Powdermill Nature Camp Educator, Temporary

Powdermill Nature Camp Educator, Temporary

Carnegie Museum of Natural History - Powdermill Nature Reserve, 1847 State Route 381 RD, Rector, Pennsylvania, United States of America

Posted Wednesday, June 3, 2026 at 4:00 AM | Expires Saturday, July 4, 2026 at 3:59 AM

Powdermill Field Station and Nature Reserve is Carnegie Museum of Natural History's research station and environmental education center, located approximately one hour southeast of Pittsburgh in the beautiful Laurel Highlands region. Powdermill encompasses 2200 acres where scientists conduct an array of biological research and where the public can enjoy miles of hiking trails, exhibits, and camps and classes. Carnegie Museums is interested in candidates who, through their experience and collaborations, will contribute to diversity and excellence of the Carnegie Museums community.

This is a temporary position.

Powdermill Nature Camp Educators work collaboratively with Powdermill staff to conduct summer day camp programs at Powdermill Nature Reserve (PNR). This position emphasizes relationship‑building, and requires prompt, friendly, accurate communication with program participants and coworkers. Weekend work may be required.

This position is responsible for leading instruction, planning educational experiences based on lesson plans and other resources provided by PNR Education staff, and working collaboratively with a team of educators, assistants, and volunteers to deliver effective, engaging, and safe learning experiences.

Powdermill Nature Camp Educators will give and receive constructive criticism with the goal of developing their pedagogy skills and the quality of educational experiences. This will be facilitated by participation in professional development structured by PNR program leaders.

This temporary position is expected to run from June 15, 2026, to July 31, 2026.

Education and Experience

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 1 year of professional experience in a relevant field
• Demonstrated aptitude for creativity, curiosity, passion, enthusiasm, integrity, and a strong professional ethic
• Passion for/interest in science and nature
• Willingness to be open and respectful of all backgrounds.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental education, K-12 education, natural sciences, or related field
• For candidates with professional experience in education, knowledge of best practices in teaching in outdoor settings, guiding student‑directed inquiry, experience with positive behavior support systems, and co‑coaching is preferred
• For candidates with professional experience in natural sciences or related field, experience with hands‑on learning and public engagement in outdoor settings is preferred
• Other duties as assigned.

• This position requires energetic and charismatic individuals who are interested in helping children experience nature first‑hand in a welcoming, safe, and scientific learning environment.
• Candidates must have prior experience working with young people and/or adults in an educational capacity.
• First aid and CPR certification is required and can be obtained through Carnegie Museums after hiring.

• This position requires constant mobility around the Nature Center, and outdoors on and off trails for several hours at a time.
• If the person is not able to bend or lift items of 20–50 lbs., they must be willing to ask for assistance performing tasks that require these actions.

Candidates will be considered qualified if they can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Summer camp staff must have availability to work Monday‑Friday, 8:00am‑4:00pm.

Assisting in execution of overall camp program strategy

• Acting as advocate for and model of Powdermill Nature Reserve’s summer camp vision, prioritizing safety at all times.
• Motivating teammates to assure program quality and excellent customer service.

Leading instruction

• Working collaboratively with a team of educators, assistants, and volunteers to deliver effective, engaging, and…