Outdoor schools, experiential education, nature connection

Jop Posting: Nature Educator
Organization: Toronto Nature School
Location: Toronto ON

IMPORTANT DATES

• Contract Length: Sept. 1st – June 30th, 2027
• Start of Regular Program: Sept. 8, 2026
• Mandatory Training Dates: Sept. 1st & 2nd 2026

COMPENSATION

$19–$24/hour (based on experience & qualifications)

ABOUT TORONTO NATURE SCHOOL

Toronto Nature School is an outdoor-based learning community that inspires curiosity, confidence, and connection through nature. We provide play-based, experiential education that supports the whole child and fosters a lifelong love for learning and the natural world. Learn more at www.torontonatureschool.ca.

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are looking for an enthusiastic, responsible, and engaging Nature Educator to join our team 3–6 days a week facilitating nature-based educational programming for our afterschool and weekend program. Our nature educators collaborate to design and facilitate outdoor programming based on the emerging interests of our students.

This role is ideal for someone who loves spending time outdoors, enjoys building meaningful relationships with children, and brings energy, creativity, and a positive attitude to every day. The successful candidate will be dependable, proactive, and excited to facilitate play-based, inquiry-driven, nature-focused experiences in all seasons and weather conditions. A successful candidate will be prepared to be outdoors and adaptable in rain, snow, cold temperatures, wind and all other potential conditions.

There is also the opportunity to expand this position by taking on additional hours through camps, supply work, field trips, and more. TNS is a growing school, and we are looking for the right candidates to grow with our programs.

SCHEDULE

We're looking for someone who can commit to a minimum of 3 days a week, with 5-6 days of availability considered a strong asset. We still welcome applicants with any level of availability, so don't hesitate to apply.

Applicants can work any combination of the 6 available days/times:

• Afterschool Program: Monday–Friday, 2:30–6:00 pm (September 8, 2026 – June 25, 2027)
• Weekend Program: Saturdays, 8:30 am–12:30 pm (Fall / Winter / Spring with breaks between terms)

Having availability for the following optional days is considered an asset:

• PA Days: November 20, January 15, February 12, June 4
• Camp Days: December 21–23, 2026
• March Break Camp: March 15–19, 2027
• Additional Opportunities: Field Trip Educator (weekdays, as needed), Summer Camp Nature Educator (2027).

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Plan and deliver nature-based, developmentally appropriate programming for children ages 4–10
• Collaborate with co-educators to create a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment
• Guide children in exploring natural spaces while managing safety and encouraging independence
• Support children's emotional and social growth through observation, reflection, and responsive teaching
• Maintain open communication with supervisor and contribute to documentation
• Attend a paid training session prior to the start of the program

ASSETS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in outdoor education, forest school, outdoor summer camps, or early years programming
• Knowledge about local flora and fauna is an asset
• Passion for nature connection, play-based learning, and child-led exploration
• Comfortable working outdoors in all weather and navigating natural terrain
• Strong collaboration, communication, and classroom management skills are an asset
• Standard First Aid & CPR-C (or willingness to obtain)
• Clear Police Vulnerable Sector Check (or willingness to obtain)

HOW TO APPLY

Please email your resume and a cover letter to: Reece@torontonatureschool.ca with the subject line ‘Nature Educator Application (First and Last Name)’.

In your cover letter, please include: 1) your availability; 2) qualities and skills you have which would make you an ideal candidate for the role; 3) personal and/or professional experience (if any), learning, playing, and teaching outdoors; and 4) what would make you a positive mentor/leader working with kids.

Please mention you saw this at rcen.ca or goodwork.ca.

The deadline to submit your application is July 24th, and hiring will occur on a rolling basis.

http://www.torontonatureschool.ca