Atlanta’s Outdoor Classroom Environmental Educator

Recruitment began on December 12, 2025

and the job listing Expires on January 12, 2026

Make Atlanta your new outdoor classroom at Fortson 4-H Center! A quiet environment surrounded by nature, history, and the big lights of Atlanta in your backyard; this opportunity is perfect for the outdoor enthusiast looking for living and working in a close‑knit community! As part of University of Georgia, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences/Georgia 4-H, Fortson 4-H Center’s Environmental Education Program provides high‑quality day and residential (overnight) learning experiences and is a partner in education to serve public, private, and homeschool groups across the Southeast.

Fortson 4-H Center is accepting applications until filled for 1‑4 seasonal educators. Staff training for the Spring 2026 Environmental Education Season begins (tentative start date) January 20, 2026. Residential environmental education programs resume February 11, 2026‑May 22, 2026. Please note, a successful pre‑employment background will be required prior to start date (4‑8 weeks processing estimate).

Environmental Educators will teach hands‑on day classes and evening classes most frequently to 3rd‑8th grade students and chaperone adults attending residential (overnight) environmental education programs. Classes at Fortson 4‑H Center cover material on pond ecology, herpetology (reptiles), ichthyology (fishing), climbing wall, zip line, dissections, local history, and more! Additional duties include, but are not limited to, student and adult group management while teaching programs, dorm cleaning 2‑3 times a week, assisting with meal service in the dining hall, maintaining teaching facilities and supplies, providing animal husbandry for residential education animals, operating UGA vehicles for outreach programs, and various maintenance projects on center as needed.

Educators must be able to work outside in buggy environments, extreme heat / cold and be flexible as schedules will adjust and shift with changing weather conditions and late guests’ arrivals.

Workdays are consistently Monday‑Friday with weekly hours/schedule depending on reservations. Mondays and Wednesdays are longer days due to teaching arrival day evening classes, accommodating Sunday arrivals, and/or Wednesday turn‑over between sessions. Throughout the year, there are potential opportunities of working at other UGA Georgia 4‑H facilities including Rock Eagle 4‑H Center, Wahsega 4‑H Center, Burton 4‑H Center and Georgia 4‑H at Camp Jekyll.

Working at other 4‑H Centers is dependent on facility staffing needs and availability to support our overall shared mission and goals of the Georgia 4‑H Environmental Education Program. Weekend work is limited due to attempt of balancing hours. Opportunities may arise for weekend work (i.e. community outreach and tabling, weekend groups, etc.), in which staff coverage is based on educator willingness and commitment.

Time off is allowed, supported and flexible with advanced and professional notification (and approval) from direct supervisor.

Ideal candidates have a commitment, genuine interest in youth development, strong passion for education, enthusiasm for lifelong learning and seek opportunities for connecting students with meaningful experiences in science and the natural world. Applicants with customer service and hospitality/food industry experience are strongly encouraged. Ideal candidates also have dynamic personality, group management skills, leadership abilities, teamwork mindset, self‑confidence, effective communication skills, a positive attitude and flexibility.

Qualities fitting for the job include adaptability, integrity, willingness to connect and build relationships, and the desire to grow and be challenged.

Benefits include the ability to live on‑site within a one‑minute walking distance to work for $40/per pay period (utilities included). Housing is a spacious home with attached sunroom and on‑site parking. The home accommodates up to five seasonal educator staff featuring five private bedrooms…