Nature Preschool Educator

School-year position (September-June), with the possibility of summer hours.

School Year:Ideally starting August 24, 2026, through early June 2027.

Reports to:

Education Director

Hours
:

A typical work week is Monday-Thursday, 7:30 a.m.

-4:00 p.m., with occasional evenings for staff meetings or family events and Friday mornings for planning.

$19.00-$21.00 hour (based on experience) +
benefits

Founded in 1978, Eagle Bluff is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. As a year-round overnight environmental learning center, we provide accredited education programs and outdoor adventures to over 13,000 children, adults, and families each year. We are located in rural southeastern Minnesota, just a few miles from the small historic town of Lanesboro in Fillmore County.

Through hands-on learning in nature, we aim for people to leave Eagle Bluff with experiences that stick with them and inspire them to become lifelong stewards of the environment by:

• Fostering a sense of respect, stewardship and community
• Imparting life skills such as teamwork and problem-solving
• Increasing environmental awareness & academic literacy
• Sparking curiosity and appreciation for the natural world

Eagle Bluff's Nature Preschool is a partnership with Semcac Head Start and Eagle Bluff. Our classroom is a mix between 10 students enrolled through Head Start and 7-10 students enrolled through Eagle Bluff. Our kindergarten readiness program for children ages 3-5 uses outdoor education to support the development of the whole child. Preschool is in session Monday-Thursday, 7:45 am-3:15 pm. Staffing for the combined classroom includes 4 staff members (including this position);

two employed by Eagle Bluff and two by Head Start.

Eagle Bluff is seeking a highly collaborative Nature Preschool Educator to support outdoor learning experiences for preschool-aged children enrolled in our nature preschool program. This educator will work closely with the Lead Nature Preschool Educator to implement age-appropriate outdoor activities (typically from 9:15-11:30 a.m.) and help create a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment for children. Depending on experience, this role may be responsible for some outdoor activity planning.

They will assist with behavior guidance, group management, transitions, and encouraging exploration during outdoor play and learning. This is a team-based position that emphasizes flexibility, enthusiasm, and a shared commitment to nature-based early childhood education.

In the afternoons, the Nature Preschool Educator will supervise students in small groups during nap or quiet time and provide them with developmentally appropriate activities. They will also assist with light cleaning tasks. The day concludes with helping maintain a clean and organized classroom environment.

An ideal candidate will have a variety of life experiences, patience, a sense of humor, and comfort in the natural world. A typical work week is 34-36 hours.

• Essential Functions
• Supervise and assist with nature-based learning experiences (on and off trail) to groups of no more than 20 preschoolers in mixed age classes of 3-5 each morning, Monday-Thursday.
• Foster problem solving, collaboration, confidence building and imagination by providing developmentally appropriate assistance to children.
• Provide consistent routines, positive guidance, and a safe classroom environment.
• Collaborate with classroom partners and support a positive team environment.
• Communicate with families during drop-off and pick-up.
• Maintain supplies and organization of outdoor play spaces, and contribute to operational tasks such as cleaning.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Lead nature-based learning experiences (on and off trail) to groups of no more than 20 preschoolers.
• Complete student assessments seasonally.

• High school diploma or GED
• 1 year teaching experienceA willingness to pursue a Preschool CDA Credential
• Ability to develop and foster relationships with coworkers and students
• Strong leadership skills:
  Communication, self-motivation, flexibility, enthusiasm, collaboration
• Able to create a culturally responsive, inclusive environment for children and their families
• Current first aid and CPR/AED certification from a nationally recognized provider (American Heart Association, American Red Cross, American Safety & Health Institute, National Safety Council). The training must include an instructor-led skill…