Nature Educator

Who We Are:

Founded in 1891 by a group of visionary volunteers, The Trustees of Reservations (The Trustees) is the Massachusetts' premier conservation and preservation organization. The Trustees’ preserves, for public use and enjoyment, properties of exceptional scenic, historic, and ecological value in Massachusetts. Our properties are open to all, and we thrive by involving as many people as possible in all that we do. We aim to protect special places for future generations to enjoy in perpetuity, and have helped protect more than 50,000 acres, including 27,000+ acres on more than 120 reservations that are open to the public. As a non-profit conservation organization, we are funded and supported entirely by our visitors, supporters, volunteers, and our 100,000 Member households. We encourage you to learn more about The Trustees on our website, www.thetrustees.org.

Posting Information:

Hourly Rate: $17.00 - $19.00 

Hours per week: 17.5

Job Classification: Nonexempt, Part-Time, Seasonal 

Job Type: Onsite

Duration: June 23 - August 22

Location: Rocky Woods, Medfield, MA

What You’ll Do:

Your Impact:

Are looking for an opportunity spend time outside this summer leading campers on exploratory nature hikes and environmental adventures? Are you energetic, fun, approachable, inclusive, smart, and have leadership qualities? If you love children ages 5-13, being outdoors, and all things nature, this job is for you!

YMCA Camp at Rocky Woods is an 8-week day camp located at The Trustees Rocky Woods, a 491-acre reservation with scenic trails, stunning vistas, wildlife and ponds, and a deep history that make this a special place to work.

Run by the YMCA of Greater Boston, the camp is both recreational and educational, with plenty of games and crafts in addition to immersion into Rocky Woods’ unique ecosystem. Two hours each day is spent learning from Trustees nature educators about the forest and pond flora and fauna and connecting children to the natural systems that support us all.

For more information about the camp, please visit: https://thetrustees.org/program/rocky-woods-nature-explorers-camp-medfield/

The Role:

As a Rocky Woods Camp Nature Educator reporting to the Lead Educator, you will collaborate on creating and implementing an 8-week curriculum centered around the four weekly themes: Earth Science, Animal Science, Aquatic Life, and Wilderness Adventure, with a STEM challenge ending each week on Fridays. Each day you will lead 20-25 campers in exploratory activities in that demonstrate how forests, ponds, and streams, and people are all interconnected via

hands-on activities around Rocky Woods. Flexibility and safety are key as educators continually respond to weather and trail conditions and to the energy and interests of campers. 

Specifically, you’ll: 

• Leading a group of 20-25 campers along with YMCA counselors on daily two-hour nature hikes and exploratory activities
• Assist with designing and implementing camp curriculum and activities based on weekly themes
• Plan daily developmentally-appropriate activities that get campers excited about the environment
• Communicate with YMCA staff regarding camp questions and basic camper information
• Perform daily chores to organize, prepare for, and close out each day
• Ensure safety of campers and staff by closely following established protocols
• Meet daily with Lead Nature Educator to evaluate experience and performance

This is a part-time, seasonal, nonexempt position working 18 hours per week) reporting directly to Lead Educator at Rocky Woods. 

What You’ll Need:

Skills and Experience: 

Required:

• Reliable transportation a must
• Full availability for camp staff training week and all weeks of camp
• Experience working as a camp counselor, classroom teacher, or informal educator with ages 5-13
• Knowledge of or interest in nature and/or education
• Ability to effectively and respectfully engage campers from a variety of backgrounds in educational activities in an outdoor setting
• Excellent planning and communication skills
• Collaborative and flexible temperament
• A great attitude about working outdoors in all weather conditions
• Ability to lift 50 pounds
• First Aid, CPR, and AED certification (training provided as needed)

Preferred:

• Interest or working toward a degree in Education, Environmental Education, or related field
• Knowledge about Rocky Woods or The Trustees a plus

Eligibility Criteria: 

• Must be willing and able to accomplish tasks in variable outdoor weather conditions throughout all seasons
• Current authorization to work in the United States – a candidate must have such authorization by his or her first day of employment. 
• A satisfactory criminal background (CORI) check.

Don’t quite have all the skills and experience listed above? We still want to hear from you! Research shows that historically marginalized groups are less likely to apply if they do not meet every single requirement. We are committed to building a diverse team and encourage you to apply even if you are missing some of the skills and experience above.

Questions? Contact our People team at people@thetrustees.org

Your Benefits: 

• Sick time: 40 hours

• Reciprocity: Employees have access to free and discounted admission and membership to more than 50 nearby museums and cultural institutions.  

• Discounts: Enjoy free entry to all Trustees properties, discount event tickets, and discounted merchandise at our stores and on stays at our inns.  

Equal Opportunity and Diversity: 

The Trustees is a proud equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any protected status including, but not limited to, age, race, ethnicity, sex, gender, sexual preferences, nation of origin, religion, or disability status and strongly encourages applications from people of color, persons with varying abilities, women, and LGBTQ+ applicants. We aspire to reflect and effectively serve the residents and communities of Massachusetts, who are at the core of our mission.    

The Trustees’ commitment to advancing the organization’s vision for this work may be found here: Diversity, Belonging, Inclusion and Equity. 

 It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.  

We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible work environment. To request reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact us at people@thetrustees.org.