Outdoor K-12 Educator

Do you love teaching students & exploring outdoors? Join our team at Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where you will connect students, teachers, and communities to the amazing natural and cultural history of this region. We are seeking a candidate who is dedicated to providing creative, safe, hands-on learning experiences that meet the needs of all students. What You'll Do As an Outdoor Educator, you'll play a key role in bringing the Smokies to life for young learners by: Developing and leading curriculum‑aligned , student‑centered field trips , classroom visits, and distance-learning programs. Creating engaging content, workshops, and program materials to meet the needs of teachers & community partners . Supporting program logistics, including scheduling, supply management, tracking, and coordination. Assisting with training and mentorship of interns, volunteers, and seasonal staff. Supporting the physical and emotional safety of students and coworkers. Working both indoors and outdoors , including hiking up to 4 miles in varying weather conditions (rain, cold, heat) while focusing on student safety & engagement. Why You'll Love It You get to teach in one of the most ecologically diverse places on Earth . Your programs inspire stewardship in the next generation. You join a collaborative, mission‑driven education team.

What We're Looking For Required:

Experience and enjoyment working with students of a variety of ages and capabilities. Comfort working indoors and outdoors in all seasons (heat, cold, rain). Including hiking up to 4 miles round‑trip, carrying up to 30 lbs. Strong verbal communication skills with people of all ages and in small and large group settings; adaptable instructional style. Experience researching and developing creative educational content in various formats. Enjoy building collaborative relationships with community partners and coworkers. Valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and ability to pass a background check. This is a drug‑free workplace.

Preferred:

Fluency in both English and Spanish. Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in one/some of the following fields: environmental education, history, theater, communications, biology, geology, environmental science, park management, or related disciplines. Workplace

• Smokies Life partners directly with the National Park Service.
• You will work alongside Education Park Rangers, interns, and volunteers.
• Indoor work is based at Sugarlands Visitor Center near Gatlinburg, TN.
• Outdoor work will occur across the park in TN and NC.
• You will often travel to schools and community centers in local counties.
• There are opportunities to visit other National Parks and shadow other park work groups.

Smokies Life is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Smokies Life will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Pay:

$25.00 per hour

Benefits:

403(b) matching Dental insurance Employee assistance program Employee discount Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Referral program Retirement plan Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person