Nature Preschool Educator

Eagle Bluff; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 26,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center is seeking a Nature Preschool Educator to support outdoor learning for preschool-aged children in our nature preschool program. This educator will work with the Lead Nature Preschool Educator to implement age-appropriate activities, typically from 9:15-11:30 a.m., and help create a safe, nurturing environment.

An ideal candidate will have patience, humor, and comfort in the natural world.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; willingness to pursue a Preschool CDA Credential.
• 1 year of teaching experience preferred; ability to pass background check.
• Current First Aid and CPR/AED certification from a nationally recognized provider.
• Comfortable teaching outdoors and hiking in varied weather.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and assist with nature-based learning for groups of 3–5 year olds (mon–thu mornings).
• Foster problem solving, collaboration, and imagination.
• Provide routines, positive guidance, and a safe classroom environment.
• Collaborate with partners and support a positive team environment.
• Communicate with families during drop-off and pick-up.
• Assist with light cleaning and maintaining outdoor spaces.

Skills

Strong leadership

Communication

Flexibility

Collaboration

Outdoor education experience

Relationship building

Education

High school diploma or GED

Preschool CDA Credential or equivalent

First aid/CPR certification

Tools

Computer literacy

Radio & AV equipment

Job description

School-year position (September-June), with the possibility of summer hours.

2026-2027 School Year:Ideally starting August 24, 2026, through early June 2027.

Reports to:

Education Director

Hours:

A typical work week is Monday-Thursday, 7:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m., with occasional evenings for staff meetings or family events and Friday mornings for planning.

$19.00-$21.00 hour (based on experience) + benefits

Organization & Program Overview

Founded in 1978, Eagle Bluff is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. As a year-round overnight environmental learning center, we provide accredited education programs and outdoor adventures to over 13,000 children, adults, and families each year. We are located in rural southeastern Minnesota, just a few miles from the small historic town of Lanesboro in Fillmore County.

Through hands-on learning in nature, we aim for people to leave Eagle Bluff with experiences that stick with them and inspire them to become lifelong stewards of the environment by:

• Fostering a sense of respect, stewardship and community
• Imparting life skills such as teamwork and problem-solving
• Increasing environmental awareness & academic literacy
• Sparking curiosity and appreciation for the natural world

Eagle Bluff's Nature Preschool is a partnership with Semcac Head Start and Eagle Bluff. Our classroom is a mix between 10 students enrolled through Head Start and 7-10 students enrolled through Eagle Bluff. Our kindergarten readiness program for children ages 3-5 uses outdoor education to support the development of the whole child. Preschool is in session Monday-Thursday, 7:45 am-3:15 pm. Staffing for the combined classroom includes 4 staff members (including this position); two employed by Eagle Bluff and two by Head Start.

Job Summary

Eagle Bluff is seeking a highly collaborative Nature Preschool Educator to support outdoor learning experiences for preschool-aged children enrolled in our nature preschool program. This educator will work closely with the Lead Nature Preschool Educator to implement age-appropriate outdoor activities (typically from 9:15-11:30 a.m.) and help create a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment for children. Depending on experience, this role may be responsible for some outdoor activity planning. They will assist with behavior guidance, group management, transitions, and encouraging exploration during outdoor play and learning. This is a team-based position that emphasizes flexibility, enthusiasm, and a shared commitment to nature-based early childhood education.

In the afternoons, the Nature Preschool Educator will supervise students in small groups during nap or quiet time and provide them with developmentally appropriate activities. They will also assist with light cleaning tasks. The day concludes with helping maintain a clean and organized classroom environment.

An ideal candidate will have a variety of life experiences, patience, a sense of humor, and comfort in the natural world. A typical work week is 34-36 hours.

Essential Functions:

• Essential Functions
• Supervise and assist with nature-based learning experiences (on and off trail) to groups of no more than 20 preschoolers in mixed age classes of 3-5 each morning, Monday-Thursday.
• Foster problem solving, collaboration, confidence building and imagination by providing developmentally appropriate assistance to children.
• Provide consistent routines, positive guidance, and a safe classroom environment.
• Collaborate with classroom partners and support a positive team environment.
• Communicate with families during drop-off and pick-up.
• Maintain supplies and organization of outdoor play spaces, and contribute to operational tasks such as cleaning.
• Other duties as assigned.

Additional Responsibilities (As Experience Allows):

• Lead nature-based learning experiences (on and off trail) to groups of no more than 20 preschoolers.
• Complete student assessments seasonally.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED
• 1 year teaching experienceA willingness to pursue a Preschool CDA Credential
• Ability to develop and foster relationships with coworkers and students
• Strong leadership skills: Communication, self-motivation, flexibility, enthusiasm, collaboration
• Able to create a culturally responsive, inclusive environment for children and their families
• Current first aid and CPR/AED certification from a nationally recognized provider (American Heart Association, American Red Cross, American Safety & Health Institute, National Safety Council). The training must include an instructor-led skill session.
• Comfortable in outdoor environments and able to hike long distances
• Computer, radio, and audio-visual equipment literacy
• Ability to pass a background check.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A Preschool CDA credential, or a state-awarded certificate that meets or exceeds the requirements for a CDA credential, or a Certificate or Credential for a 2-year program in Child Development or Early Childhood Education from a Minnesota community college or Technical college, or a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Early Childhood Special Education, Teach for America, or Equivalent Coursework.
• Experience working in early childhood education, especially in outdoor or nature-based settings. Applicants with strong relevant experience will be considered for additional teaching responsibilities.
• Proven track record of creating developmentally appropriate and educational outdoor activities for preschoolers
• General knowledge of the natural world and outdoor recreation

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis; the position will remain open until filled.

Regularly works around adults and children and in outside conditions that include inclement weather, heat and humidity. Routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines. Noise level may be loud at times.

Communication, detecting, traversing, and operating skills are needed. The physical demands of this job will vary, but typically require:

• This position is primarily conducted outdoors in all weather conditions, including rain, snow, heat, and cold. Educators must be prepared to participate in outdoor activities year-round.
• Daily activities include hiking on uneven terrain, sitting or kneeling at child level, and engaging in active play.
• Noise levels can vary and may occasionally be high due to group activity or excitement.
• Staff work closely with young children and must be comfortable with mud, insects, and natural elements.
• The role requires occasional lifting or carrying of children or supplies weighing up to 40 lbs.
• Close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer; extensive reading; visual inspection involving small defects, small parts, and/or operation of machines; using measurement devices.
• Constant movement and use of limbs including but not limited to typing, hauling, bending, pushing, and pulling.
• Frequent communication (speaking and hearing) and information exchange in person and digitally on computers, phones, and radios.

Employment Eligibility & Equal Opportunity

Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center does not sponsor work visas. In accordance with federal law, employment is contingent upon completing the I-9 form to verify eligibility to work in the United States. Employment will require the selected candidate to pass all background, criminal record, fingerprinting, reference checks.

Eagle Bluff Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center is an equal opportunity employer that promotes and values diversity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability.

All employees are required to satisfactorily perform the essential functions of their positions. The essential functions listed above are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. However, no accommodations will be made which may pose serious health or safety risks to the employee or other or which impose undue hardship on the organization.

Job descriptions are not intended as and do not create employment contracts. The organization maintains its status as an at-will employer. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Employees can be terminated for any reason not prohibited by law.