Nature Educator

Job Opportunity

Position:
Nature Educator (2 positions available)

Organization:
Earth Path

Location:

Just Food Farm, 2391 Pepin Court, Gloucester (east Ottawa)

Start Date:

September 8, 2026

Schedule:

22.5 hrs/week and 30 hrs/week

Wage: $19 - $22/hr depending on experience

Earth Path is a non‑profit organization based in the unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinabeg Nation, or so‑called Ottawa region. Since 2013 we have been dedicated to fostering meaningful relationships between people and the natural world through transformative nature programs. We offer these programs for people from all walks of life, including youth, teens, adults, educators, families, and schools.

Earth Path nature educators are the heart of our organization and community. As a Nature Educator, you’ll share your skills, knowledge, and love of the natural world with children while helping create a safe, welcoming, and inspiring space to learn and grow.

You’ll co‑facilitate our 2026/2027 Nature School programs from September 2026 through June 2027 at Just Food Community Farm, working alongside experienced educators to support children through nature connection, play, exploration, mentorship, and hands‑on outdoor skills.

• Co‑facilitate Earth Path’s programs for children ages 4-14;
• Design and lead engaging activities with a focus on fostering the children’s nature connection and environmental stewardship, nurturing curiosity and creativity, supporting their positive social/emotional/physical development, developing an understanding of local ecology; and building wilderness skills;
• Maintain an inclusive, supportive, and safe space for all participants;
• Assist children with meeting their physical needs, such as bath rooming, dealing with biting insects, and other complaints they might have;
• Assist with the collection of necessary registration and legal forms, and maintain accurate attendance records with the daily attendance sheet;
• Engage with parents during drop‑off and pick‑up, as needed;
• Debrief with colleagues at the end of each day, tracking children’s growth and challenges, and give each other feedback;
• Document “wow moments” by taking photos and noting significant events/quotes and share them with our Social Media Coordinator;
• Report any incidents of concern to the Executive Director and Program Manager (safety, harassment);
• Show up on time and prepared.

• Established naturalist knowledge‑base or an interest in developing naturalist knowledge (edible and medicinal plants, wildlife tracking, bird language, ecology, etc.) ;
• Experience in teachable wilderness skills, or an interest in learning teachable wilderness skills (e.g. whittling, cordage‑making, shelter‑building, fire‑building, etc.);
• Experience working with children and a basic understanding of their stages of development;
• Ability to assess and manage risk in an outdoor environment;
• Open to learning, sharing ideas, and receiving feedback;
• Outgoing, energetic, enthusiastic, and fun;
• Resilient and adaptable, able to remain positive and engaged in uncomfortable or stressful situations such as: inclement weather, getting wet/dirty, dealing with insects, and exploring off‑trail through thick vegetation;

• Valid Vulnerable Sector Check is required prior to contract start;
• Valid Standard First Aid and CPR certification required prior to contract start;