Part-Time Assistant Educator

Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 21,000 - 23,000; Part time

Job summary

Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy is seeking a Part-Time Assistant Educator to connect youth with Frick Park and other outdoor spaces, guiding hands-on exploration and environmental learning. You will work with experienced educators to foster curiosity about nature and support learners from pre-K through high school.

The role offers training, a collaborative environment, and opportunities to contribute to school partnerships, after-school activities, and community programs in summer and school terms.

Qualifications

• First Aid and CPR certification required within six months of hire.
• Background clearances required: PA Child Abuse History Clearance, PA State Police Request for Criminal Records Check, Federal CHRI.

Responsibilities

• Deliver pre-K–12 outdoor education programs focused on experiential learning and youth development.
• Support lesson delivery and activity facilitation for school groups visiting Frick Park and Frick Environmental Center.
• Create a safe, welcoming learning environment through positive reinforcement and inclusive practices.
• Engage children and youth in hands-on learning and help foster curiosity and connection to nature.
• Assist with preparation, setup, cleanup, and care of program materials and spaces.
• Work across classroom, office, and outdoor settings in varying weather conditions.
• Assist with after-school programs at community sites as needed and participate in occasional evening/weekend programs.

Skills

Team collaboration

Effective communication

Outdoor learning support

Welcoming environment

Adaptability

Safety practices

Education

First Aid & CPR Certification (to be obtained within 6 months)

Job description

Job Title: Part-Time Assistant Educator

Work Status: Part-Time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Hourly Rate: $15.50–$16.00 per hour

Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Mission

We improve quality of life by enhancing and stewarding Pittsburgh’s parks in partnership with the community.

Position Summary

Part-Time Assistant Educators connect youth from across the greater Pittsburgh area to Frick Park and other outdoor spaces, helping them develop a deeper appreciation for nature. Working alongside experienced naturalist educators, Assistant Educators support hands‑on activities, outdoor exploration, and environmental learning while sharing enthusiasm for the outdoors.

This is an opportunity to gain experience in environmental education, strengthen teaching and facilitation skills, and make a meaningful impact in the community. The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy provides training and support for individuals who are eager to learn, work collaboratively, and engage children and youth in outdoor settings.

Assistant Educators work with students from pre-K through 12th grade through school partnership programs, outreach activities, after‑school programs, and public programs.

This is a 2026–27 school year position with the possibility of returning the following school year. The position is based at the Frick Environmental Center, 2005 Beechwood Boulevard, Pittsburgh, PA 15217.

Position Duties

Under the direction of the Naturalist Educator and Director of Education, the Assistant Educator will:

• Work collaboratively with the education team to deliver pre-K–12 outdoor education programs focused on experiential learning, inquiry, environmental stewardship, and youth development.
• Support lesson delivery, activity facilitation, and outdoor exploration for school groups visiting Frick Park, including first-, fourth-, and eighth-grade and high school students.
• Create a safe, supportive, and welcoming learning environment through positive reinforcement, role modeling, and respect for participants from a variety of backgrounds and experiences.
• Engage children and youth in hands‑on learning and help foster curiosity, confidence, and connection to nature.
• Assist with preparation, setup, cleanup, and care of program materials and learning spaces.
• Work in classroom, office, and outdoor environments in varying weather conditions.
• As available, assist with after‑school programming at community‑based sites throughout the Pittsburgh area.
• Participate in occasional evening and weekend programs as needed.

Skills and Abilities

Candidates should be able to:

• Work collaboratively and effectively as part of a team.
• Communicate respectfully and effectively with children, youth, families, colleagues, and community members.
• Support and engage groups of children and youth in an outdoor learning environment.
• Create a welcoming and supportive environment for participants with a variety of backgrounds, identities, abilities, and experiences.
• Adapt to changing program needs, group dynamics, schedules, and outdoor conditions.
• Follow and appropriately communicate PPC policies, procedures, and safety practices.
• Demonstrate reliability, professionalism, curiosity, and a willingness to learn.

Training and Experience

• Strong interest in nature and a desire to teach, support, and engage children and youth.
• Experience or coursework in ecology, biology, environmental science, education, child development, recreation, or a related field is a plus but not required.
• First Aid and CPR certification required within six months of hire.
• The following background clearances are required as a condition of employment:
  • Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Child Abuse History Clearance
  • Pennsylvania State Police Request for Criminal Records Check
  • Federal Criminal History Record Information (CHRI)

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described below are representative of those required to perform the essential duties of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

• Ability to travel over natural-surface trails, hills, and uneven outdoor terrain.
• Ability to work outdoors in a variety of seasonal weather conditions.
• Ability to occasionally lift, carry, or move materials weighing up to 20 pounds.
• Ability to navigate wet, muddy, uneven, or slippery surfaces commonly encountered in park and outdoor environments.

The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy is committed to creating a diverse and welcoming workplace and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.