Substitute Environmental Educator

urbanecologycenter; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Urban Ecology Center is seeking a Substitute Environmental Educator to support our Environmental Education team across three Milwaukee branches. You will help deliver outdoor learning experiences for field trips in the school year and nature-based programs in summer, working with a co-teacher and sometimes at partner schools.

Responsibilities include leading outdoor activities, preparing materials, transporting participants and maintaining equipment.

Qualifications

• 1–3 years of teaching, environmental education or related outdoor activities.
• Valid driver’s license and clean motor vehicle record as per insurer.
• Ability to lead diverse age groups and adapt to program needs.

Responsibilities

• Drive 14- to 28-passenger buses to transport participants.
• Lead outdoor-based environmental education and recreation activities.
• Facilitate nature, science, ecology lessons and recreation such as paddling, biking, hiking, snowshoeing, skiing and fishing.
• Assist with summer camp activities and administrative tasks for groups of 6–24.
• Prepare materials, equipment, and spaces; adapt lessons as needed.
• Maintain equipment and inventory; support large community events.

Skills

Valid driver's license

Reliable transportation

Leading groups

Enthusiastic about outdoor learning

Independent work

Education

Experience in teaching/outdoor ed

Job description

Substitute Environmental Educator

Want to know what the UEC is all about? Check out our mission, vision, and values. Or, visit our Instagram to see our mission in action!

Compensation: $20/hr
Schedule: Weekdays, most support needed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays

Location: All UEC branches, Milwaukee, WI (in-person)

Position Summary: Substitute Environmental Educators play an important role in helping the Urban Ecology Center Environmental Education team provide high-quality outdoor learning experiences at any of the Urban Ecology Centers 3 branches when additional staffing is needed. During the school year, programming is outdoor-focused school field trips. During the summer, programming is nature-based summer day camp. Substitutes will collaborate with a co-teacher to lead programming. Some programs may take place at a school partner location.

Substitute Educator Responsibilities

• Driving 14-28 passenger UEC buses to transport program participants
• Leading outdoor-based environmental education and recreation programs
• Facilitating activities including natural history, science, ecology lessons and recreation activities such as: paddling, biking, hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and fishing. Welcoming participants and leading groups with confidence
• Supporting summer camp activities through administrative tasks, leading groups of 6-24 children.
• Preparing program materials, equipment, and activity spaces
• Adapting lessons to meet the needs of each group
• Cleaning up and storing equipment after programs
• Assisting with inventory and care of program supplies
• Supporting large community events as needed

Substitute Educator Expectations

• Arrive prepared and ready to facilitate engaging experiences
• Foster a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment
• Maintain practices that uphold community equity, dignity, and justice practices.
• Work collaboratively with Urban Ecology Center staff
• Attend required trainings and all-staff meetings as requested
• Represent the Urban Ecology Center's mission of connecting people in Milwaukee to nature and each other

Safety is a high priority at the UEC. Substitute EE Educators are expected to:

• Complete Urban Ecology Center safety orientation
• Maintain First Aid, CPR, and AED certification (provided by UEC)
• Follow all Urban Ecology Center safety policies and procedures

Qualifications:

• 1-3 years of teaching, environmental education, outdoor recreation, youth development, or related experiences
• Ability to meet requirements of insurability under Urban Ecology Center's commercial insurance vehicle policy. This includes things such as a valid drivers license and motor vehicle record clear of minor to major violations.
• Comfortable leading groups of diverse ages and backgrounds
• Enthusiastic about outdoor learning and connecting people with nature
• Ability to work independently and adapt to changing program needs
• Reliable transportation to work at any of the Urban Ecology Center's three branches

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds with or without accommodation. Ability to sit, stand, crouch, or bend regularly. Fine motor skills to assist with technical aspects of teaching new skills.

When Are EE Subs Needed?

EE Substitute needs vary throughout the year and can be difficult to predict. In general:

• Higher need exists September through May
• Program days are Tuesdays to Fridays (with some Mondays). Program hours are generally 7:30am-3:30pm. Specific hours will vary based on field trip schedules and school calendars.
• Environmental Educator Substitutes should have at least 2 weekdays of availability on a regular basis
• Additional support is often needed during Adventure Days, in collaboration with the Community Programs team, and held at our 3 locations:
• Winter Break: December 21, 22, 23, 28, 29 & 30, 2026
• Spring Break: March 25, 26, 29, 30, 31 & April 1 & 2, 2027

How Will Substitutes Be Contacted?

• Short-notice openings (less than 48 hours): Phone call or text (preference TBD), OR
• Planned coverage (typically 1+ weeks in advance): Requests and needs are emailed to substitute educators.

Substitutes may accept or decline opportunities based on their availability.

• Note: we request that subs share their availability with the area director each season so we can be mindful of our substitute request dates/times.

What does a typical workday look like?

Condition & Location:

• Open office workspace with an active team atmosphere. Using shared workspaces at all three UEC locations. Programs are held primarily outdoors, so the work environment will be dependent on weather conditions.

Schedule:

• Specific need for support on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
• Standard school and business hours.

Equipment Used:

• Computer equipment, Google software, fish and tackle equipment, outdoor recreation equipment.
• Ability to drive a 14-passenger bus or van preferred (includes maintaining a valid driver's license and ability to meet the requirements of insurability under Urban Ecology Center's commercial vehicle insurance policy)

The Urban Ecology Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is our policy to make all personnel decisions without discriminating on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sex, physical disability, mental disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, national or ethnic origin, and any other protected status.