Lower School Naturalist presso THADEN SCHOOL

Job Details

• Plan for and lead classes for Grades K-4.
• Collaborate with other specialist teachers, grade level teams, and the Curriculum Specialist to ensure high-quality Naturalist instruction.
• Stay abreast of regional opportunities for learning, collaboration, partnerships, and field trips.
• Occasionally attend Forest Days.
• Attend in-service days and faculty meetings as requested by the Head of Lower School.
• Perform duties outside the classroom during set hours (e.g., recess, class coverage, reception desk, carpool, and/or lunch duties).
• Maintain Lower School raised garden beds.
• Keep inventory of outdoor supplies and equipment.
• Perform all levels of required maintenance in nature playscape, including but not limited to: selective weeding, watering, pruning, and planting.
• Maintain clear paths, safe trails, and play surfaces, including the operation of an electric leaf blower while adhering to safety measures.

• Experience partnering with other educators to create interdisciplinary learning experiences for students.
• Ability to think broadly and creatively about student-centered learning.
• Commitment to providing detailed feedback on student work in a timely manner.
• Excellent verbal and written skills.
• Bachelor’s degree in education or a science field. Master Naturalist certification preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Frequently required to sit, stand, or walk for extended periods.
• Occasionally required to reach with hands and arms. 
• Ability to lift, push, or pull heavy objects, sometimes exceeding 50 lbs.
• Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions, including heat, humidity, windy conditions, cold, snow, and ice.
• Occasionally required to bend, twist, or climb. 
• Moderate concentration/intensity, which includes prolonged mental effort with limited opportunity for breaks. 
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.