Environmental Educator

Summary

The Hawai’i Nature Center (HNC) seeks a part‑time Environmental Educator to join its education team and deliver outdoor environmental science lessons to students across Maui at various field locations. The Environmental Educator works closely with and reports to HNC's Maui Director. The main responsibility of the Environmental Educator is to carry out HNC’s mission through its high‑caliber programs to connect children and families to nature and create future stewards of Hawai‘i.

Opportunities for advancement and/or full‑time employment as the program grows.

• Teaching outdoor environmental education field programs to elementary school children and the wider public community.
• Sharing their knowledge of environmental science and Hawai‘i’s ecology while leading groups in forest, stream, coastal, and wetland habitats.
• Leading nature‑based day camps during school intersessions and summers.
• Assisting in all aspects of program preparation, set‑up of equipment and field sites, and post‑program cleaning duties.
• Contributing to curriculum and program material development.
• Supporting the education team during outreach events, e.g. Earth Day, community education days, etc.
• Supporting the mission of the Hawai‘i Nature Center.

• B.A. or B.S. degree OR 2 years of experience/education in the following fields: education, environmental sciences, natural resource management, sustainability, Hawaiian studies, or related field.
• Experience teaching and working with children, and an ability to work with varying ages. Candidates must have a genuine interest in child development and mentorship. Experience in environmental education is preferred.
• Strong knowledge of environmental science, and Hawai‘i’s flora, fauna, natural history, and cultural history.
• Dependable, punctual, and take pride in work.
• Ability to work in a team setting with enthusiasm and creativity. Well‑developed communication skills and a positive attitude.
• Must be comfortable with remote supervision and have the ability to work both independently and in a group. Leadership skills and the ability to follow directions.
• Must be able to work extended hours in natural elements (sun, rain, wind) and be able to carry up to 50 pounds of weight.
• Driver’s license required.
• Must be able to pass a background check.

Physical Demands – While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly exposed to wet and/or humid conditions and occasionally toxic or caustic chemicals. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Leadership – As a Part‑Time Educator, the employee is expected to take on a strong leadership role and be willing and able to handle on‑site programs while the Program Manager is not present. The employee must be able to teach and lead groups of up to 20 students in an outdoor setting. The employee must always be aware of safety and appropriate behaviors of other educators.

The employee must also be willing to give and receive constructive criticism when needed.

Part‑time (not exceed 19 hours per week). Pay ranges from $21–$24/hour depending on experience. This position has the opportunity to grow as HNC’s programs expand. Interested applicants are encouraged to reach out to Rachael directly to learn more about this position at: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). or (808) 446‑4672.

The mission of the Hawai‘i Nature Center is to foster awareness, appreciation and understanding of Hawai’i’s environment and to encourage wise stewardship of the Hawaiian Islands by educating children with an interactive and immersive approach. Established in 1981, HNC has been a leader in environmental education in Hawai‘i for more than thirty‑five years. We deliver award‑winning programs to more than 10,000 elementary and middle school children from both public and private institutions each year, helping to encourage environmental stewardship through hands‑on investigative field study and experiences.

Our programs are primarily conducted outdoors in the field, exposing children to a range of ecosystems in watershed, coastal, marsh and forest environments.