Job Openings
Do you love working with children? Do you love to be outdoors in all kinds of weather? Do you understand how powerful natural exploration and child led learning are? Then Nature Based Education might be for you! Stay tuned for more opportunities on this page.
Have a job opportunity to post? Please email info@ohionaturebasededucation.com
Aullwood Audubon
Manager, Public Programs (posted 6-7-21), Vandalia, OH
Position Summary
The Manager, Public Programs will be the primary connection between Aullwood Audubon and its constituents, members, visitors, customers, learners, and teachers. It will also play a lead role in planning, developing, managing and executing the education programs, exhibits, and social media outreach that drive attendance and expand the reach of Aullwood in the greater Miami Valley region, the State of Ohio, and beyond. The primary goals of this position will be to diversify and grow Aullwood’s audience and community science initiatives.
Essential Functions
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Research and develop programs that forge closer connections to the local community, increasing access to, awareness of, interest in, and appreciation for Aullwood and the goals of the National Audubon Society.
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Serve as the Center’s primary professional for education and community engagement, leading the growth and development of educational and public programs.
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Cultivate sustainable partnerships with communities and organizations that have been excluded from our environmental and conservation work, specifically Black, Indigenous or People of Color (BIPOC), or people who identify as LGBTQIA+, people with disabilities, etc.
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Develop and implement conservation focused programs that advance the understanding and conservation of birds, other wildlife and their habitats, as well as sustainable farming practices and engage people of diverse backgrounds.
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Develop and track metrics to measure effectiveness of programs as they relate to science and other educational standards.
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Identify trends and needs in education, specifically the use of new technologies in education, and design programmatic responses to those needs including preparation of program descriptions and narratives for grant applications.
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Develop appropriate engagement strategies, and partner with marketing staff to ensure effective promotion of programs using both print and electronic media.
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Seek grant funding for educational and outreach programming in coordination with relevant staff, participate in the planning, preparation, tracking and compliance with reporting requirements of grants.
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Experience and understanding of the exhibit process, particularly as it relates to live animal exhibitions.
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Cultivate existing collaborations and forge new programmatic partnerships with cultural organizations and community groups.
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Assess the need for volunteers to enhance program/service, deliver, develop and implement goals and objectives for the volunteer program which reflect the mission of the Center.
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Establish and oversee operational budget that drives revenue and manages cost ratios for programs;
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Work with management team on implementation of strategic plan and goals.
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Procure, negotiate, contract and manage relationships with outside program facilitators, exhibitors and contractors that supply essential services and equipment.
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Represent Aullwood Audubon in the education community, particularly with local schools and educational institutions.
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Cultivate a cohesive team of professionals with a passion for growth excellence, and diversity.
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Develop meaningful community partnerships to leverage institutional resources.
Qualifications and Experience
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Bachelor’s degree in education, or education related field, Master’s degree preferred; an equivalent combination of education and/or experience may be considered.
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5+ year’s experience creating and executing environmental education programs, preferably in an informal education setting and a minimum of 2 years’ experience in a management position.
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Knowledge of current trends in nature centers, education, museum, or cultural attraction programming.
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Experience managing budgets, including profit and loss and measuring program metrics.
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Proven competence managing program logistics, staff, and volunteers.
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Strong leadership skills with the ability to oversee and mentor professional staff while working effectively in a team-based environment.
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Clear track record of success in operational roles a must – demonstrated experience taking ideas from concept to design to execution, and linking objectives and outcomes to strategic goals.
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Proven experience networking, engaging, and successfully cultivating diverse community partners and partnership projects.
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Demonstrated experience with grant writing and grant compliance and management.
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Excellent written and verbal communications skills and the ability build consensus among a wide range of individuals. Comfort presenting and engaging others in public-speaking events is also necessary.
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Demonstrated experience overseeing complex or multiple projects through to success, including meeting financial goals, project deadlines, and coordinating the work of key staff and partners.
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Outstanding interpersonal skills, judgment, and a demonstrated ability to collaborate and build coalitions.
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Technically savvy, to include proficiency with Microsoft Office suite applications and comfort using web-based engagement systems.
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Willingness to travel and work occasional evenings and weekends as job responsibilities demand.
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Must possess a valid driver’s license.
https://careers-audubon.icims.com/jobs/4637/manager%2c-public-programs/job
Nature Preschool Part-Time Teacher (posted 6-7-21) Dayton, OH
Are you passionate about nature-based, child-led education? Then join our teaching team at the Learning Tree Farm Nature Preschool where we are eager to share our passion for building a community of lifelong learners and lovers of nature in our Reggio-Emilia inspired program. As a part of our team you will have the opportunity to work with other educators who are passionate about engaging students in hands-on, project based, learning experiences while immersed in the 85+ acres of farm and woodlands of the Learning Tree Farm. This position includes team-teaching a mixed-age group of 15 students, 2 days a week and the 3rd day a week leading our Preschool Discovery Class, a child & caregiver introductory series to nature-based education, or team-teaching our older student transitional class. Additional hours are an option as part of the Learning Tree Farm Education Team if desired. Check out the job description on our website for more details.
https://www.learningtreefarm.org/employment-opportunities/ To apply, email your cover letter and resume to Amy Thompson, Education Director, at amy.thompson@learningtreefarm.org.
