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 look for staff to join us for the entire program season April -early November, but we are open to discussing shorter one-season options or seasonal combinations. Please check out summer descriptions for what those roles might entail.

Spring Appointment: Early April through early June 2023

Educators focus on our Open Air Classroom programs with 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.

Fall Appointment: Mid-September through early November 2023

Programs run similarly to the Spring season.

Winter Appointment: November-March 2024

Educators are primarily based at Blueberry Cove delivering day and after-school programs.

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 own 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:

April 18-June 9, 2023, September 6 (approximately)-November 3, 2023, and/or November 6-March 29, 2024
$450-$500/week (pre-tax) with increases dependent on experience and certifications
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 https://extension.umaine.edu/tanglewood/online-application-form/ For more information please contact extension.tanglewood4h@maine.edu

Please note:

Employees in the University of Maine System are required to comply with UMS COVID protocols which currently include but are not limited to, being vaccinated, obtaining a qualified vaccination exemption, and/or participating in regular COVID testing. Further information can be found on our Together for Maine website.

The University of Maine is an EEO/AA employer and does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender expression, national origin, citizenship status, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran’s status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Director of Equal Opportunity, 101 Boudreau Hall, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5754, 207.581.1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System).