Outdoor 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. These programs emphasize community living, respect for others, fun, safety, responsibility, and the joy of being part of the natural world. 

Job Overview:

You will provide hands-on ecology and group-building immersions for students as part of our Open Air Classroom. All school programming is customized to meet the class’s needs and is centered on 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. Programs are either day or short-term immersive. 

We are looking for staff to join us for the entire program season from April to early November. Still, 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 added a summer stay option to provide longer-term employment options. 

  • Position Title: Outdoor Educator
  • Department: Cooperative Extension 
  • Location: Tanglewood 4-H Camp and Learning Center, Lincolnville, ME
  • Your Direct Supervisor:  Open Air Classroom Program Coordinator, Reed Bridge-Koenigsberg
  • Position Type: Full-Time, Temporary (April 14 to late-October) 
  • Salary Range: $14,500-$15,950 (total pre-tax salary), for about 29 weeks
  • We are not able to consider applicants who require Visa sponsorship support.

Your Work Schedule: 

This is a full-time position with a team of other educators from April to late October. Spring and Fall Appointments: Monday through Friday with some evenings (1-2 nights per week no later than 9 PM) and weekend program responsibilities. Summer Appointment: You will reside on-site with campers in shared housing throughout the season, with structured time off each week.

  • Spring Appointment: Early April through early June 2025; educators focus on our Open Air Classroom programs with school, working primarily with 2nd-10th 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 2025; educators serve in roles during summer programs, either as program coordinators, overnight camp educators or trip leaders. 
  • Fall Appointment: Mid-September through late October 2025; programs run similarly to the Spring season.  

Responsibilities:

Spring and Fall Appointments: 

  • You will help 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
  • You will deliver programs in schools and at multiple sites, including our learning centers in Lincolnville and Tenants Harbor, ME (some travel is required)
  • You can contribute ideas for the continual development of programs, interpretive trails, and educational displays
  • You will need to work independently and with staff to develop and maintain teaching resources
  • You will need to participate actively in staff training, ongoing professional development, and daily staff meetings to plan and evaluate programs
  • You will take part in routine tasks of cleaning and kitchen duties, gardening, general camp chores, and upkeep of program spaces to support the staff community
  • You can demonstrate responsible and safe decision-making skills in all aspects of outdoor programming
  • You will need to transport students in University vans to program sites
  • You can foster interpersonal relationships that reflect courtesy, civility, and mutual respect
  • You are responsible for assisting with some meal preparation and clean-up
  • You may have additional duties that may be assigned or reassigned based on camp needs. 

Additional Summer Responsibilities: 

  • You will plan and carry out camp activities such as afternoon elective programming (teaching 1 lesson per day), special events, opening and closing ceremonies, evening programs, campfires, etc.
  • You may live in a cabin with campers and, along with a co-counselor, create the necessary atmosphere for a safe and positive camp experience (staff/camper ratio = 1:4-8).
  • You may design and co-coordinate, implement and evaluate a hands-on curriculum for youth in a week-long, morning program (8-16 youth per group, 1:8 ratio max).  
  • You may co-lead outdoor leadership programs for teenagers, each lasting 1, 2, or 3 weeks, which include exciting 3-6 day camping, hiking, and canoeing trips (note that some weekend work will be required during the program sessions).
  • You may plan lessons and schedules, implementing a leadership curriculum that covers a variety of skills such as listening, communication, team-building, low-impact camping, conflict resolution, canoe safety, canoeing skills, map and compass navigation, general ecology, personal health and safety, and knot-tying.

Knowledge and Skill Qualifications:

Required: 

  • You are 21 years of age or older
  • You have a High school diploma or equivalent
  • You have a valid US driver’s license and are eligible to be authorized and approved as a university driver based on the Driver Administration Policy.

Preferred: 

  • You hold a certification: 
    • Basic First Aid/CPR
    • Wilderness Responder Certification
    • Small Craft Water Safety Certification
  • You have experiential education experience with youth, preferably in an outdoor setting
  • You know ecological concepts and natural history
  • With or without accommodation, you can lead groups outdoors over various terrains with 35+ lbs. packs for extended days and the ability to assist in carrying canoes (85 lb.) with others in a variety of weather conditions
  • You demonstrate responsible and safe decision-making skills, ensuring a secure and enjoyable experience during programming
  • You have a genuine motivation to work with children in a vibrant, high-energy outdoor setting where every day is an adventure.
  • Degree in environmental science, education, adventure education, childcare, or a willingness to learn and self-teach new skills
  • Experience facilitating team-building initiatives, as well as course activities
  • Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions while managing the needs of all participants 

Benefits:

  • Rustic and Shared Housing with kitchen facilities
  • Meals when overnight programs are in session
  • Internet Access
  • Potential for training in lifeguarding or wilderness first aid

Who We Are:

The 4-H Camp and Learning Centers provide environmentally focused programs for Maine youth and families in Lincolnville. Our mission is to teach youth and adults to be effective and caring citizens of the earth through affordable environmental education and fun nature-based experiences. Tucked into a parcel of Camden Hills State Park, campers and counselors join together to form a creative community fostering a supportive and fun environment for all — and drawing people back year after year! While having fun and experiencing the joys of being a part of the natural world, we emphasize community living, respect for all, and healthy relationships. Summer at Tanglewood is filled with the wonderful energy of young people living and playing together outdoors. Our camps encourage everyone to be themselves, learn from those around them, and make good decisions. Tanglewood’s summer offerings include overnight camps for 8 to 14-year-olds, day camps for 5 to 11-year-olds, hunter safety camps in conjunction with Maine Inland Fisheries & Wildlife, discovery trips featuring canoeing and backpacking, and multi-week leadership programs for teens 14-17. Behind our programs is a dedicated team of program leaders and support staff who are trained in working with young people in the outdoors.

Application Process

To Apply:

To apply for the Outdoor Educator position, please apply online via the Oracle Platform or reach out to reed.bridgekoenigsberg@maine.edu with the following: 

  • A resume
  • A cover letter describing why you’d be a great fit for the learning center

 

  • If your application moves forward you will be required to submit a name, email, and phone number for three references. Additionally, you will be invited to upload your information to our HR website, Oracle.
  • Incomplete application materials cannot be considered. Materials received after the final review date will be reviewed at the discretion of the University.
  • These materials are reviewed weekly.
  • For questions about the search, please contact Reed Bridge-Koenigsberg, at reed.bridgekoenigsberg@maine.edu or visit http://extension.umaine.edu/tanglewood
  • The successful applicant is subject to appropriate background screening.

Non-discrimination

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, 101 Boudreau Hall, University of Maine, Orono, ME  04469-5754, 207.581.1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System).

 Clery Act

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