Nature School Educator

Position Details:

Current Rate of Pay: Min = $26.36/hr, Max = $30.56/hr

Employment type: Temporary Contract

Duration of employment: 12 months

Hours of work: Variable hours, part time

Work location: Kortright Centre for Conservation

Division: Education and Training

Business unit: Kortright Programs

Travel: 0%

Remote Work: None

About TRCA:

With more than 60 years of experience, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) is one of 36 Conservation Authorities in Ontario, created to safeguard and enhance the health and well-being of watershed communities through the protection and restoration of the natural environment and the ecological services the environment provides.

TRCA is considered the provincial leader in conserving, restoring, and managing natural resources to advance safe and sustainable development.

To apply to this posting, click on the “Apply” icon. Please submit your resume and cover letter in one PDF or Word file prior to 11:59 pm on October 15, 2024.

How you will contribute as part of the TRCA team:

The Nature School Educator delivers fun, creative and inquiry based, self-directed forest school experiences for children 2.5–5 years of age.

Major Responsibilities:

• Learns program content to be able to effectively deliver interactive nature and forest programs to small groups of pre-school children
• Assesses, records and communicates participant achievement, attendance and milestones
• Ensures program equipment/supplies including demonstration materials are well maintained, clean and appropriately stored
• Provides support with the development of forest school-based programs for an early year’s audience
• Follows all safety policies, operating procedures and guidelines required for The Nature School.
• Reports and records any incidents, such as accidents or significant rule violations, to senior staff

What will you need to succeed:

Education (degree/diploma/certifications/licenses)

• Minimum pursuing a post-secondary diploma or degree in Education, Biology, Environmental Studies, Outdoor Recreation or a related field
• Forest School Practitioners Certification and/or Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE) and/or Ontario Certified Teacher and member in good standing with the Ontario College of Teachers
• Valid Standard First Aid & CPR/AED Level C Certification 
• Successful completion of Vulnerable Sector Screening. Employees/candidates under the age of eighteen (18) years are not eligible to have a VSS, therefore will not be required

Experience

• 1+ years of experience working with early years children (ages 2.5-5) in a group setting
• 1 year of experience delivering forest school programs to early years and assisting with program development

Knowledge/Skill/Ability - Competencies

• Knowledge of natural history or environmentally related disciplines
• Demonstrated knowledge of Forest School pedagogy and approaches to learning
• Ability to deliver programs/information to audiences of various ages, adapting style to ensure audience appropriateness 
• Ability to provide assistance to small children with toileting issues as required
• Ability to communicate effectively with tact and courtesy 
• Ability to work independently and take initiative within a set of guidelines and procedures, and to take direction and notes when given 

What TRCA has to offer you:

As part of a progressive team, you will have the opportunity to make a positive impact to preserving and protecting nature, while maintaining a balance between the natural environment and built environment. Working with experts within our field, you will join a team of colleagues that are committed to TRCA’s core values by demonstrating the following behaviours; integrity, collaboration, accountability, respect, and excellence (icare). 

You will be part of a diverse and inclusive organization that:

• Makes a positive difference in the communities we serve.
• Fosters high performance and collaborative teams.
• Provides continuous learning and development opportunities.
• Offers a comprehensive compensation and benefits program (including Defined Benefit Pension Plan – OMERS/OTPP).
• Pregnancy & Parental Leave Top-Up Program.
• Provides unique TRCA Perks.
• Provides flexible work arrangements.
• Offers potential for career growth and advancement.

While the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) thanks all applicants for their interest, only those under consideration will be contacted for interviews. Please be advised that successful incumbent(s) may be required to undergo a vulnerable sector screening and/or driver’s abstract check as a part of the final step in the hiring process.

TRCA is an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace. Our goal is to attract, develop and retain highly talented employees from diverse backgrounds, allowing us to benefit from a wide variety of experiences and perspectives. In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, and TRCA Policies, accommodation will be provided at any point throughout the hiring process, provided the candidate makes their accommodation needs known to the TRCA. We welcome applications from all qualified persons.

Personal information you provide through the TRCA recruitment, selection, and onboarding process is collected under the authority of the Conservation Authorities Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. C.27. Collection of this personal information is necessary for the proper administration of this recruitment process for employment and volunteer positions with TRCA. Personal information is protected from disclosure pursuant to the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.  Any questions regarding this collection activity should be directed to the Manager of Records and Information, 101 Exchange Avenue, Vaughan, Ontario, L4K 5R6, (437) 880 2308.