Environmental Educator

ZipRecruiter; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Part time

Job summary

A respected non-profit in Atlanta seeks an independent contractor as an Environmental Educator to engage with K-12 students through environmental lessons and activities. Responsible for leading school programs, managing camps, and promoting environmental awareness, this role requires flexibility and an eagerness to learn.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Ability to learn environmental education topics.
• Experience with classroom management is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Teach environmental curriculum in schools using inquiry-based learning.
• Guide campers during seasonal break camps.
• Facilitate outdoor activities and school programs.

Skills

Behavior Management

Engagement

Communication

Flexibility

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Google Apps

Job description

Job DescriptionJob Description

Environmental Educator

Type: Independent Contractor
Employment Classification: Exempt
Application Period: Open until filled
Start Date: July 2025
Reports to: Education Manager
Salary: $16.00 - $16.50/hour

Estimated Hours Per Week: 10 to 20 hours per week; up to 40 hours during seasonal break camps; schedule varies based on school bookings, hours are not guaranteed

Location: Primarily in-person teaching at schools with some in-office prep time

Trees Atlanta is a nationally recognized non-profit community group that protects and improves Atlanta’s urban forest by planting, conserving, and educating. Founded in 1985, Trees Atlanta works tirelessly to address Atlanta’s tree loss, protect its forests, and create new greenspace. Empowered by its wonderful community of volunteers, Trees Atlanta serves the metro Atlanta area, and has grown to become one of Atlanta’s most widely known and supported non-profit organizations.

Trees Atlanta is looking for an Environmental Educator to assist in delivering environmentally-focused curriculum in Atlanta area schools. The position also includes serving as a counselor during seasonal break camps during the school year as well as occasional family programs. Your role helps connect scholars with their environment and furthers our mission of educating our community about the importance of Atlanta’s urban forest.

What You Will Do

School Programs (80%)

• Teach curriculum and activities in Atlanta area schools focused on the urban forest that use inquiry-based and three-dimensional learning approaches to teach STEAM topics.
• Prepare and gather materials at the office according to the programs being taught.
• Lead field trips and walking tours along the Atlanta BeltLine and Trees Atlanta’s campus.
• Track education interactions, as well as pre/post test data for school visits.

School Break Camps (10%)

• Supervise and guide campers at all times, including on bike rides on the Atlanta Beltline while ensuring camper safety.
• Co-lead outdoor and indoor classes and activities (e.g., bike rides, tree ID, art, tree planting, science investigations, camp games, etc.) for a group of 20 campers for fall, winter, and spring breaks based on the Atlanta Public School’s calendar.
• Assist in creating a fun blend of environmental education, outdoor exploration, and urban forest stewardship in local greenspaces.

Potential Additional Opportunities (10%)

• Facilitate special programs at schools (e.g. science nights, career days), weekend scout badge programs, and family programs.
• Develop and lead after-school programming with community centers and schools.
• Additional Duties as assigned.

Schedule

The schedule for this position is variable and dependent on school calendars and schedules.

School Programs (80%)

• In-school programs can be booked between 8 am and 4 pm, Tuesday through Friday, August through May.
• We expect the contract educator to be available between 7 am and 5 pm.
• Between 10 and 20 hours each week, although there are light seasons with fewer hours.

School Breaks (10%)

• Monday through Friday, 7:30 am – 5:30 pm (one week in October, February, and April).
• 40 hours a week - on site at Trees Atlanta.

Potential Additional Opportunities (10%)

• Time commitment varies based on additional program requests.
• Occasional weekend and evening hours.
• Potential to stay on over summer as summer camp counselor (June 1 - July 31, 2026).

Requirements

Basic Requirements

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Have a car and an available schedule to visit to schools at their requested times.
• Ability to ride a bike (applicable for school break camps).
• Ability to pass an APS Background Check including fingerprinting

Must-Have Skills

• Ability to enthusiastically engage with and manage behavior for children in grades PK-12.
• Willingness to learn about environmental education topics you will be teaching about.
• Exemplary sense of timeliness, reliability, and flexibility when visiting schools.
• Effectively represent Trees Atlanta through excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Nice-to-Have Skills

• Education experience with an emphasis on classroom management.
• Experience working with Atlanta Public Schools and/or underserved communities.
• Previous camp counselor experience.
• Working knowledge of environmental science, ecology, botany, and/or natural systems.
• Basic bike repair skills (applicable for school break camps).
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and Google Apps.

To Apply

Please submit an employment application. Applicants must upload a cover letter and a resume to complete and submit the application. In your cover letter, you may share a camp or school experience from childhood, your interest in environmental education, interest in working with underserved communities, etc.

Candidates selected to move forward in the process will be contacted to set-up a brief phone call to answer any questions regarding the position following completion of application (resume and cover letter.) Candidates will then be selected to move forward with an interview. This interview will take place with two education team members. The final two candidates will be asked to submit at least 3 references before a conditional offer will be extended.

Background Check and Drug Screening Disclaimer

• All final candidates will be required to pass both a criminal background check and drug screening; adverse results will impact hiring (Trees Atlanta is a participant in the Federal Drug-Free Workplace program).
• All new hires will be required to verify their and eligibility to work in the United States of America. Trees Atlanta in compliance with regulation set by the Department of Homeland Security. Trees Atlanta is a registered E-Verify employer.