After school Outdoor Educator

Farrington Memorial d/b/a Farrington Nature Linc

Position: Educator (Part-Time, 5-20 hours/week)

Reporting to: Director of Education and Community Engagement

Application Deadline: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Target start date is September 15, 2025; later start dates may be possible.

How to Apply: Interested candidates should send a resume and cover letter via email to Operations Director Avery@NatureLinc.org with the subject line "Educator Application - [Your First and Last Name]". Include all relevant professional, volunteer, and personal experience.

Applicants from low-income backgrounds and/or people who identify as BIPOC (Black, indigenous, and people of color) are strongly encouraged to apply.

Are you passionate about engaging youth in environmental programs – particularly youth from urban and suburban settings? Do you enjoy working outdoors – sun or rain? Are you a forward thinker, self-starter, and have high energy? Then we are looking for you!

Organization Overview: Farrington Nature Linc’s mission is to enhance the well-being of children from low-income communities through a connection with the natural world. Our 75 acres of woodlands, fields and ponds near Boston are dedicated to providing respite and inspiration for children who might not otherwise have this opportunity. Farrington envisions a world in which every child has access to nature; every child knows that nature is a powerful source of physical and mental health and happiness; and every child learns that being a good citizen of the world includes being a good steward of nature.

Position Overview: Farrington Nature Linc is hiring an Outdoor Educator that is available to work September 2025-June 2026 with possibility of extension

The Educator will prepare for and implement in-person, nature-based programming ("Nature Clubs") that take place during the afternoons at one or more partner locations in Greater Boston. Partner locations may include, but are not limited to, after school programs in Somerville, Cambridge, or another city in Greater Boston. Some coordination work will be completed remotely. Time at FNL's location in Lincoln, MA will be required for training, preparing materials, etc.
The Educator will be assigned to teach at least one partner location per week. Depending on staffing needs and the Educator's availability, they may be assigned to additional locations on different days of the week, up to 4 per week. Each location assignment typically entails 4-5 hours of work per day including preparation, travel, teaching, cleanup, and documentation.
At times 1 half or full days of work per month on Saturdays and/or Sundays will be offered. Needs may include programs for schools and community groups on-site at FNL; birthday parties; outreach and fundraising events; programs for homeschooled children; and more.
Programming takes place primarily outdoors in all types of weather. Indoor time with youth and colleagues will also be required.
Scheduling and hours will be determined by the Director of Education based on partner needs and Educator availability.
Regular access to a car is preferred. Mileage is reimbursed, and travel time is paid, if you are required to travel to partner sites beyond your commuting distance to FNL in Lincoln.
FNL programs include youth and families from a wide range of socioeconomic and racial/ethnic backgrounds. Many of FNL's after school program partners serve a majority of youth from families with low income. Additional outreach events and programs are designed to reach a broad audience and to generate revenue for FNL.

Programmatic Responsibilities:

Primary responsibility is to prepare, travel, set up, and lead Nature Club activities for youth ages 4-14 with small groups of between 5-18 youth, and to lead or support revenue-generating programs and events.
Utilize and adapt existing FNL curriculum. While you will primarily work off of lesson plans developed by the Director of Education, the Educator may occasionally develop and document new activities.
Conduct and track youth evaluation utilizing existing FNL evaluation tools.
Report to coworkers any unsafe conditions and necessary repairs at FNL involving garden, trails, equipment, buildings, or COVID-19 protocols. Occasionally, you may be asked to support maintenance needs.
During weeks with little or no programming (e.g. school closings), time will be spent preparing for future weeks and documenting curriculum work. However, hours worked during such weeks will typically be fewer than those worked during a week when groups meet
Ensure timely documentation of all programming, evaluations, and attendance.
Participate in appropriate organization events and/or outreach events as requested by the Director of Education and Executive Director.

FNL is following safety protocols related to COVID-19 as required by partner communities (school districts, cities) and state guidelines. Protocols are subject to change at any time. Currently, protocols include: Option to wear a mask while indoors and working with partner communities; maintaining social distance

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s or Associate's Degree or equivalent work experience. Candidates whose degree is in-progress will also be considered. Degree preferably in Education, Human Services, Psychology, Biology, Environmental Science, or a related field.
Applicants from low-income backgrounds and/or BIPOC (Black, indigenous, and people of color) are strongly encouraged to apply.
Experience working with elementary school-aged children
Experience and/or strong interest in working with urban, low-income communities and communities of color
Cultural competency and demonstrated commitment to viewing youth work and environmental education through a social and racial justice lens
An outgoing, flexible, can-do approach to working with youth
In-depth knowledge of the outdoors and/or environmental science is a plus, but is not a requirement. The ideal Educator will model for youth a willingness to learn about, explore, and show enthusiasm toward aspects of nature that may or may not be personally familiar to the Educator.
Strong communication skills, written and verbal
Have or be willing to obtain First Aid and CPR Certifications.
FNL staff members are strongly encouraged to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19.
Basic Computer and Technology Skills
Ability to lift and move objects weighing up to 30 pounds several feet
Physical ability to negotiate hilly terrain, dirt roads and dirt and gravel trails.
Physical ability to respond quickly to situations requiring immediate action.
Valid driver’s license and safe driving record, if needing to drive a personal vehicle for Nature Linc’s purposes
Skills in a second language prevalent in local, urban public school communities are a plus.

Applicants must agree to a CORI check as part of the job screening, but evidence of a criminal record is not necessarily an impediment to hiring. A copy of our CORI policy is available upon request.

Benefits

This position is compensated at $22.00/hour and is paid on a biweekly basis
Sick time benefits are available for all employees. Other benefits are not included.
Mileage reimbursement at the standard federal rate of $0.70/mile for 2025

Inclusion Statement

FNL values the diversity of all our clients, staff, Board of Directors, and partners. By bringing diverse individuals and viewpoints together, we create more vibrant, healthy and just communities. FNL welcomes individuals of all backgrounds and experiences regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, political belief, religion, immigration status, veteran status, class, creed, and mental or physical disability.

After school Outdoor Educator

HOW TO APPLY