Naturalist Teacher
Teach and deliver high quality nature education programs to children, youth and families in High Park.
The High Park Nature Centre (HPNC) is a charitable organization that was established in 1999. Our mission is to promote awareness and respect for nature through year-round, hands-on outdoor nature education and park stewardship. The HPNC is a small and nimble organization that serves a diverse audience of over 14,000 people annually from across the Greater Toronto Area. Our experienced team of educators operates in a collaborative, supportive and inclusive work environment that enables unique programming and opportunities for learning and growth. We are currently underway with a capital campaign to fund the High Park Visitor and Nature Centre which will create a focal point for park life. This is an exciting time to join the HPNC team.
The High Park Nature Centre is committed to being a progressive organization that is guided by principles of equity, respect, and inclusion.
We continuously strive to broaden the diversity of our participants, staff and Board – inclusive of race, gender, sexual orientation, identity, religion, ability, ethnicity, experience, national origin and the many other traits that are reflective of the vibrant character and heritage of Canada.
As we work to honour our relationship with the Indigenous Nations of the lands we are situated upon, we encourage applications from Indigenous people and others who have experience in the area of Indigenous-Settler relations.
We encourage candidates to voluntarily share in their cover letter if their lived experiences align with or contribute to these priorities.
Our organization is dedicated to creating a welcoming and accessible environment for everyone. If you require accommodations at any stage of the application process, please let us know in advance so that we can work together to find the best solutions.
Naturalist Teacher
Reports to: Programs Supervisor
Job Type: Part-time, contract position
Hours of Work:
- 0-20 hours/week
- Availability on weekends, evenings, Mondays, and Tuesdays is required
Note: Please indicate your availability in your cover letter.
Start Date: ASAP
End Date: June 30, 2027
Rate of Pay: $17.95/hour
Application Deadline: Sunday, October 11, at 11:59PM
Note: We will begin interviewing and hiring candidates before this deadline. We advise applicants to not delay and apply as soon as possible for a better chance at securing an interview.
As a Naturalist Teacher, the successful candidate will be responsible for delivering high quality nature education programs to children, youth and families. They will have the opportunity to teach across all of our programming; early years and school age nature clubs, school field trips, nature camps, special events, adult team building programs and family nature walks. They will also get to collaborate with other naturalist teachers to create and amend our diverse nature programming. For more details, please see the full job description below.
To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter as a single PDF. Applications will be accepted until Sunday, October 11, at 11:59PM. Please note: We will be interviewing and hiring candidates as and when we receive applications. We advice applicants to not delay and apply as soon as possible for a better chance at securing an interview.
Main Duties
Program Delivery
- Deliver outdoor environmental education programs to children, youth and adults, including nature camps and clubs; school programs; guides & scouts programs; and other programs as required;
- Work closely with volunteers to engage them in our programs and mentor new volunteers seasonally;
- Develop and adapt current program plans;
- Develop seasonal naturalist knowledge and skills to aid in program delivery;
- Ensure health and safety protocols are followed in programs.
Human Resources
- Provide training and mentorship to part-time staff, volunteers, interns and co-op students.
Ongoing
- Work with the Digital Media Coordinator and Development Director about photo opportunities during programs for use in publicity and program materials
- Organize, repair, maintain and develop program supplies, props and displays
- Other duties as required.
Skills & Attributes
- Passion for nature, outdoor learning and environmental education
- High integrity and compassion
- Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to equity, anti-racism and anti-oppression practices
- Experience in delivering, developing and evaluating educational programs
- Ability to work with children, youth and adults providing a positive learning experience for participants of all ages
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Experience with customer service and/or working with parents, caregivers, companies and organizations
- A collaborative decision-maker with strong commitment to teamwork
- Strong interpersonal and conflict resolution skills
- Flexible, and resilient approach to outdoor work
- Ability and willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions
- Enthusiastic, energetic, creative, and fun
- CPR & First Aid certification (or ability to obtain before start date)
- Vulnerable Sector Check (or ability to obtain before start date)
Assets
- University degree or college diploma in education, environmental studies, or related disciplines
- Strong knowledge of Toronto’s ecology and natural history
- Experience leading early years programming (children ages 0-5 years)
- Experience working at a day camp or overnight camp
- Experience working with teens in leadership building
- Experience facilitating outdoor education for adults
- Forest School Accreditation
- Musical ability
- Fluency in French and/or additional languages
To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter as a single PDF. Applications will be accepted until Sunday, October 11, at 11:59PM. Please note: We will be interviewing and hiring candidates as and when we receive applications. We advice applicants to not delay and apply as soon as possible for a better chance at securing an interview.
