Current Job Openings

Position Title: Environmental Educator

Reports To: Director of Education and Director of Public Programs and Research

Job Summary: The Environmental Educator develops and delivers high-quality environmental education programs for youth, families, adults, and especially K–12 students. Using place-based and hands-on learning, the educator connects diverse audiences with local ecosystems, wildlife, and conservation. The role designs lesson plans, curricula, and interpretive materials tailored for school-age learners; prepares teaching supplies and program resources; and leads guided hikes, outdoor classes, and hands-on learning experiences.

This position also supports outreach by creating educational content for printed materials, signage, digital platforms, and social media, and by representing Norcross at community events. The educator helps maintain accessible trails and outdoor learning areas, contributes to citizen science projects, builds partnerships with schools and community organizations, and assists with grant and program planning.

Overall, the Environmental Educator enhances public understanding of nature and strengthens Norcross’s capacity to provide meaningful, high-quality environmental education for K–12 students and the broader community.

FLSA Status: Exempt
Job Type: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week
Salary Range: $68,000 – $72,000
Job Location: 30 Peck Rd, Wales MA

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Shared Responsibilities:

• All employees shall maintain a safe, cooperative, and professional working relationship with all NWF staff, directors, and the public, and ensure the safety and security of all persons associated with NWF work, and all NWF property.
• Take personal responsibility for their tasks and areas of responsibility.
• Use NWF vehicles, machinery, equipment, and tools in a safe and appropriate manner.
• Engage in physical labor as needed (see Physical Requirements, below).
• Utilize technology such as computers to facilitate efficient NWF management of work activities and resources.
• Work with and maintain cooperative relationships with local vendors and contractors.

Specific Duties:

1. Education

• Develop and implement high-quality environmental education programs for Pre-K through high school audiences, including homeschool groups, private schools, summer camps, and other youth or family programs.
• Design lesson plans, activity guides, and themed curricula aligned with state educational standards and organizational goals.
• Prepare and maintain program supplies, teaching materials, live specimens, and demonstration tools.
• Lead engaging, place-based programs focused on local ecosystems, wildlife, conservation, and sustainability.
• Adapt teaching methods to meet the needs of diverse audiences such as school groups, Scouts, families, and adult learners.
• Use interpretive techniques to make complex ecological concepts clear, accessible, and enjoyable.
• Develop off-site programs and remote/virtual learning opportunities as needed.
• Collaborate with fellow educators, volunteers, and conservation partners to strengthen and expand programming.

2.Communications, Outreach, & Social Media

• Oversee and manage public information materials, including pamphlets, maps, newsletters, reports, and on-site interpretive signage.
• Create educational and interpretive content for youth, family, and general audiences through signage, printed materials, digital platforms, and social media.
• Assist in creating digital and social media content that highlights programs, wildlife, and conservation initiatives.
• Represent Norcross at community events, school fairs, outreach programs, and science days.

3.Trails Management & Informal Education

• Lead guided nature hikes and tours for children, families, and general visitors.
• Oversee management and maintenance of trails and outdoor program areas, including the grounds surrounding the Administration Building and parking area.
• Serve as the ADA Trails Coordinator, ensuring trails, programs, and resources are accessible, inclusive, and in alignment with the collaborative project with the Town of Wales.
• Develop interpretive materials that support informal learning along trails and outdoor spaces, fostering curiosity and independent exploration.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Contribute to planning and implementing future projects, including enhancements to the Administration Building, trailside museum, ADN Trophy Room, and other educational displays.
• Assist with grant writing and reporting related to education, outreach, and conservation initiatives.
• Serve as a “Wildlife Ambassador” by responding to wildlife inquiries and providing accurate, engaging public communication about local species.
• Coordinate staff training and professional development related to environmental education and public programming.
• Build and maintain partnerships with community organizations, NGOs, schools, and regional collaborators.
• Coordinate on-site events and programs for youth, families, and general audiences.
• Assist with citizen-science projects and community-based monitoring efforts.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Strong knowledge of ecology, environmental science, and conservation.
• Ability to translate scientific concepts into engaging, age-appropriate programs for K–12 students and general audiences.
• Skill in designing lesson plans, curricula, interpretive materials, and hands-on learning activities.
• Effective teaching, facilitation, and group management skills in both indoor and outdoor settings.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for outreach, educational materials, digital content, and public engagement.
• Ability to lead guided hikes and outdoor programs safely and confidently in various weather and terrain conditions.
• Competence in preparing and maintaining teaching supplies, specimens, field equipment, and educational resources.
• Proficiency with computers, digital tools, and social media platforms used for education and outreach.
• Strong organizational and project management abilities, including coordinating events, partnerships, and citizen-science activities.
• Ability to foster inclusive, accessible learning environments and serve as ADA Trails Coordinator as needed.
• Capacity to work collaboratively with staff, volunteers, schools, and community organizations.
• Professionalism and confidence in representing Norcross at public events and responding to wildlife inquiries as a Wildlife Ambassador.
• Flexibility, adaptability, and strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

 MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• Five+ years’ teaching experience in environmental science, environmental education, or a closely related field and/or other forms of public programs and engagement or demonstrated comparable experience.
• Valid driver’s license and good driving record.
• Able to pass a CORI/SORI check

 PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to walk on natural terrain surfaces and to walk three miles or more.
• Frequent standing, 2 to 3 hours during school programs.
• Ability to drive.
• Ability to focus for long periods of time on projects.
• Ability to reach, stoop, and lift educational materials and supplies.

The above is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. Norcross Wildlife Foundation is an equal opportunity employer.

To Apply: email a cover letter and resume to info@norcrosswildlife.org with subject line “Environmental Educator Application”.