Summer Environmental Science Educator

Who We Are:

NatureBridge provides best-in-class environmental science education experiences for more than 30,000 students and their teachers every year in the world’s best classrooms: our National Parks. Our mission is to connect young people to the science and wonder of the natural world, igniting self-discovery and inspiring stewardship of the planet. Through our programs, students explore the outdoors, connect with their peers, discover themselves and develop a lasting relationship with science and the environment around them.

What You Will Do:

Summer Environmental Science Educators lead NatureBridge’s Summer Days Program, a Yosemite-based day camp for local students ages 5–11. Educators facilitate engaging, developmentally appropriate outdoor experiences that integrate environmental science, social-emotional learning, and play.

Educators work with the same students across multiple weeks, building relationships over time while adapting activities to meet varying group sizes, energy levels, and needs. Programming emphasizes curiosity, exploration, and connection to place through a balance of science investigations, games, hiking, and creative activities.

This position takes place at our campus in Yosemite National Park (El Portal, CA) and cannot be performed remotely. This role runs from June to August. Housing in El Portal, CA is provided. 

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead day camp programming for elementary-aged students (5–11) in outdoor settings within Yosemite Valley.
• Facilitate engaging, age-appropriate environmental science activities that incorporate play, exploration, and creativity.
• Adapt lessons and activities to meet the needs of returning students and varying daily attendance.
• Foster a supportive, inclusive, and respectful group environment that prioritizes student well-being and belonging.
• Use strong behavior management strategies to support group dynamics and positive student interactions.
• Collaborate closely with a co-educator to plan and deliver cohesive weekly programming.
• Balance structured learning with flexible, student-centered experiences including games, hiking, water play, and creative expression.
• Follow NatureBridge risk management policies and procedures; maintain awareness of environmental conditions including heat and smoke.
• Ensure student safety and provide first aid as needed; document incidents according to organizational protocols.
• Communicate effectively with families, staff, and supervisors to support a high-quality participant experience.
• Participate in staff meetings, training sessions, and program reflection.
• Maintain program materials and contribute to a clean, organized teaching environment.
• Support overall program success through additional duties as assigned.

Compensation:

• $17.14/hour
• Paid Sick Leave
• Housing may be provided as a benefit of employment.

Who You Are:

We are looking for candidates who have:

• Experience working with children aged 5-12 (formal or informal education settings such as camps, classrooms, or youth programs).
• Experience in environmental education, outdoor education, or summer camp programming.
• Familiarity with place-based or experiential teaching methods.
• Ability to create engaging, age-appropriate learning experiences that balance structure and play.
• Strong behavior management skills and experience supporting diverse learning and behavioral needs.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and fostering a sense of belonging for all students.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a co-educator and broader team.
• Flexibility, adaptability, and a positive attitude in a dynamic, outdoor work environment.
• Physically able to work outdoors in hot weather and variable conditions.
• Ability to hike short distances on uneven terrain while supervising children.
• Available to work flexible hours, including evenings and occasional weekends and overnights.
• Current WFA (or willingness to obtain prior to start date). Tuition assistance available.

If you are interested in the role and do not meet every requirement listed, please still apply! We are interested in applicants with unique lived experience and skill sets.

*All NatureBridge Employees are required to complete a background check. 

Why should you join the NatureBridge team?

• We are a mission-driven organization that values your contributions and supports you in making a positive impact on young people and the environment
• You will get to work in a beautiful natural setting with other dedicated staff who are passionate about the environment
• We are invested in supporting our staff through professional development & mentorship.

NatureBridge is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate based on any protected category, including, but not limited to, race, color, religion, gender, gender expression (including transgender expression or pregnancy), political affiliation, age, immigration status or disability. We encourage qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply. Please let us know if you require any accommodation.