Crow's Nest Preserve Nature Club Education Assistant

About the role

Crow’s Nest Preserve is made up of 712 acres of protected lands along French Creek and is part of a network of nature preserves owned and managed by the not-for-profit organization Natural Lands in the greater Philadelphia area. The preserve serves as both a showcase of responsible natural area management and a place for the public to connect with nature. Crow’s Nest Camp runs a nature-themed day camp each summer for children in grades 1 through 8 and strives to build children’s love of the natural world through unstructured play and exploration.

The Nature Club Education Assistant will collaborate with the Educator and other staff to deliver educational programs on the preserve. This role involves direct work with children as well as operational aspects of education programs, including planning and setup/cleanup. The ideal candidate will have experience with a variety of semi-structured and informal educational techniques and be comfortable working in natural outdoor settings.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Educator and other instructors with all aspects of education programs, including planning experiential activities
• Set up and clean up program materials and spaces
• Lead children’s activities in outdoor settings

Requirements

• Strong affinity for the environment and outdoor activities
• Excellent ability to work with children
• Highly motivated, responsible, and reliable
• First Aid/CPR certification preferred
• Ability to work 37.5 hours per week
• Availability to work during program hours, typically mornings from 10:00am – 11:30am and/or afternoons from 4:30pm – 6:00pm
• Maintain a valid driver’s license
• Successfully pass a background check
• Ability to walk, stand, bend, and squat on uneven terrain
• Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds and push up to 50 pounds
• Prepared to work outdoors under all conditions, including heat, cold, and occasional exposure to poison ivy, biting and stinging insects, etc.

Schedule

This is a part-time, seasonal position with programs running during an 8-week season in the Fall, Winter, and Spring. Program hours are typically mornings from 10:00am – 11:30am and/or afternoons from 4:30pm – 6:00pm, depending on the program supported.