Employment Opportunities

Summer Teacher/Naturalists

(14 positions) Part-time and full-time seasonal positions.

The New Canaan Nature Center is a not-for-profit environmental education center and sanctuary dedicated to helping people of all ages better understand, appreciate and care for the world of nature. Located a short distance north of New York City in southwestern Connecticut, the NCNC serves a broad range of audiences. Camp programs are held from June 2 - August 28, with age-appropriate sessions for grades PreK-4.

RESPONSIBILITIES: Develop and plan interactive and interdisciplinary camp programming for grades PreK-4. Create curriculum and program materials. Teach programs in ecology, environmental science, and general environmental education. Provide enthusiastic and innovative instruction, teaching through hands-on and inquiry-based methods that encourage exploration, appreciation, and stewardship of the natural environment. Lead groups of up to 16 children in an outdoor setting. Handle/teach with captive wildlife. Supervise high-school interns.
Part-time staff are needed for our 9 a.m.-12 p.m. camps for pre-K ages that run Monday-Friday, as well as occasional before-care programming beginning at 8:00 a.m. Full-time staff are needed for our 9 a.m.-3 p.m. camps for pre-K through 4th grade, as well as occasional before and after-care programming from 8-9 a.m. and 3-4 p.m. Flexible schedules throughout the summer are also a possibility.

QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor's degree in Environmental Education, Biology, or Early Childhood Education. Experience working with children in a responsible and professional setting. Demonstrated experience in formal and/or informal teaching desired. Knowledge of (or strong interest in) natural sciences preferred. Ability to work in a team, ability to interact well with visitors, and physical ability to work actively throughout the property in a variety of weather conditions. Enthusiasm for working with children and sense of humor is a must. Must be able to provide your own transportation.

COMPENSATION: $325-$400/week for lead teacher positions. Hourly positions start at $15.00/hour. Free housing available. Camp runs May 28 -August 29, M-F 8:30-4:30 (includes staff training). No camp July 4th.

CLOSING DATE: When filled.

Send letter, resume and 3 references to (no faxes please):

Lisa Monachelli
Acting Director of Camp Programs
New Canaan Nature Center
144 Oenoke Ridge, New Canaan, CT 06840
Email: lmonachelli@newcanaannature.org
(203) 966-9577 x38

AA/EOE