Summer Nature Educator
Summer Nature Educator: Wild Bear Nature Center
Our Mission
To inspire a lifelong connection to nature and community through creative outdoor exploration.
About the Role
Wild Bear Nature Center is seeking Seasonal Nature Educators to lead our 2026 Summer Nature Camp programs. This role is ideal for experienced, creative, child-centered educators who love teaching outdoors and thrive in a collaborative, hardworking, and joyful environment.
Our camps are held outdoors whenever possible and blend science, nature exploration, art, music, games, storytelling, and hands-on projects. Educators bring each day to life by building engaging, flexible schedules rooted in curiosity and connection to place.
Key Responsibilities
- Plan and lead creative, full-day, hands-on nature programs
- Create engaging daily plans while remaining flexible to children’s interests and the natural world
- Ensure the safety, supervision, and well-being of all children
- Collaborate with the education team on curriculum, materials, and logistics
- Organize and maintain education supplies and program spaces
- Integrate new ideas into existing Wild Bear programs
- Mentor and support interns, building their confidence and leadership skills
- Communicate regularly with the education team regarding plans and support needs
- Drive a 12- or 15-passenger van to nearby outdoor sites
Program Focus Areas
Please indicate your preferred age group(s) and why you’re a great fit in your cover letter:
- Early Childhood (Ages 5-6 & 6–7): Educators who value magic, wonder, and imaginative exploration.
- School Age (Ages 8–9): Project-oriented educators who inspire curiosity through hands-on discovery.
- Tweens & Teens (Ages 10+): Educators who creatively connect adventure-based and higher-level science concepts to daily life.
We welcome candidates with Waldorf, creative, and non-traditional education backgrounds.
Qualifications
- 600+ hours of verifiable experience leading children in full day programming.
- Completed or in-progress degree in education, environmental studies, natural science, or a related field
- Ability to pass Colorado Department of Human Services and FBI background checks
- Three positive professional references
- Experience planning innovative, full-day educational programs
- Current First Aid/CPR certification
You Might Be a Great Fit If You Are…
- Deeply child-focused and student-centered in your teaching
- Experienced with experiential, creative, or non-traditional education models
- Knowledgeable about natural history and eager to keep learning
- Organized, adaptable, and solution-oriented
- A confident communicator and engaging presenter
- Fun, kind, creative, and excited to spend your days outdoors with kids
Schedule & Compensation
Camp runs Monday–Friday, approximately 8:00 AM–4:00 PM for 10 weeks.
- Training: Begins May 26, 2026, Continued training June 19th, July 3rd.
- Camp Dates: June 1, 2026 - August 7, 2026.
- Hours: Approximately 40 hours per week
- Stipend: $140 per day
- Housing: Staff housing may be available through our partner organization, Eldora Ski Resort
How to Apply
Previous experience in outdoor or environmental education is preferred, but a strong passion for teaching and nature is essential. Previous experience leading full day programs is required.
Please send a resume, letter of interest (including age-group preference), and references to:
Frankie Beard
Director of Educational Operations
frankie@wildbear.org
Learn more at www.wildbear.org
No phone calls, please.