Loading... Early Childhood Specialist Save Job Friends of Rye Nature Center Rye, New York LinkedIn Copy URL Email Facebook Job Type Permanent Salary $25•$35 per hour Benefits 401(k) plan Deadline Sep 30, 2026 Min. Experience 5+ years Save Job LinkedIn Copy URL Email Facebook Early Childhood Educator Education Specialist for Forest Preschool (Part-time) Have you taught in a traditional school setting but prefer to spend your time outside in nature? Do you feel that preschool children learn through free play? Do you believe in environmental education equity and want to be a part of a team that loves to share immersive experiences in the great outdoors with people of all ages? If you studied ecology, environmental science, and are ready to pursue environmental education as a career, then please read on. Friends of Rye Nature Center (FRNC) is a non-profit organization providing Westchester County with environmental and conservation education programs and events for diverse audiences. From a preschooler learning to maneuver around rocks and mossy logs for the first time, to an avid, senior citizen birder, Environmental Educators are enthusiastic about engaging new participants and experienced naturalists. Programs are conducted on our beautiful 47-acre preserve, as well as local schools, community sites, science fairs, and events near and far. The mission of FRNC is to encourage conservation, provide environmental education, and support access to nature. To achieve our mission,

FRNC:

provides environmental and cultural education to preschool, elementary and secondary school children through our Forest School, supports and conducts conservation research and citizen science, provides opportunities for adults to learn about the natural flora and fauna of the region and the world through high quality public programs, events, and volunteer opportunities, presents programs that inform and entertain the community. Job Summary The Early Childhood Specialist is responsible for delivering FRNC's established curriculum for Forest Preschool. This position acts as a lead, co-teacher within our Forest Preschool program. We promote a team culture and support each other through positive attitudes and professional work ethics.

Availability:

Position is part-time, September through June. The educator must attend regular staff meetings and teach approximately 20 hours per week in the Forest School. Duties and Responsibilities Teaching Requirements Hands-on teaching of Forest Preschool programs Develop and teach educational programs designed for preschoolers related to FRNC's environmental and cultural education series. Promote outdoor exploration and connection of the natural world through daily nature walks and outdoor experiences. Develop and implement high quality curriculum inclusive of literacy, STEAM, safety, and age-appropriate activities in an outdoor setting. Assist in the development of educational objectives, course descriptions, activities and materials lists, acquisition and maintenance of appropriate instructional materials and props, pre•and post-class information. Teaching of programs includes site preparation, setting up materials/props, student instruction, taking down materials/props and returning to storage. Administrative Requirements Attend FRNC meetings as requested. Assist in the development of FRNC's long-term educational goals. Maintain appropriate records of students' progress and development. Daily communication with parents through web-based tools, such as Brightwheel. Lead parent-teacher conferences twice per year. Participate in program evaluations. Take inventory of program materials and provide budget estimates for program development (equipment, materials, props, staff time). Work special events and fundraisers as needed. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Must demonstrate well developed class/group management skills and have strong knowledge of appropriate development of children ages 3-6 years old. Knowledge of innovative lesson planning. Knowledge and experience with local flora, fauna, and natural history for teaching in an outdoor environment. Knowledge of safety requirements pertaining to teaching outdoors. Ability to follow FRNC's safety policies and respond appropriately to an emergency or crisis. Professionalism, excellent leadership, organizational and interpersonal skills. High energy and the ability to work well with others (staff, children, visiting teachers and parents) and to foster a team environment. Good judgment, tact, and courtesy in dealing with the public. Attention to detail, good problem-solving skills and flexibility. Ability to work without direct supervision. Strong oral and written communication skills. Grant writing experience is a plus. Experience working with Microsoft Office, PowerPoint and Excel is a plus. Strong email communication. Skills (group emails, prompt replies). Professional Requirements for Early Childhood Educator Master's degree in early childhood education, elementary education, or related field recreation and parks, interpretation, science or related field. Certification in environmental education preferred. Experience with nature-based programming and education in non-traditional settings (nature center, forest school, camps, parks, etc.). Two years preferred. Demonstrated interest in conservation and environmental education. Must have or be willing to obtain pediatric and adult CPR/AED/first aid certification and Wilderness and First Aid Training. Signed voluntary disclosure statement allowing FRNC to check status against NYS sex offender registry, criminal background check, and federal fingerprint database. Physical Requirements Teaching outdoors requires a reasonable level of physical fitness.

Educator must be able to:

Walk long distances and pull garden carts with props and supplies over various surfaces and rough trails throughout a full day. stand for extended periods of time, sit, kneel, stoop, crawl, twist, reach above head, climb stairs or ramps, and carry up to 25 lbs. Be outside most of the day, during all weather conditions including, but not limited to freezing temperatures, extreme heat, rain, snow, ice, etc. Ideal Candidate The ideal candidate has a love and knowledge of nature and the outdoors and enjoys teaching students of all ages. The candidate has excellent teaching skills, nurturing students in a gentle and positive manner. Also, the candidate embraces FRNC's mission and is a seasoned professional with educational leadership experience and functions effectively as a member of a collaborative teaching team. Organization, reliability, flexibility, and a love of being in nature are key to the role.

How To Apply To Apply:

Email the following to: alli@ryenaturecenter.org Cover letter Resume Three references When you apply, please indicate that you are responding to the posting on Conservation Job Board. Category Environmental Education Tags Naturalist Related Jobs New York Agricultural Stewardship Associate American Farmland Trust Saratoga Springs, NY Job type :

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