are committed to making every program empowering, informative, nature-based, and fun for our participants. Our strong, supportive community of Educators live nearby in offsite staff housing for the entirety of the term, allowing an opportunity to make lifelong connections with people from all across the country. An integral part of our mission is to use laughter and storytelling as key learning tools. This means our Educators are wearing costumes on a daily basis to perform educational skits and songs that help our students make connections. A successful Educator invests their time, energy, and enthusiasm into providing exceptional program experiences and contributing to a dynamic and supportive community.

Spring (March – Mid June): Educators will focus predominately on overnight programming for 4th-9th grader students.

Summer (Mid-June – August): Summer will have the widest variety of activities for Ecology Educators. This will consist of group programs similar to the spring term, overnight camp programs (this includes overnight supervision of campers in dorms), and help to host adult programs on site. Program type and educator role will vary week to week. Weekend work will be required for some summer programming.

Fall (September – November): Similar to spring responsibilities. *We are looking for staff to join us for this full March-November timeline, but open to discuss shorter one-season options, currently prioritizing a March start. 

Qualifications

1. Willingness to be a strong contributor to a living and learning community of ecology educators.

2. Ability to work long hours, mostly outdoors, managing groups of children.

3. Ability to adapt and problem solve in-the-moment.

4. Experience working with K-8th grade children.

5. BS or BA degree or equivalent life/work experience.

6. Completed training in CPR and First Aid prior to employment.

7. Willingness to learn content and methodology and an openness to feedback.

8. Experience as a lifeguard helpful, but not required.

9. Experience working with a variety of learners (multi-lingual, neuro-diverse, etc.) learners is helpful but not required.

Responsibilities

1. Plan, prepare for, and teach lessons to a group of students (learning group average size: 12 students) generally between 3rd and 8th grade.

2. Deliver outdoor lessons, including both day and evening programs. 3. Attend and participate in meals (usually sitting at a student table to share the meal and engage students).

4. Perform various assigned duties (3-5 per week) such as breakfast or lunch dishes and assist with site set up and cleanup before and after programs.

5. Work long hours, mostly outdoors on varied terrain, maintaining participant safety and engaging with them.

6. Adhere to a set schedule. Our overnight school programming typically begins at 8am and ends at 8:30pm with prep and break time within that shift.

7. Assist in hosting adult programs and conferences on campus; could include help in the kitchen, farm and site tours, or water front support.

8. Supervise youth in the dorms overnight during camp and occasional school programs.

9. Support youth and adults in safely kayaking or canoeing during our summer academy (with some training provided).

10. Attend all scheduled meetings.

11. Participate in pre-lesson, pre meal, and mealtime educational skits and songs.

12. Drive to and from outreach programs on occasion. Mileage will be reimbursed and a car is not required.

13. Assist in developing curriculum, skits, and program materials for The Ecology School.

14. Consult with Ecology School Program Admin and teachers/chaperones to make decisions regarding youth conduct.

15. Develop good rapport and positive relations with guests, youth, and fellow educators.

16. Live in shared staff housing with co-workers, sharing in cleaning responsibilities.

Outcomes

1. Experience preparing and implementing lesson plans and adapting content to a wide variety of different learners.

2. A deeper understanding of your personal teaching style, strengths, and skillset through experience and feedback.

3. Connection to our extended community of professional environmental educators who make up an informed,

passionate, and fun-loving network.

Compensation & Benefits

1. A starting stipend of $450 per week. Returning Educators are eligible for additional compensation of $15/week.

2. Free, furnished housing, with washing machine, for the duration of employment, including weekends.

3. Meals are provided during onsite overnight programming. Many dietary accommodations are available.

4. Access to farm-fresh produce.

5. Extensive training in outdoor education and imbedded staff development.

6. Access to our private Saco River waterfront and boating equipment.

7. Free Ecology School gear including a T-shirt, water bottle, stickers, field guide, and curriculum guide.

8. Eligibility for Pro Deals.