Naturalist – Indigenous Land- Learning - Education Centre

Job Type:Permanent, 35hours per week, 12-months per year, existing vacancy

Salary:$30.98 to $34.42 per hour (Pay Band: 10B)
Start Date: TBD
Closing Date: September 14, at 4:00PM

This is a unionized position within the CUPE Local 5555 bargaining unit and is subject to the
terms and conditions of the applicable Collective Agreement.

We offer eligible employees a comprehensive employee pension (OMERS) and benefit package upon start date.

Who We Are

The Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board (KPR) offers a world-class education for approximately 35,000 students in 87 schools. Spanning over 7,000 square kilometers, across diverse rural and urban communities in southeastern Ontario, KPR serves the Municipality of Clarington, Northumberland and Peterborough Counties, and City of Quinte West/Murray Ward.

The Board is situated on the traditional territory of the Michi Saagiig Anishinaabeg people, serving three vibrant Indigenous communities which include Alderville First Nation, Curve Lake First Nation and Hiawatha First Nation.

Today, the Kawartha Pine Ridge school district is home to many First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples and we acknowledge the contributions and accomplishments of all Indigenous people across Turtle Island, current and throughout history.

All positions in the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board support the schools priority of student achievement and the Boards mission to educate our students to excel in learning, to succeed in life and to enrich our communities.

Main Responsibilities:

The purpose of the Indigenous Land-Based Learning Naturalist is to lead safe, inclusive, and experiential Outdoor Education programs aligned with the Ontario curriculum for students in grades JK to 12. This role ensures the day-to-day operations, logistics, and safety of the assigned Outdoor Education Centre.

• Plan, develop, and facilitate structured, experiential, hands-on Ontario Curriculum based Outdoor Education and Indigenous Land-based Learning programs for students’ grades JK - 12 in all seasons.
• Integrate and incorporate Indigenous curriculum content and the 7 Principles of Indigenous Education collaboratively alongside the Indigenous Education Department.
• Design and create program resources, worksheets, resource guides, and interactive displays to enhance visual learning and comprehension through an Indigenous lens.
• Modify and adapt existing learning programs continually based on school specific needs, student abilities, varying seasons, and unique education center environments, while centering Indigenous Ways of Knowing.
• Research and maintain up-to-date knowledge on cultural context and learning, evolving curriculum documents, environmental science topics, and relevant educational content through continuous professional development.
• Lead and engage students in authentic sharing of Land Acknowledgements, establishing clear thematic connections to the land, water, and relations.
• Instruct and support students during land-based learning activities by explaining core concepts and guiding their deepening understanding of Indigenous knowledge systems.
• Act as a resource to the system by providing teachers with relevant educational materials, activities, and expertise to enhance classroom learning in an alternative setting and maximize the benefits of Indigenous Land-Based Learning and experiences.
• Ensure the safe, daily operation and administration of the assigned Outdoor Education Centre, including but not limited to, cleaning and coordinating repairs with facilities department, including monitoring and culturally relevant care for the learning lodge and sacred fire circle
• Conduct ongoing daily safety awareness scans of the property and trails to address physical concerns, natural hazards, or…