After School Teacher and Conservation Educator

Afterschool Teacher and Conservation Educator

Eco Adventures: 2 Part Time or 1 Full Time position(s)

Are you passionate about working with children in a hands-on, engaging environment? Eco Adventures is seeking an enthusiastic, dependable, and energetic after school Childcare Program Staff Member to join our growing team. This role supports our after-school, camp, schools, and special event programs while helping create a safe, fun, and enriching experience for children.

Our program combines childcare, education, creativity, and animal experiences in a unique environment where children can learn through exploration, play, and hands-on activities. No prior animal handling experience is required for this position.

We are currently looking to hire either:

• One full-time team member who can support both childcare and educational programming, or
• OR Two part-time team members: one focused on education/programming and one focused on after school childcare only (12-6:30 M-F)

Our program blends childcare, education, creativity, and animal experiences in a unique environment where children learn through exploration, play, and hands-on activities. No prior animal handling experience is required.

Position Overview

Childcare Program Teacher/Staff are responsible for supervising and engaging children in a safe and supportive environment while assisting with daily activities, transitions, enrichment programs, and animal-related educational experiences.

Staff members play an important role in maintaining structure, ensuring safety, building positive relationships with children and families, and helping create memorable experiences for participants.

While animal handling is not a required part of this position, staff who are interested may have the opportunity to receive training to assist with animal interactions and educational programs. Team members who prefer not to work directly with animals can still be highly successful in this role, as animal care and handling responsibilities can be supported by other trained staff..

Key Responsibilities:  Childcare Teacher Responsibilities

• Supervise groups of children during after-school care, camps, special events, and activities
• Lead and assist with games, crafts, STEM activities, outdoor play, and themed programming
• Support children during transitions, snack time, homework time, and group activities
• Maintain a safe, organized, and positive environment at all times
• Assist with set-up, clean-up, and organization of program materials and activity spaces
• Communicate professionally with parents, caregivers, and coworkers
• Help enforce behavior expectations using positive guidance techniques
• Support animal-based educational activities and experiences as needed
• Ensure all program spaces remain clean, safe, and ready for participants
• Follow all safety, emergency, and childcare procedures
• Assist Child Care Assistant Director with development and preparation of program materials

Educator Responsibilities

• Conduct educational programs that may include outreach programs, school field trips, scout programs, homeschool classes, camps, fairs/special events, Outdoor environmental ed programs, after-school programs, and private tours.
• Safely present ambassador animals during programs while delivering engaging and age-appropriate educational content.
• Plan and prepare materials for educational programming when needed.
• Promote conservation awareness and environmentally responsible practices through educational interactions.

Additional Responsibilities

• Assist with general operational tasks such as customer service, answering phones, program preparation, event setup and cleanup, facility general chores, and administrative support as needed.
• Safely transport children,  animals, and program materials using a company vehicle (15-passenger van or minivan). A clean driving record is required; training will be provided.
• Represent Eco Adventures in a professional and positive manner when interacting with staff, volunteers, and the public.
• Assist in training of new staff members or volunteers as needed.
• Participate in team meetings, trainings, and special events.

Qualifications: Education and Work Experience

Required:

• Valid Maryland driver’s license, a clean driving record, and reliable transportation
• Experience working with children in childcare, camp, education, recreation, or similar settings
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to manage groups of children in an active environment
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team
• Flexible and adaptable with changes to the curriculum or daily schedules and being able to problem-solve quickly
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced,  hands-on environment
• Must pass a background check
• Willingness to work in an environment around animals, including reptiles, amphibians, birds, insects/arachnids, and mammals
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and move actively throughout the shift
• Must be willing to learn how to drive 15 passenger van to transport children  or animals
• Ability to lift up to 30–40 pounds
• Comfortable working indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions

Preferred:

• Experience  working with a variety of ages and abilities
• Interest in nature, science, animals, or environmental education
• MSDE Childcare Teacher Certification (if applying for Childcare Teacher position)  or will train
• Bachelor’s degree in education, biology, or a related field

Schedule

Schedules vary depending on programming and season.

During the school year:

• Monday-Friday 12:00 or 1:15-6:15pm (Childcare Teacher)
• Some evening, or occasional weekend/ event hours may be required
• Usually 30-35 hours per week

During the summer:

• Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm
• Some evening or event hours may be required
• Usually 30-40 hours per week depending on season

New staff must complete training, shadowing, and team-teaching before leading programs independently.

Pay & Benefits

• Training Pay: $17.50/hour
• After Training: $17.75-$20+/hour depending on experience and performance
• 3-month performance review

Additional benefits include:

• Flexible scheduling whenever possible (Educator position is more flexible)
• Flexibility with unpaid time off
• Paid personal day and sick day  every 6 months
• Opportunity to qualify for 401K after one year
• Performance bonuses possible
• Professional development opportunities
• Eco Travel opportunities