Outdoor environmental education, Nature

Position: Outdoor Education Interpreter
Organization: Rideau Valley Conservation Authority
Work location: Foley Mountain Conservation Area, Westport, ON

Part-Time, contract position
Casual schedule, variable hours
Work location: Foley Mountain Conservation Area, Westport, ON

There is no direct public transportation to the worksite; candidates should ensure they have reliable transportation prior to applying.
Number of Positions: 2-3
Existing Vacancy: Yes
AI Used in Hiring: No

About the RVCA:

RVCA is one of 36 conservation authorities in Ontario responsible for furthering the "conservation, restoration, development and management of natural resources in the watershed" under the Conservation Authorities Act. We are dedicated to protecting people and property from natural hazards like flooding and erosion, while conserving the wetlands, forests and natural areas that reduce their impacts.

About the Job

You will be responsible for:
• Delivering outdoor environmental education programs for children, school groups and community groups.
• Working in an outdoor environment facilitating programs in all kinds of weather conditions.
• Acting as a resource person in the Interpretive Centre and assisting visitors by answering questions about the park and programs, selling park passes, monitoring for valid park passes.
• Helping to maintain the cleanliness and safety features of our park facilities.

Who you are
As the preferred candidate you:
• Hold a post-secondary diploma or degree in education, early childhood education, environmental studies, natural science, outdoor recreation or a related program.
• Know about the Forest School model as well as play-based learning, risky play, loose parts, inquiry-based learning, and a child centered learning environment.
• Have experience planning and delivering programming for children in an educational or recreational setting.
• Will be required to provide a clear (negative) “Vulnerable Sector Check”.
• Have Standard First Aid & CPR certification or are able to obtain within three months of hire.
• A Teacher’s certificate and knowledge of the natural world are considered strong assets.
• Bilingualism (English/French) is an asset.

What we offer
• Casual hours (0-25 hours per week)
• Salary range of $18.00 to $25.73 per hour (commensurate with related experience)
• Option to join OMERS pension
• Free onsite parking

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position Title: Outdoor Education Interpreter – Casual
Department: Conservation Lands and Stewardship
Supervisor’s Position Title: Baxter CA Supervisor or Foley Mountain CA Supervisor
Classification: Band 1 Date of Issue: February 19, 2025

JOB SUMMARY

Assist the Baxter Conservation Area and/or Foley Mountain Conservation Area Supervisor with the planning, delivery and evaluation of outdoor/environmental education programs for schools, day camps and community groups (kindergarten to post-secondary studies).

RESPONSIBILITIES
• Assist in planning and delivery of outdoor and environmental education programs for schools, day camps and community groups.
• Assist with preparation and maintenance of all program areas (i.e. program setup, clean-up of facilities, equipment, etc.)
• Assist in regular safety inspections of the site and buildings and report problems/hazards to supervisor. Ensure safety of visitors during programs.
• Assist in enforcement of all rules and regulations pertaining to the conservation areas and ensure adherence to safety guidelines.
• Assist in communications and delivering services to visitors such as answering questions about the park and programs, selling park passes, etc.
• Perform other duties as required.

EFFORT AND WORKING CONDITIONS
• Work takes place mainly outdoors in all types of weather for outdoor education programs. It is a physically active position.
• May be asked to work occasional evenings and weekends.
• Leading/teaching/interacting with students, teachers, campers, parents and volunteers while providing a positive atmosphere.

REQUIRED SKILS AND COMPETENCIES
• Post-secondary diploma in environmental studies, natural science, outdoor recreation, or a related program.
• Experience planning and delivering programs in an educational or recreational setting.
• Knowledge of the Forest School model as well as play-based learning, risky play, loose parts, inquiry-based learning, and a child centered learning environment.
• Demonstrated ability to convey information clearly and concisely, interpreting and presenting the information in a manner that is appropriate to the target audience.
• Experience working with volunteers, community groups and the general public.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English. French is an asset.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to network within the community.
• Standard First Aid and CPR certification.
• Provision of a clear Vulnerable Sector Check.
• Proficient with use of a computer and Microsoft office products.
• Teacher’s Certificate is considered an asset.
• Swimming certification is considered an asset (National Lifeguard or Bronze Cross)
• A strong knowledge of the natural world is considered an asset.
• Strong commitment to championing protection of the natural environment and the safeguarding of land and water resources.

HEALTH AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
To meet health and safety standards and regulations, the incumbent must be trained and/or evaluated in the following areas:
• First day orientation
• Annual orientation
• RVCA driver’s test
• WHMIS Certification
• Standard First aid and CPR
• Current vulnerable sector check

APPLY

If you are enthusiastic about conservation and think you would be a good fit for this position, please send your resume and cover letter by email no later than 4:00pm, Friday, July 10, 2025 to: hr@rvca.ca
Please write your name and the position you are applying for in the subject line of your email.

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Visit us on the web at http://www.rvca.ca 

The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA) is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing an accessible and inclusive experience for RVCA job applicants and employees. If you require accommodations at any point during the recruitment process, please contact us at hr@rvca.ca and we will work with you to meet your request. The RVCA welcomes all applications; however, we will contact only those candidates selected for consideration.