Open Air Classroom Environmental Educator

The 4-H Learning Centers at Tanglewood and Blueberry Cove provide environmentally focused outdoor education programs for Maine youth in Lincolnville and Tenants Harbor. Programs emphasize community living, respect for others, fun, safety, responsibility, and the joy of being a part of the natural world. Tanglewood in Lincolnville, Maine has 900+ acres of forest, extensive hiking trails, and a pristine river with native Atlantic Salmon. Blueberry Cove, located on the ocean in Tenants Harbor, Maine, provides many outdoor opportunities including sailing and kayaking.

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.

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.

Spring Appointment: Early April through early June 2024; educators focus on our Open Air Classroom programs with the school, working primarily with 2nd-8th grade students in day and overnight programming at Tanglewood or supporting day and after school programs at Blueberry Cove.

Summer Appointment: Mid-June through mid-August 2024; educators serve in roles during summer programs, either as program leaders, day camp or overnight camp educators, or teen leadership instructors.

Fall Appointment: Mid-September through early November 2024; programs run similarly to the Spring season.

Goal: foster a sense of community between students and teachers that draws from the interconnectedness of the natural world; encourage curiosity in students through modeling your curiosity for learning; and contribute to the further development of engaging and meaningful experiential programs.

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

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

Dates and Compensation:

Spring, April 22-June 7, 2024; Summer, June 16-August 16, 2024, and September 9-November 3, 2024
$500-$550/week (pre-tax) with increases dependent on experience and certifications and additional bonus for a commitment to all 3 program seasons
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

Apply online at umaine.edu/tanglewood/employment/online-application-form. For more information please contact extension.tanglewood4h@maine.edu

In complying with the letter and spirit of applicable laws and pursuing its own goals of diversity, the University of Maine System does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity, or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability physical or mental, genetic information, or veterans or military status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. The University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Director of Equal Opportunity, 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5713, 207.581.1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System).