Outdoor Environmental Educator I

YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties; Gig Harbor (WA); On-site; USD 24,000 - 26,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Personal YMCA membership

Flexible scheduling

EAP and mental health resources

Professional training andCertification

Discount on YMCA programs

Job summary

The YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties is seeking an Outdoor Environmental Educator I to join our team at Camp Seymour in Gig Harbor, WA. The role focuses on delivering natural science, outdoor skills, and environmental stewardship programming to diverse student groups.

As part of an inclusive team, you will lead classes, supervise activities such as boating and climbing wall, care for spaces and animals, and help create engaging experiences aligned with YMCA values.

Qualifications

• Working knowledge of Outdoor and Environmental Education principles.
• Positive attitude and experience with youth in educational activities.
• Ability to connect with people of diverse backgrounds.
• CPR, AED and First Aid certifications preferred.

Responsibilities

• Teach natural science, outdoor skills, and camps activities to school groups.
• Lead activities including boating, zip line, archery, and climbing wall.
• Maintain and enhance program spaces such as waterfront, reptile area, and gardens.
• Deliver engaging educational experiences aligned with YMCA goals.

Skills

Outdoor education

Youth engagement

Curriculum delivery

Public speaking

Education

CPR

AED

First Aid Certifications (preferred)

Job description

The YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties is seeking an Outdoor Environmental Educator I to join our team.

The YMCA focuses on empowering people in all forms, by improving health and well-being and inspiring action in and across our neighborhoods. This position supports the work of the Y, a leading non-profit, charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

As a Outdoor and Environmental Educator, you would be part of an inclusive and collaborative team working to provide quality programming to a diverse student population in the areas of natural science, outdoor skills, environmental stewardship and social awareness. Camp Seymour’s site spans 160 acres of beautiful Northwest forest and a half mile of Puget Sound beach habitat. We offer classes in marine science, squid dissection, reptiles, forest investigation, sustainable systems, teambuilding, canoeing, orienteering, climbing wall, and many more. Educators teach classes; lead large group and evening activities; host meals; help maintain program areas and care for program animals.

Key Responsibilities:

• Build a strong understanding of OEE curriculum by reviewing materials and shadowing classes to ensure smooth, effective instruction.
• Teaching natural science, group-building, and outdoor skills classes to school groups.
• Lead a variety of educational and recreational activities—including boating, zip line, archery, climbing wall, evening programs, and more—adapting to program needs.
• Care for and continually enhance program spaces such as the waterfront, ball courts, reptile area, marine science center, farm, and garden.
• Deliver exceptional educational experiences aligned with the goals and philosophy of the Outdoor and Environmental Education Program.
• Maintain the cleanliness and overall upkeep of camp facilities to create a welcoming environment for all.
• Strengthen the program by developing creative activities, curriculum, materials, and displays.
• Host meals and provide outstanding customer service to guests.
• Communicate clearly, positively, and professionally with administrators, teachers, chaperones, students, and fellow staff members.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms.
• Occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Must lift or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift or move a higher amount.
• Will need to plan, lead, and participate in programming outdoors.

Qualifications:

• Minimum age of 20 years.
• A working knowledge of Outdoor and Environmental Education principles through education or practical experience, and the ability to instruct participants.
• Positive attitude and previous experience with youth in educational and program activities.
• Ability to connect with people of diverse backgrounds.
• The ability to demonstrate a friendly, courteous and professional manner while working with members, parents and staff and the ability to understand, articulate, and enforce YMCA policies and procedures in a positive way.
• Certifications: CPR, AED and Basic First Aid (preferred).
• Must be able to pass Background and Reference checks (in accordance with the WA State Fair Chance Act).
• You are committed to valuing and promoting diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment.
• Able and willing to complete online Child Abuse Prevention training on first day, and other online and in-person training as required.

Wage: $17.13 to $19.00 per hour (Compensation is determined based on relevant experience, skills, and qualifications, with most new hires starting between the minimum and midpoint of the posted wage range)

Hours: Part-Time, Up to 25 hours per week

Location: YMCA Camp Seymour, Gig Harbor, WA

Benefits:

All YMCA Employees receive the below benefits:

• A Personal YMCA membership and YMCA360 virtual streaming membership
• Flexible scheduling around school and extracurricular activities Paid Sick Leave accrued at 1.23 hours for every 40 hours worked per year
• Employee Assistance Plan (EAP), Digital mental health counseling platform, Wellness program, and LifeMart employee discount center
• Professional training, education, and certification opportunities
• 20% discount on YMCA programs, childcare services and merchandise

Part-Time employees who work more than 20 hrs./week are eligible for the below voluntary benefit options:

• HealthiestYou: by Teladoc (24/7 virtual general medical care access for non-emergency conditions)
• Willamette Dental Plan
• VSP Vision Plan

The YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties is committed to diversity and inclusion throughout our organization and is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Women/Minority/Veteran/Disabled