Educator, Community Programs

About the Role

Serves as the instructor for the Outdoor Youth Corps (OYC) and Outdoor Leadership Corps (OLC) programs, as well as other community and youth education initiatives. Facilitates hands-on stewardship projects, outdoor experiences, and career readiness while supporting program operations, logistics, and community partnerships. Connects program participants to plants, conservation, and sustainability to make a positive impact in the St. Louis community.

Responsibilities

• Participates in creating, preparing, and implementing all aspects of OYC and OLC, including instruction, fieldwork, and collaboration with community partners and program funders.
• Develops and delivers environmental education lessons, activities, and stewardship projects.
• Assists the Community Programs team in preparing and delivering community programs as directed.
• Participates in team planning sessions to ensure coordinated and effective instruction aligned with learning goals.
• Creates a positive, safe, and culturally appropriate learning environment for participants.
• Implements programs at off-site locations (field trips, outreach, extended outdoor experiences), the Main Garden campus, community project sites, and other Garden sites (e.g., The Butterfly House, Litzsinger Road Ecology Center, Shaw Nature Reserve).
• Facilitates discussions connecting participants to environmental science, plant science, and sustainability.
• Mentors participants in horticulture, botany, sustainability, conservation, and community engagement.
• Builds career readiness skills among participants.
• Leads nature-based outdoor experiences such as canoeing, hiking, and field trips.
• Acts as a liaison with community partners to develop hands-on projects supporting participant skill development and partner needs.
• Collaborates with Sustainability Division colleagues and educators to develop, evaluate, and review best practices and teaching methods.
• Purchases, prepares, organizes, and maintains teaching tools, stewardship equipment, and field trip supplies.
• Instructs and uses tools for restoration projects, including hand tools, power tools, and herbicide equipment.
• Holds a valid Missouri Commercial Pesticide Applicator license for invasive plant species control and ensures compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Oversees participants and volunteers in invasive species removal using manual, mechanical, or chemical methods.
• Transports participants to field sites using trucks, cars, and 15-passenger vans.
• Maintains databases and files for participant information, metrics, and program photos.
• Assists in collecting data and reporting for annual program summaries and grant reporting.
• Ensures adherence to safety standards, including informing participants of safety guidelines and monitoring compliance.
• Follows established policies, procedures, and safety guidelines.
• Promotes teamwork and cooperation within the division and across the Garden.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years of experience in student teaching, naturalist work, outdoor recreation leadership, camp counseling, or similar instructional roles.
• Experience working with high-school students preferred.
• Minimum of one year of experience in conservation, including invasive species removal, tree planting, and native species work.
• Knowledge of environmental education principles, outdoor adventures, and conservation techniques.
• Knowledge of native plants, plant materials, and landscape maintenance tools.
• Experience with group leadership and educational background preferred.
• Experience with OYC or similar programs preferred.
• Ability to work with diverse high school-aged students, young adults, and emerging professionals.
• Interest in ecology, environmental issues, and the outdoors.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate in preparing materials and sharing expertise in science and teaching.
• Use of a personal car may be required for purchasing supplies and traveling to schools or community worksites in Missouri and Illinois.
• Scheduling flexibility to work overtime, overnights, evenings, and weekends as needed.

Skills

• Communication: Listens actively, writes clearly, speaks professionally, and supports positive visitor relations.
• Collaboration: Demonstrates teamwork, promotes respect, engages in problem-solving, and strives for positive visitor experiences.
• Accountability: Commits to responsibilities, adapts to changes, prioritizes tasks, and meets deadlines and safety standards.
• Problem Solving: Identifies and resolves problems, recommends solutions, and exhibits sound judgment in decision-making.
• Stewardship: Adheres to sustainability, safety, and security protocols; fosters diversity and inclusion; and maximizes contributions during work hours.

Education and Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Science, Education, Science Education, Ecology, Recreation, or outdoor education (or equivalent combination of skills, education, and experience).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Access, Publisher) and internet navigation.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English (oral and written).
• Basic math aptitude (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percentages, decimals).
• CPR and First Aid certification (must be obtained and maintained).
• Valid driver’s license with class E certification; ability to pass a background screening and motor vehicle report (MVR).
• Commercial Pesticide Applicator License in Missouri (must be acquired upon hiring).

Physical Demands

• Ability to walk up to three miles on uneven terrain, on and off trails.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying temperatures (below 32°F to 100°F+) and uncomfortable conditions (e.g., humidity, rain, snow, mosquitoes, ticks).
• Flexible scheduling, including overnights, weekends, and evening hours.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds (e.g., loading/unloading supplies and equipment).
• Ability to drive a 15-passenger van and heavy-duty truck.
• Proficiency in computer keyboard use (typing).
• Ability to perform tasks at varying heights (e.g., climbing ladders or step stools).

Work Environment

• Indoor classroom settings and outdoor locations at various Garden sites and off-site venues.
• Instruction at schools, fieldwork sites, or informal institutions.
• Shared office space with the Community Programs Supervisor.
• Exposure to outdoor elements, including extreme temperatures and weather conditions.

Contacts

• Sustainability Division colleagues and volunteers.
• Employees across the Garden.
• High school and college students, parents, and local environmental professionals.
• Community partner organizations, including Outdoor Leadership Corps partner Great Rivers Greenway.

Reports to: Supervisor, Community Programs.