Environmental Educator

Kalamazoo Nature Center; Kalamazoo (MI); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental organization seeks an Environmental Educator to join its Education Programs Team. This full-time role focuses on facilitating educational programs that promote environmental awareness through interactive experiences with schools and community groups. Ideal candidates will have experience in education, excellent communication skills, and the ability to engage diverse audiences.

Benefits

Comprehensive insurance coverage including medical, dental, and vision

Paid time off (vacation, sick leave, personal days)

7 paid holidays off

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for counseling and support services

Simple IRA with a 3% match for retirement savings

Qualifications

• Experience with educational programs and facilitation with diverse age groups.
• Ability to foster safe learning environments.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Deliver onsite and offsite educational programs effectively.
• Prepare and manage educational materials and resources.
• Foster community relationships and act as an organizational ambassador.

Skills

Communication

Organizational skills

Collaboration

Presentation

Education

Minimum of 2 years of direct experience in education

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

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Kalamazoo Nature Center provided pay range

This range is provided by Kalamazoo Nature Center. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

$16.00/hr - $18.00/hr

Title: EnvironmentalEducator, FT

Supervisor: Education Programs Director

Classification: Regular, Hourly/Non-Exempt, Full Time (~40 hours/week)

Schedule: Variable weekdays and some regular evenings and weekend hours included.

Compensation: $16-18/hour

Benefits:

• Comprehensive insurance coverage including medical, dental, and vision
• Paid time off (vacation, sick leave, and personal days)
• 7 paid holidays off
• Paid snow days during severe weather
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for counseling and support services
• Simple IRA with a 3% match for retirement saving
• Additional KNC Specific benefits
  
  
  

The Kalamazoo Nature Center (KNC) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to create relationships and experiences that welcome and inspire people to discover, enjoy, value, and care for nature. Recognized by its peers as one of the top nature centers in the country, the Kalamazoo Nature Center is located on 1,500 acres of wooded, rolling countryside and includes over 15 miles of hiking trails winding through some of the most magnificent habitats in Michigan.

Because we value the strength diversity brings to the workplace, the Kalamazoo Nature Center is committed to the recruitment, retention, and development of a workforce that reflects the community in which we live.

Job Summary:

The Environmental Educator works within our Education Programs Team to facilitate existing programs for schools, organized groups, and public-facing educational series. This role focuses on delivering high-quality, interactive experiencesthrough field trips and school outreach for students, and through partnerships with after-school organizations, libraries, and other community groups for youth audiences. The educator will lead curriculum-aligned school programs, facilitate recurring series for various age groups or interest areas, and serve as a liaison for visiting groups to ensure smooth, meaningful engagements. Emphasis is placed on dynamic presentation, hands-on learning, and fostering environmental awareness and stewardship, primarily through established content and activities, with some responsibility for content development.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Deliver current onsite and offsite education programs, including field trips, series programming, Annie’s Big Nature Lesson, and partnership events (training provided).
• Attend weekly scheduling meetings with the Education Programs (EP) Team to ensure consistent and aligned programming.
• Work both independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Lead and/or assist with the preparation, use, and cleanup of program materials, spaces, and resources.
• Assist in upkeep and inventory of educational supplies and equipment.
• Engage in regular EP Team activities including professional development training and collaborative planning or working sessions, and EP Team meetings as required.
• Participate in Animal Ambassador Handling and Care training as deemed necessary for programming.
• Assist in updating programs and collaborate on development of new programming.
• Stay current on internal communications (email, text, calendar updates).
• Foster positive community relationships and serve as a strong ambassador for the organization while upholding the mission of KNC.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.
  
  
  

All-Staff Responsibilities:

• Attend quarterly all-staff meetings and participate in all-staff workdays, as programming allows.
• Support and work at required large-scale public events and special programs such as the Maple Sugar Festival.
• Education & Experience:
• Minimum of 2 years of direct experience in education or programming, including facilitation with multiple age groups.
• Proficiency with standard computer software (Microsoft Office Suite).
  
  
  

Preferred Skills & Abilities:

• Ability to lead programs while ensuring emotionally and physically safe learning environments.
• Demonstrated ability to foster an inclusive, collaborative environment while working with individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize and delegate when appropriate.
• Ability to function effectively in a fast-paced or occasionally high-pressure environment.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Lifeguard and/or Archery certification, or willingness to obtain certification.
  
  
  

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements:

• Valid driver’s license and insurability under KNC’s auto insurance policy.
• Must pass pre-employment background checks and screenings required for working with children (per LARA guidelines).
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Able to speak clearly, hear effectively, and visually monitor participants and surroundings to ensure safety and engagement during outdoor programs.
• Capable of walking, standing, and sitting for extended periods.
• Able to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions and temperatures.
  
  
  

The Kalamazoo Nature Center provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

This job description is not exhaustive and may be subject to change or modification at any time.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Entry level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Other

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