Naturalist Educator

Job Title: Naturalist Educator

Reports to: Director of Education

Work Status:  Full Time

FLSA Status:        Exempt

Updated: June 1, 2025             

PPC Mission Statement:

We improve quality of life by enhancing and stewarding Pittsburgh’s parks in partnership with the community. Our vision is a vibrant park system that is welcoming, accessible, and enjoyed by all.

Position Summary:

The Naturalist Educator serves as a member of the Education Department leading in the development and delivery of high-quality education programs that advance people’s understanding of and commitment to the natural and cultural resources in Pittsburgh Parks and the region. Educators serve learners of all ages with this position focusing on the engagement of middle- and high-school-aged youth. Our educators develop meaningful relationships with the students they serve, tailoring activities to connect to their interests and proactively supporting their voice and choice.

The ideal candidate has strong interpersonal skills, recognizes the intersection of economic disparity and environmental injustice, understands natural systems, and can articulate the role parks play in broader urban ecology.

Position Duties:

Performs under the general supervision of the Director of Education and is responsible for, but not limited to, the following duties:

• Work collaboratively with the education team to design and deliver an integrated suite of K-12 outdoor education programs that include hands-on, minds-on activities and meet state and local school district academic standards and align with environmental education best practices.


• Effectively lead the design and delivery of multi-visit middle- and high-school environmental education programming with a focus on positive youth development, hands-on stewardship, and experiential outdoor learning. Content includes ecosystem function, biodiversity, urban ecology, climate science, and climate action.


• Manage communication with school administrators and teacher partners to schedule programs, collect waivers, and ensure smooth operations of middle- and high-school partner programs.


• Effectively and consistently assist with the internal tracking of program participation.


• Co-design and co-lead a 5-week summer internship for high school students focusing on natural history, stewardship, and environmental career exploration. Work on all phases of the program including program planning, student recruitment/interviewing, program delivery, and evaluation.


• Create a safe, supportive learning environment for all learners through positive reinforcement, role-modeling, and cultural sensitivity.


• Contribute to the training and professional development of part time educators, camp counselors, volunteers, and interns.


• Work is conducted in office and outdoor settings. Work is conducted at a variety of times of the day, with evening, weekend, holiday, and irregular hours as necessary to meet deadlines and achieve objectives.


• Perform other related duties in service to the overall mission of the PPC’s education department

Knowledge, Skill and Abilities:

• Strong familiarity with best practices in environmental education and positive youth development.


• Strong familiarity with ecological restoration, conservation and sustainability practices.


• Sincere respect for human diversity and biodiversity.


• Use and navigate Microsoft Office Suite, the internet, and other resources for research, data management and communication.


• Safely use tools required for outdoor stewardship projects, including but not limited to shovels, loppers, log carriers, etc.


• Effectively manage workflow, demonstrate creative problem solving, and set appropriate priorities while coordinating multiple projects and meeting critical deadlines.


• An active, empathetic listener and strong oral and written communicator.

Training and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, preferably in Education, Environmental Education, Natural/Environmental Sciences, OR equivalent work experience in environmental education or a related position.


• Experience working with diverse populations of youth in a school, after school or camp setting for a minimum of 3 years.


• First Aid and CPR certification required (must be obtained within 6 months of hire date).


• Obtain and maintain the following clearances: Department of Human Services Child Abuse History Clearance; Pennsylvania State Police Request for Criminal Records Check; Federal Criminal History Record Information (CHRI).


• Valid PA driver license.

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential duties.

The physical ability to walk, stand, stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, pull, push, feel, grasp, lift, talk, see, hear, and perform repetitive motions. The ability to remain in a sitting or standing position for extended periods of time. The incumbent may be required to traverse rough, uneven terrain, as well as wet and slippery surfaces and to ascend and descend on ladders to access work areas.

The ability to work outdoors in all seasons and adverse weather conditions.

Occasional weekend, evening and holiday work is required to perform the duties of this job.

The ability to lift loads of 50 pounds at park locations as it relates to restoration and Park projects (e.g., trees, rocks, sand, cement, etc.).

The ability to safely operate a motor vehicle to travel to and from work locations.