Lead Educator, Summer Neighbors & Nature

Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center (DPNC) is a non-profit nature center in Mystic, CT that provides environmental education programs for all ages. Coogan Farm is home to DPNC’s Neighbors & Nature nature-based child care program. Learn more about the mission and programs of DPNC at dpnc.org. Interested applicants should contact Suzanne Burns at sburns@dpnc.org. 

DPNC is seeking a lead educator to conduct nature-based child care and education for elementary-age students. Operating hours at Neighbors & Nature  are weekdays from 7am to 6pm at Coogan Farm in Mystic. Summer shifts are generally 8/8:30am to 4/4:30pm, mid June through August. This is a full-time position, 40 hours per week and is a seasonal position. 

Tasks & responsibilities include:

• Leading our school-age children through daily schedule
• Planning and preparing age-appropriate activities for students
• Spending time outdoors in a variety of habitats and weather conditions
• Leading hikes and nature exploration around Nature Center trails.
• Engaging professionally with parents at pick up and drop off times.
• Handling DPNC resident education animals (may include snakes, turtles and frogs)
• Completing cleaning duties to maintain a presentable environment
• Assist with meal time and ensure children are practicing best possible hygiene
• Maintain accurate records of campers’ attendance and incidents
• Support children in their personal and social development
• Various other duties as assigned by the Education Director and Afterschool Program Director

Qualifications:

• High school diploma
• At least 18 years old
• Prior experience in classrooms or with groups of children is required
• Willingness to work with live animals
• Enthusiasm for interacting with children and teaching them about the natural world
• Comfortable managing small and large groups, both in a classroom setting and outside
• Proficient knowledge of the area’s natural history
• Willingness to work professionally alongside various co-leaders
• Ability to handle challenging situations with patience and professionalism
• A valid driver’s license

About DPNC

The Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center (DPNC) is a nonprofit nature center in Mystic, CT that offers environmental education programs for all ages. Since 1946, DPNC has provided the community and visitors with opportunities to better understand and appreciate the natural world and our place in it. DPNC manages and stewards a 400-acre greenway with more than 10 miles of trails that features 17th century stonewalls, woodlands, wetlands, and meadows. At the DPNC’s main facility, the woodland campus, guests can discover nature through natural history exhibits and meeting rehabilitated wildlife. The creation of the Coogan Farm in 2013 has added additional layers of education, history, and a Giving Garden that donates thousands of pounds of bio-nutrient rich produce to the food insecure of New London County each year.

We encourage you to visit our social media channels to get a better idea of who we are and what we do:

facebook.com/DPNatureCenterMystic

Instagram: @DPNatureCtr