OUTDOOR EDUCATION SPECIALIST (posted 1-19-2021) Russel Center & Chagrin Falls, OH
Part-Time
Applicant Requirements:
-Two years working with young children in a educational setting
-A positive outlook about being outdoors in all weather
-A passion for nature and spending time with children
-A playful attitude
-A basic working knowledge of forest ecology, natural science principles and willingness to learn more about the flora and fauna of NE Ohio
-Assist children through their discoveries and explorations, offering support, encouragement, and materials that are requested.
-Model for children a keen love and respect for the outdoor world
-Coach children to develop keen observation skills, focus, and concentration, language and literacy, scientific principles, and the inclination to experiment, make connections, and problem solve.
-Encourage children to make their own choices and manage their own body signals.
-Assess children on an ongoing basis using photographs to document the learning.
-Arrive on time and communicate planned absences ASAP so that we can arrange coverage.
-Dress properly for the weather. Be prepared to get wet and dirty!
-Attend admission events as needed.
-Will need a current CPR and First Aid certification and ability to pass a criminal background check.
Interested applicants should email resume to
Naturalist (posted 6-7-21) Troy, OH
The Overfield School, a Reggio-Emilia inspired, nature and arts based school for young children ages 2-3rd grade, is seeking an experienced Naturalist.
The Naturalist works with all children and teachers, promoting knowledge of, care for, and advocacy on behalf of nature. Job responsibilities include: Work with children and teachers to use the environment as a learning lab. Foster a spirit and practice of inquiry, research, and appreciation for nature. Work collaboratively with teachers, children, and families to support learning inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy of early childhood education. Be a resource for teachers by working collaboratively with all faculty members in order to develop and support ongoing investigations into the natural world in a project-based, emergent curriculum. This goal is accomplished through the Naturalist’s flexibility with classroom schedules; attendance at and participation in team meetings and faculty meetings; and by providing appropriate resources and materials as needed. Assist with and develop the recycling/conservation efforts at Overfield, supporting an ethos of sustainable practices. Listen to children’s questions and wonderings, co-researching with them as they discover the world around them and build knowledge. Conduct daily assessments of the indoor and outdoor spaces to ensure that spaces are inviting and materials are easily accessible to children. Care for all plants and animals in these environments. Maintain gardens and school grounds, with the assistance of children and families. Assist in facilitating community outreach and partnerships with nature organizations. Train staff on science education; be a resource for teachers to support projects centered on nature and the sciences. Bachelor’s degree or higher in natural sciences or related field and a desire to work in a team environment are required. Experience with young children (ages 2-3rd grade) is preferred. Contact Beth at bporonsky@overfield.org to apply.
Board Member (posted 6-7-21) Columbus, OH
Red Oak Community School is looking for a new board member! Red Oak is a small, independent, urban, nature-based, K-5 school. The school provides a learner-centered approach to education where our kids are encouraged to be curious, ask questions, take academic risks and value other members of their community. Our educators foster self-confidence and agency while learning to be stewards of our environment and to work for social justice in our community as a whole.
We're searching for a candidate who is passionate about our mission and interested in serving on a non-profit board. The open position is for Development Chair, who organizes and collaborates with our community members in fundraising $15,000 each school year. Board meetings (virtual for now) are the first Wednesday of every month at 6p.
Interested parties can reach out to our School Manager, Cheryl Ryan for more information! https://www.redoakcommunityschool.org/join-us
Infant Teacher - Job Description (posted 6-7-21) Cincinnati, OH
Shine is currently hiring 1 professional assistant teacher in our nature-based, Montessori-inspired school beginning August 2021. This is a great way to get started and learn about all of our classrooms. This teacher would primarily work in our infant classroom (2 months - 18months).
This teacher should have a degree or be working on a degree or certificate in Early Childhood Education and/or Montessori education or a related field and should have a strong nature-based education philosophy. Our preschoolers go outside everyday year-round.
All teachers at Shine are hired based on their experience, education, and values. We look for teachers with a strong commitment to early childhood education, teaching children about nature, and personal responsibility.
We are a licensed center but we do NOT participate in SUTQ, as we believe it detracts from the program. Teachers are given a fair amount of autonomy in creating the rhythms, routines, and curriculum in their classroom.
We are a small, homey center with a great reputation and a wonderful group of families and staff members.
Low Ratios! Our infant classroom has 6 children per day with 2 teachers. There is a lead teacher in place and this posting is for her assistant.
Please check out our website at www.shine-childcare.org for more information about our program and philosophy.
Interested applicants should submit a cover letter & resume.
Job Types: Full-time
Pay: $12.00 per hour - $14.00