Outdoor Education Specialist Teacher

General Function

Under the general direction of the COO/Executive Director of the Norton Outdoor Center, The Outdoor Education Specialist Teacher will serve a dual role increasing the quality of our Camp Finberg year-round outdoor education programming. During the school year, the Specialist is responsible for assisting with the development and implementation of a nature preschool at our Norton Outdoor Center in conjunction with the Center Program Director and the MA Department of Early Education and Care to design developmentally appropriate multi-sensory, play and nature-based curriculum incorporating a variety of hands-on experiences. During the summer months, the Specialist serves as a critical member of the Camp Finberg leadership team and will manage and coordinate ropes course activities, archery activities and garden programming for camp participants and training for camp staff.

Essential Duties

• In collaboration with the Camp Directors and staff create a fun and engaging outdoor education programs for all campers.
• Maintains a safe environment and ensures all staff adhere to the ropes and archery course safety rules.
• Monitors the outdoor education programming to ensure they are being delivered according to the established schedule.
• Schedules staff accordingly for specialty camp weeks and special events.
• Engages in positive rapport and open communication with staff, campers, and parents/guardians.
• Maintains a face count of campers.
• Is attentive to the feelings and emotions of campers and responds or intervenes appropriately.
• Promotes the unique talents and diverse abilities of campers by establishing a welcoming environment.
• Monitors interactions between campers to ensure healthy dialogue and offers guidance on conflict resolution as needed.
• Attends all mandatory YMCA staff meetings, team meetings and staff trainings.
• Abides by all camp and YMCA policies & procedures.
• Actively promotes camp and the Attleboro YMCA.
• Assists with other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 21 years old.
• Excellent organization skills

• MA EEC Lead Teacher certification or willing to attain.
• Interest and/or experience in nature-based, emergent, and anti-bias teaching in Early Childhood Education.
• Interest in the natural world and a willingness to work outdoors in all kinds of weather.
• Experience teaching young children.
• Demonstrate success in working as a member of a team.
• Effective and strong communication skills (oral and written).
• Must be CPR and First Aid certified or willing to attain.

• Instructor-level certification preferred.
• Appropriate ropes/archery course certification or willing to obtain certification.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Outdoor Settings: Much of your work will take place outdoors, in natural environments such as forests, parks, or gardens.
• Varied Weather Conditions: You'll need to be prepared to work in different weather conditions, from sunny days to rain or snow.
• Natural Elements: You'll be surrounded by nature, which can include uneven terrain, plants, wildlife, and various natural materials.
• Flexible Spaces: Your classroom may not have traditional walls or desks. Instead, you might utilize outdoor shelters, tents, or open-air spaces.
• Outdoor Mobility: You'll need to be able to navigate outdoor environments, which may involve walking, hiking, or climbing over natural obstacles.
• Lifting and Carrying: Setting up outdoor learning materials, equipment, or supplies may require lifting and carrying items such as logs, rocks, or educational materials.
• Weather Resilience: Enduring exposure to various weather conditions, such as sun, rain, wind, or cold temperatures, while ensuring the safety and comfort of children.
• Active Engagement: Participating in outdoor activities alongside children, which might include gardening, nature walks, sensory exploration, or creative play.
• Ability to perform strenuous physical tasks including setting up & breaking down equipment and picking up a child.
• Ability to communicate verbally, including projecting voice across distance in normal and loud situations.
• Ability to stay calm in stressful and emergency situations