Community Nature Educator

Job Title: Community Nature Educator
Reports to: Director of Education and the Frick Environmental Center
Work Status: Full-Time
FLSA Status: Exempt

About the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy:

Our vision:  A vibrant park system that is welcoming, accessible, and enjoyed by all.
Our mission:   We improve quality of life by enhancing and stewarding Pittsburgh’s parks in partnership with the community.

Position Summary

The Community Nature Educator develops and delivers nature-based education programs that strengthen understanding of and connection to Pittsburgh’s parks and their natural and cultural resources. As a member of the Education Department, this position builds and sustains partnerships with community-based organizations to engage children, families, and learners of all ages. Current programming and outreach focus on Homewood, Hazelwood, the Northside, and South Hilltop, with opportunities to serve other communities.

This position represents the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy (PPC) in the community and advances its mission through programming that responds to community needs and partner priorities. The ideal candidate brings strong interpersonal skills, an understanding of natural systems and the intersection of economic and environmental justice, and the ability to communicate the importance of parks and green spaces to individual and community well-being. This position requires adaptability and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

Position Duties

Under the general supervision of the Director of Education, responsibilities include:

- Design engaging, age-appropriate, nature-based learning experiences that promote comfort in, curiosity about, and care for nature. Activities may include nature exploration, arts, crafts, games, gross motor play, mindfulness, and inquiry-based observation.

- Deliver nature-based learning experiences in afterschool programs, summer camps, community parks, and other community learning spaces, incorporating positive youth development principles, inclusive practices, and environmental justice.

- Develop and sustain partnerships with youth- and family-serving organizations, Citiparks, schools, universities, and other community partners through outreach, ongoing communication, collaborative programming, reflection, and assessment.

- Create safe, supportive learning environments through positive reinforcement, role modeling, and respect for learners’ diverse backgrounds and experiences.

- Serve as PPC’s lead representative for the PNC Grow Up Great Buzzword Initiative, which provides early learning and literacy resources to young children and their families, and coordinate programming, partner communication, and required deliverables.

- Collaborate with the education team to deliver K–12 school-based outdoor education programs and identify opportunities to connect school partnerships with community programs.

- Lead and contribute to the planning and delivery of family-based public programs and special events, including Earth Month and Community Campfire.

- Consistently document program participation, outcomes, and outreach activities to support program assessment, grant proposals, and grant reporting.

- Contribute to the training and professional development of part-time educators, camp counselors, volunteers, and interns.

- Collaborate with community engagement and visitor experience staff to coordinate work with community partners and stakeholders.

- Perform other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

- Ability to develop and adapt curriculum and lesson plans for school, afterschool, and camp settings.

- Understanding of natural systems and the role of parks and green spaces in individual and community well-being.

- Commitment to respecting human diversity and fostering appreciation for biodiversity.

- Ability to build collaborative relationships and respond to community needs and partner priorities.

- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and digital tools for research, data management, scheduling, and communication.

- Ability to manage multiple projects, establish priorities, solve problems creatively, and meet deadlines.

- Strong listening, interpersonal, and oral and written communication skills.

- Ability to work independently and collaboratively and adapt programming to different audiences and settings.

Requirements

- Three or more years of experience engaging youth in environmental education, outdoor learning, and/or the arts; or a degree in environmental education or a related field.

- Obtain and maintain required clearances: Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Child Abuse History Clearance, Pennsylvania State Police Criminal History Record Check, and FBI Criminal History Background Check.

- Maintain a valid driver’s license.

- Maintain current First Aid and CPR certifications.

- Availability to work evenings as part of the regular schedule and occasional weekends.

Physical Requirements

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

- Ability to lead and participate in indoor and outdoor educational activities, including remaining seated or standing for extended periods.

- Ability to travel over rough or uneven terrain and wet or slippery surfaces in parks and other outdoor learning spaces.

- Ability to bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and handle program materials and equipment during program preparation, delivery, and cleanup.

- Ability to communicate with participants and colleagues and monitor participants and surroundings during educational activities.

Compensation & Benefits:

The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy offers a competitive compensation and benefits package for eligible full-time employees, including:

- Medical coverage through an Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement (ICHRA)

- Employer-paid dental and vision insurance

- Retirement plan with an employer match of up to 8%

- Employer-paid life insurance

- Short-term and long-term disability coverage

- Generous paid time off and paid holidays

- Paid parental, bereavement, and other applicable leave

- Professional development opportunities

- A flexible work environment with opportunities for hybrid work, based on position responsibilities and organizational needs

The PPC is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or other protected characteristics.