The Ecology School is an organization that works hard to practice what we teach and to teach with intention. Located at River Bend Farm in Saco, Maine, The Ecology School provides a variety of programming including conferences, workshops, camps, and school programs. Ecology Educators will work with our school programs in spring and fall and with a variety of youth and adult programs during the summer season. We are committed to making every program empowering, informative, nature-based, and fun for our participants and pour our hearts, energy, and time into our work. Our strong, supportive community of Educators live nearby in offsite staff housing for the entirety of the term, allowing an opportunity to make lifelong connections with people from all across the country. The Ecology School’s team works to maintain a strong support system to ensure that our educators can deliver their very best lessons. An integral part of our mission is to use laughter and storytelling as key learning tools. This means our Educators are wearing costumes on a daily basis to perform educational skits and songs that help our students make connections. We are seeking new members of our Educator team starting March 2nd, 2023. A successful Educator is someone ready to invest their time and energy into making our community, programs, and the experiences of our visiting schools and participants the best that they can be. As an Educator, you will gain valuable teaching skills, as well as experience with, and insight into, a successful non-profit. You will also gain experience hosting conference groups for farm and site experiences. We are looking for hard working individuals, who are excited to share place-based experiences with students and guests of all ages.

Spring Term (March – Mid June): Educators will focus on our school programming, mostly working with 5th-8th grade students in overnight programming. Educators will also join in facilitation of outreach or day programs with students of all ages.

Summer Season (Mid June – August): Summer will have the widest variety of activities for Ecology Educators. This will consist of group programs similar to the spring term, overnight camp programs (that include overnight supervision in the dorms) helping to host during adult programs.

Fall Term (September – November): Programming is run similarly to Spring Term.

**We are looking for staff to join us for this full March-November timeline, but open to discuss shorter one-season options.**

Compensation & Benefits 1. A starting salary of $450 per week. Returning Educators are eligible for additional compensation. 2. Free, furnished housing for the duration of employment, including weekends 3. Meals are provided during onsite overnight programming, supplemental food is provided for off-site programming, many dietary accommodations are available 4. Access to farm-fresh produce 5. Extensive training in outdoor education and imbedded staff development 6. Access to our private Saco River waterfront and boating equipment 7. Free Ecology School gear including a T-shirt, water bottle, stickers, field guide, and curriculum guide 8. Eligibility for Pro Deals 9. Free laundry

Outcomes 1. Experience preparing and implementing lesson plans and adapting content to a wide variety of different learners. 2. A deeper understanding of your personal teaching style, strengths, and skillset through experience and feedback. 3. Connection to our extended community of professional environmental educators who make up an informed, passionate, and fun-loving network.

Responsibilities 1. Plan, prepare for, and teach lessons to a group of approximately 12 students generally between 3rd and 8th grade. 2. Deliver outdoor lessons, including both day and evening programs. 3. Attend and participate in meals (usually sitting at a student table to share the meal and to engage students). 4. Perform various assigned duties (3-5 per week) such as breakfast or lunch dishes, recreation or dorm supervision, and site set up. 5. Work long, often strenuous hours, mostly outdoors. Working with our overnight school programming typically begins at 8am and ends at 8:30pm with prep and break time within that shift. 6. Adhere to a set schedule. 7. Drive to and from outreach programs on occasion. Mileage will be reimbursed and a car is not required. 8. Assist in hosting adult programs and conferences on campus; could include help in the kitchen, farm and site tours, or water front support. 9. Supervise summer academy students in the dorms. 10. Attend all scheduled meetings, including all Staff Meetings, Teachers Meetings, and other meetings called as necessary. 11. Participate in pre-lesson and mealtime educational skits and songs. 12. Assist in developing curriculum, skits, and program materials for The Ecology School. 13. Consult with classroom teachers and The Ecology School administrative team to make decisions regarding students’ conduct. 14. Develop good rapport and positive relations with students, teachers, other participants, and fellow educators. 15. Assist with fall and spring weekend programs on an as needed basis. 16. Live in staff housing with co-workers. 17. Arrive with training in CPR and First Aid.

Qualifications 1. Willingness to be a strong contributor to a living and learning community of ecology educators. 2. Ability to work long, often strenuous hours, mostly outdoors, managing groups of children. 3. Ability to adapt and problem solve in-the-moment. 4. Experience working with K-8 aged children. 5. BS or BA degree or equivalent life/work experience. 6. Willingness to learn content and methodology and an openness to feedback.