Nature Educator; Part-Time

Nature Educator

Help people discover the wonder of the natural world through hands-on learning. As a Nature Educator with the City of Hillsboro's Parks & Recreation Department, you'll inspire curiosity, foster environmental stewardship, and create meaningful outdoor experiences for children, families, and community members at Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve and throughout Hillsboro.

Working as part of a collaborative education team, you'll develop and lead interactive outdoor programs that emphasize nature exploration and feature STEAM elements, including nature-based science, art, and engineering projects. Programs take place at Jackson Bottom, local schools, parks, community events, and other City facilities, serving audiences from preschoolers to adults.

What You'll Be Doing

• Lead nature-based classes, field trips, camps, workshops, and outreach programs.
• Develop engaging lesson plans and educational activities for a variety of age groups.
• Deliver community outreach such as the Wetlands on Wheels (WOW) program.
• Support seasonal events and public programs by planning activities and preparing materials.
• Collaborate with teammates to develop new programs and share teaching responsibilities.
• Adapt programs to meet participant needs and create inclusive learning experiences.
• Assist with program logistics, participant communication, attendance records, and supply preparation.

Current & Upcoming Projects

• Develop winter and spring educational programming.
• Support Wetlands on Wheels and community partnerships throughout Hillsboro.
• Help to develop and implement field trip program.

What You'll Need to Succeed

• Creative, collaborative, and adaptable.
• Comfortable presenting to audiences from preschool-age children through adults.
• An engaging communicator with strong organizational skills.
• Passionate about environmental education and inclusive learning.
• Able to think quickly and adjust programs as situations change.

Job Classification

Instructor II

• High school diploma or GED and some related work experience; or
• Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• An associate or bachelor's degree in environmental studies, education, or a related field is helpful.
• Bilingual Spanish skills are preferred but not required.

Licenses & Certifications

• Valid driver's license with a safe driving record.
• CPR and First Aid certification (or ability to obtain within 3 months of hire).

Work Environment & Schedule

• Typical schedule is Wednesday–Saturday, 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
• During some summer weeks, the schedule shifts to Tuesday–Friday to support camps and departmental needs.
• Evening hours may be required based on programming and special events.
• Physical activity may include lifting, setting up equipment, and working outdoors in varying weather conditions.

Why Join Us

Working for the City of Hillsboro means being part of a team that values community, inclusion, and meaningful public service. You'll have the opportunity to make a direct impact by helping people connect with nature and each other.

We are committed to building a workforce that reflects the community we serve and creating an environment where all employees feel welcomed and supported.

Application Guidelines

Anticipated Recruitment Timeline*

• Application Open:
  Week of July 6, 2026
• Application Close:
  July 26, 2026
• Application Review Complete:
  Week of August 10
• First Round Interviews (Virtual):
  Mid-August
• Second Round Interviews (In Person):
  End of August
• Selection:
  Early September

Timeline subject to change based on operational needs.

Why Work For the City of Hillsboro?

At the…