Nature Preschool Assistant

Description of Organization:

River Bend Nature Center in Wichita Falls, Texas is a twenty-acre, private 501 c(3) non-profit environmental education facility that serves the communities of North Texas and Southeastern Oklahoma. At River Bend Nature Center, we are dedicated to fostering a deeper connection between people and nature. We educate, inspire, and promote environmental stewardship through hands-on experiences and community engagement. As a non-profit organization, we rely on a collaborative and passionate team to drive our initiatives and make a positive impact on our community and the environment. Plus, River Bend is a fun place to work! Why Join our

Team:

Healthy Team Environment:

We prioritize employee well-being and encourage a balanced work-life dynamic.

Inclusive Work Culture:

We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued.

Professional Development:

Ongoing training and learning opportunities to help you grow.

Collaborative Spirit:

Open communication and mutual support so the team can do its best work.

Meaningful Work:

Make a tangible difference through conservation-focused education and community programs.

Job Overview:

The Nature Preschool Assistant plays a key support role in delivering high-quality early childhood programming through outdoor, play-based, nature-focused learning. This position assists the Lead Nature School Teacher/Education Assistant with daily classroom routines, lesson support, activity preparation, supervision, and maintaining a safe and nurturing learning environment for preschool-aged children. As a small, collaborative team, Nature Preschool Assistants may also fill in as an Education and Visitor Guide as needed . Responsibilities may shift during a shift based on staffing needs, scheduled programs, and visitor flow. Programming and visitor experience take priority during operating hours.

Job Duties:

Nature Preschool Classroom Support:

Assist with daily instruction, hands-on activities, and nature exploration experiences; support lesson delivery under the direction of the Lead Nature School Teacher/Education Assistant. Safety & supervision outdoors: Maintain a physically and emotionally safe environment, supervise children in outdoor settings and varied weather/terrain, and follow health/safety protocols. Prep & learning environment: Prepare materials and set up indoor/outdoor learning spaces; organize supplies and maintain an orderly, welcoming program area. Documentation & family communication: Track attendance, document learning (notes/photos/work samples as applicable), and communicate professionally with families in coordination with leadership. Program quality & growth: Collaborate with the education team to improve the program, support enrollment/retention efforts, and participate in training/professional development.

Facility Standards:

Maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming environment in all preschool and shared spaces; follow "clean as you go" expectations. Education/Visitor Guide Support (as needed): Greet and assist visitors, provide basic exhibit interpretation, answer questions, assist with programs/camps/events, and support a positive visitor experience as assigned.

Training:

Participate in training sessions and workshops to learn RBNC standards, preschool routines, safety procedures, and educational materials.

Record Keeping:

Complete required documentation accurately and on time (e.g., attendance records, incident reports, visitor/program notes as required).

Other Duties:

Perform other duties as directed by RBNC leadership in alignment with RBNC priorities and procedures.

Education:

High school diploma or equivalent; additional education or relevant experience preferred

Experience:

Preferred:

Experience working with preschool-aged children or in a learning environment such as a school, childcare, camps, babysitting, etc.

Required:

Demonstrate understanding, patience, receptivity, and a positive attitude toward children, their families, co-workers etc.

Preferred:

Experience supporting or delivering educational programming beyond the classroom (camps, outreach, field trips, visitor engagement, or interpretive programs).

Preferred:

Comfortable working with the public and assisting with visitor-facing duties when needed.

Skills & Traits:

Must genuinely enjoy working with children of all ages and the public. Strong communication and interpersonal skills (verbal and written). Organized, dependable, and proactive; able to manage prep and shifting priorities. Willingness to learn RBNC materials, rules, exhibits, and facility history/content. Interest in nature conservation and environmental education. Proficiency in Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Drive, Calendar) and/or Office 360 Flexibility for occasional weekends, evenings, and holidays as needed.

Working Conditions:

20-30-hour work week (part-time) Core teaching schedule: Monday-Friday 8:30 AM-12:15 PM Additional hours include outreach/programming support, and fill-in coverage as needed. Some schedule flexibility may be available, but consistent coverage is essential during program hours Occasional weekends/evenings/holidays may be required for special events and programs.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to hike moderate distances over uneven terrain while carrying materials (e.g., backpack/trail bag) Ability to sit at a desk and work on a computer for extended periods. Ability to lift up to 40 lbs. Ability to stand for long periods; crouch/sit on the ground at a child's level. Ability to work outdoors and tolerate exposure to outdoor elements.

Benefits:

Simple IRA Paid Time Off Free Admission to

Special Events Store Discount Facility Rental Free or Discounted Parental Leave Bereavement Leave Reports To:

Operations and Finance Director (with day-to-day direction as assigned by the Lead Nature School Teacher/Education Assistant and/or Education Director as needed) How to

Apply:

Applicants must fill out the application on our website and send in a resume and cover letter: https://riverbendnaturecenter.org/about/employment/ All applicants are reviewed; selected candidates will be contacted for an initial phone interview. For candidates who have a successful phone interview, on-site interview will be scheduled next before an offer is extended. River Bend Nature Center is an equal-opportunity employer that maintains a policy of nondiscrimination with respect to all employees and applicants for employment. All personnel actions are administered without regard to race, sexual orientation, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability of otherwise qualified individuals, or any other status protected by law.

Job Type:

Part-time Pay:

$13.00 - $15.00 per hour

Benefits:

Employee discount Flexible schedule Paid time off Retirement plan

Work Location:

In person