School Program Educator
Status: Part time, Permanent
Put your boots on and explore alongside students as they chase butterflies, catch frogs, and learn about
the past through hands-on environmental education programs
Job Summary: Join a team of creative, passionate professionals who work together to connect
children with nature through educational, recreational and cultural experiences. CNC is in search of
Educators with a passion for sharing the natural world in relevant, engaging ways with students in
preschool through high school. Educators work as a team with other program staff delivering high
quality, curriculum-aligned natural and cultural history programs. Educators work a fixed schedule from
2-4 days a week during spring and fall with optional on-call hours in winter and summer.
Objective: To provide high quality natural and cultural history programs to students during field trips
and visits to schools.
Duties & Responsibilities:
• Lead school programs focusing on natural and/or cultural history topics for PreK-12 audiences
• Prepare for programs including gathering and setting up all necessary materials
• Maintain supplies and equipment
• Attend training sessions and staff meetings
• Support the safety of self, team, and visitors within training level
• Work a minimum of 2 days/week, 8:30 am-2:30 pm (4 days max) for the fall and spring seasons
• Assist with some weekend or evening programs throughout the year (optional)
• Other duties as assigned
Required Qualifications:
• Experience in teaching, environmental education, interpretation, outdoor recreation or related
field
• Experience working with children in a group setting
• Ability to communicate with visitors of all ages
• Knowledge of basic interpretive/teaching techniques
• Knowledge of basic natural and/or cultural history
• Ability to meet the physical demands of the position (i.e., hike over rugged terrain and lift 50
pounds)
Preferred Qualifications:
• Certification in Project Wet, Project Wild and similar programs is encouraged
• Bachelor’s degree in environmental education, interpretation, outdoor recreation, public
history, education, or related field.
Status: Part time, permanent
Schedule: 12-24 hours/week for approximately 26 weeks; optional on-call during off-season hours; Fall
season is September-December; Spring season is late Feb-May
Start Date: September 15, 2026
Compensation & Benefits: Starting at $15/hour; CNC membership, 20% discount in Nature Center
Store
Application procedure: Send cover letter and resume to Michelle Fournier, School and Public
Program Director, at [email protected] or 400 S Badour Road, Midland, MI 48640
Overview: CNC is a nonprofit, environmental education organization. Its mission is to connect all people
to nature through educational, recreational and cultural experiences. The 1,200-acre property includes
woodlands, fields, ponds and rivers. CNC’s facilities consist of a Visitor Center with Ecosystem Gallery,
classrooms and Nature Center store; a late 1800s Homestead Farm complex; Nature Preschool; an
arboretum and over 19 miles of nature trails. See www.chippewanaturecenter.org for more information.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement: Chippewa Nature Center is committed to creating a
workplace and visitor experience where all people feel valued for their unique attributes, characteristics,
and perspectives. Staff, volunteers, program participants, visitors, and all those who engage with the
nature center are invited to fully connect with CNC regardless of their race, color, age, national origin,
gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, ability, marital status, political affiliation, or parental status.
Through ongoing learning, training, and listening, CNC strives to welcome all people.
Equal Opportunity Employment: CNC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate
against employees or job applicants on the basis of race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity,
age, national origin, height, weight, handicap or disability, veteran status or any other status or condition
protected by applicable state or federal laws.
