SNR Outdoor Educator

Job Summary

Participates in all aspects of structured environmental education programming at Shaw Nature Reserve, including curriculum development, program preparation, and delivery of school programs (pre‑K to 12th grade). Supports youth programs, teacher professional development, volunteer training, school outreach, and site interpretation.

• Plans, prepares, and delivers quality, engaging environmental educational programs, both day and overnight, for schoolchildren and teachers. Provides lessons and activities that stimulate curiosity and appreciation of the natural world, exploration, and problem‑solving.
• Creates a positive, healthy, and safe classroom climate that supports developmentally appropriate socio‑emotional growth, culturally appropriate practices, and inquiry‑driven learning.
• Conducts group check‑ins and group orientations.
• Assists with creating, maintaining, and organizing instructional supplies that are safe, age‑appropriate, and, when possible, sustainably sourced.
• Participates in team planning sessions with staff to ensure well‑coordinated and effective delivery of instruction to meet program goals and objectives.
• Supports school events, including Missouri Day and Careers without Walls; helps develop new school events.
• Supports public and private events at Shaw Nature Reserve and community outreach, including assisting with tours.
• Assists with the youth programs, including Habitat Helpers and the Shaw Institute for Field Training (SIFT) program.
• As schedule allows, performs various tasks throughout Shaw Nature Reserve, including basic maintenance and landscaping tasks, professional development sessions for educators and SNR volunteers, and developing interpretive resources.
• Ensures that all applicable safety standards are followed; informs employees/students/volunteers of safety guidelines and safe working practices, and routinely monitors to enforce them. Adapts or modifies work methods to reduce hazards. Reports all accidents, injuries, and near‑miss accidents immediately.
• Meets expected attendance guidelines.
• Follows and adheres to established policies and procedures, including but not limited to the Employee Handbook, Garden Safety Guidelines, and Department Policies.
• Behaves and communicates in a manner that promotes and fosters a culture of teamwork and cooperation, within our division and throughout the Garden, with co‑workers, supervisors/managers, volunteers, visitors, and employees.
• Must be able to work nights, weekends, and holidays, as necessary.
• Please do other duties as assigned.

This position does not have supervisory responsibilities. May assist in training and leading the work of volunteers.

• Communication: Combines listening skills, verbal and written communication skills, and visitor relation skills.
• Collaboration: Incorporates teamwork, mutual respect, active engagement, cooperation visitor focus.
• Accountability: Initiative to take ownership of responsibilities, the ability to prioritize, and the working knowledge and skills to take action.
• Problem Solving: Blends problem‑solving skills, judgment, and decision skills along with creativity and resourcefulness.
• Stewardship: The practical application of the Garden values and support for a positive organizational climate.

• Minimum of two to three years of experience working with school‑age children.
• Minimum of one year of experience teaching in an outdoor setting.
• Completes tasks with minor guidance to coordinate meeting times, set deadlines, and promptly set up, deliver, and complete projects/presentations.
• Prior experience working in a cultural institution is preferred.
• Ability to travel is required through the use of a personal vehicle.
• Scheduling flexibility is required to work evenings, weekends, or holidays.

• Bachelor's degree in education, science education, ecology, or environmental science preferred.
• An equivalent combination of skills, education, and experience may be considered.

N/A.

Ability to communicate effectively in English (oral/written).

Completes…