Indigenous Naturalist Teacher (trainee)

*** This position is for people who identify as Indigenous. All candidates must be registered with Miziwe Biik Aboriginal Employment and Training and working with an Employment Counsellor. If you haven’t registered with Miziwe Biik yet, you can still apply to this position. ***

About us

The High Park Nature Centre (HPNC) is a charitable organization that was established in 1999. Our mission is to promote awareness and respect for nature through year-round, hands-on outdoor nature education and park stewardship. The HPNC is a small and nimble organization that serves a diverse audience of over 14,000 people annually from across the Greater Toronto Area. Our experienced team of educators operates in a collaborative, supportive and inclusive work environment that enables unique programming and opportunities for learning and growth. We are currently underway with a capital campaign to fund the High Park Visitor and Nature Centre which will create a focal point for park life. This is an exciting time to join the HPNC team.

The High Park Nature Centre is committed to being a progressive organization that is guided by principles of equity, respect and inclusion.

We continuously strive to broaden the diversity of our participants, staff and Board – inclusive of race, gender, sexual orientation, identity, religion, ability, ethnicity, experience, national origin and the many other traits that are reflective of the vibrant character and heritage of Canada.

As we work to honour our relationship with the Indigenous Nations of the lands we are situated upon, we encourage applications from Indigenous people and others who have experience in the area of Indigenous-Settler relations.

Indigenous Naturalist Teacher

Reports to: Programs Supervisor
Job Type: Full-time Contract Position
Hours of Work:

• 35 hours/week
• Regular weekend and evening work is required

Start Date: April 1, 2024
End Date: March 31, 2025
Rate of Pay: $18.00/hour
Application Deadline: Monday, March 18, 2024, at 11:59PM

Note: We will be interviewing and hiring candidates as and when we receive applications. We advise applicants to not delay and apply as soon as possible for a better chance at securing an interview.

For more information and to apply for this position today, please visit our website:

https://highparknaturecentre.com/indigenous-naturalist-teacher/

Job Summary

As an Indigenous Naturalist Teacher, the successful candidate will be responsible for delivering high quality nature education programs to children, youth and families. They will have the opportunity to teach across all of our programming: early years and school age nature clubs, school field trips, camps (including summer camp), special events, adult team building programs and family nature walks. The naturalist teacher will also collaborate with other nature interpreters to create and amend programming. Additionally, they will have the opportunity to work with the Indigenous Programs Coordinator to deliver and promote Indigenous led programming which could include assisting to develop new events that highlight Indigenous connections to the land in High Park; overseeing OURSpace plantings of native plant species; and if candidate has the knowledge and desire, working with coordinators to revise existing program outlines to ensure Indigenous knowledge and perspectives are presented accurately and respectfully.

Main Duties

Program Delivery (65%)

• Deliver outdoor environmental education programs to children, youth and adults, including nature camps and clubs; school programs; guides & scouts programs; and other programs as required;
• Work closely with volunteers to engage them in our programs and mentor new volunteers seasonally;
• Develop and adapt current program plans;
• Develop seasonal naturalist knowledge and skills to aid in program delivery;
• Ensure health and safety protocols are followed in programs.

Program Coordination, Planning and Administration (25%)

Work with the Indigenous Programs Coordinator to:

• Coordinate Indigenous Family Nature Walks and assist in developing new events that highlight Indigenous connections to the land;
• Continue to work with partnering organizations and build relations with Indigenous communities in Toronto;
• Assist in revising program outlines to ensure Indigenous knowledge and perspectives are presented accurately and respectfully if candidate has the knowledge and desire;
• Oversee OURSpace savannah demonstration area and outdoor classroom including the plantings of native plant species;
• Develop and share knowledge of native plants in OURSpace;
• Scope new opportunities/partnerships and propose new programs.

Human Resources (5%)

• Provide training and mentorship to part-time staff, volunteers, interns and co-op students.

On-Going (5%)

• Organize, repair, maintain and develop program supplies, props and displays;
• Ensure daily building maintenance;
• Ensure animal care;
• Purchase program and other materials;
• Other duties as required.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate the following knowledge, experience, skills and attributes:

• Passionate about the environment and environmental education;
• Experience working with children in educational programs, preferably outdoors;
• Demonstrated ability to work with children, providing a positive learning experience for participants of all ages;
• Experience in day camp or overnight camp an asset;
• Experience with positive behavioural management and conflict resolution;
• Experience dealing with the public;
• Demonstrated ability for effective teamwork as well as independent work;
• Experience developing educational resources;
• Knowledge of Toronto’s ecology and natural history;
• Ability for effective teamwork as well as independent work;
• Creativity and enthusiasm with excellent problem-solving skills;
• Communication skills (oral and written);
• Ability and willingness to work outdoors in all conditions;
• Current CPR and First Aid certificates or willingness to acquire;
• Current Vulnerable Sector Check or willingness to acquire;
• Proof of full vaccination (two shots)
• Eligibility to work in Ontario

Assets

• University degree or college diploma in education, environmental studies or sciences or an environment-related discipline;
• Strong knowledge of Toronto’s ecology and natural history;
• Experience leading early years programming (age 0-5);
• Experience working with teens in leadership building;
• Experience coordinating program / project logistics;
• Experience facilitating education for adults;
• Experience with community building;
• Musical ability;
• Experience with CampBrain;
• Fluency in French.

Thank You To Our Funders

This naturalist teacher position is made possible thanks to funding from Miziwe Biik Aboriginal Employment and Training in partnership with Service Canada created in 1991 to meet the unique training and employment needs of aboriginal peoples. We are grateful for their generous support.