Environmental Education Instructor

~ At the McDowell Environmental Center, our curriculum is more than a walk in the woods although it may start there. ~

We believe experiential classes help students to better understand the natural world, leading them to a sense of responsibility for it. Focused on basic ecological concepts, the curriculum is hands-on and our classroom is the great outdoors, giving students the greatest opportunity to learn about themselves and their environment.

Position Summary

McDowell Environmental Center is now hiring for Spring 2023! Our season runs from February 8 – May 16, 2023. 

Come help us share our 1,140 acres of forests, streams, waterfalls, and canyons in northwest Alabama with groups of students from all over the Southeast. Environmental Education Instructors work with the students to foster a sense of community as well as an appreciation, understanding, and responsibility for our environment.  Students of the McDowell Environmental Center come from a variety of backgrounds and visit our Center for three day programs. These students are mostly 3rd-8th grade students.

Teach engaging, hands-on classes in the great outdoors, i.e., forest ecology, earth science, aquatic ecology, canoeing, team building, and high ropes. Adapt the established lesson plans to match your teaching style and strengths. Staff lead 1-2 evening programs a week such as campfire, night hikes, astronomy, and live animal programs. Have a chance to work and teach with our educational raptors, snakes, and turtles. 

Work with a team of passionate and friendly individuals from all across the country. Work week is Monday-Friday with all weekends off. Building a strong and cohesive team is a cornerstone of our program. Two weeks of paid staff training provided! 

General Qualifications

The ideal candidate will:

• Have a demonstrated respect and affinity for children and a desire to help them learn and grow in an outdoor environment.
• Have the following characteristics: enthusiasm, maturity, initiative, sense of humor, flexibility and team spirit.
• Be familiar with the outdoors and environmental issues.
• Possess current certifications in CPR and First Aid prior to start date.
• Be 21 years or older.
• Be able to provide proof of full vaccination for COVID.
• All employees will undergo a background check once hired.

Employment Details

Benefits include meals and on-site housing in private rooms. Additionally:

• All instructors have fully furnished private bedrooms, shared bathroom, community kitchen, living room, laundry machines, and large porches with rocking chairs.
• $330 per week paid twice a month (bi-weekly)
• Discount on Alabama Folk School Craft and Music Classes
• Access to multiple industry prodeals
• Full use of camp facilities when not in use by groups (climbing wall, pools, canoes, hiking trails)

To Apply

If interested, please click "Apply" below to email a cover letter, resume and three professional references to Meredith Bower.