Nature Educator Trainee

Toronto Botanical Garden

Toronto Botanical Garden (TBG) is hiring a Nature Educator to support our children's and youth educational programming. TBG is a not-for-profit charity focused on connecting people with plants and inspiring people to live in harmony with nature.

Working with a committed and enthusiastic team, the Nature Educator will support a variety of programs including school field trips, birthday parties, outreach programs, guides and scouts programming, family programs and outdoor nature camps. The Nature Educator will engage participants in the natural world through hands on activities such as planting, caring for and harvesting in the garden as well as exploring and learning about the adjacent gardens and nearby ravine system. During the summer months the Nature Educator will lead a group of campers through a variety of themed camp activities.

The ideal candidate for this position is an enthusiastic educator with a passion for food, plants, people and gardens! Candidates should also be creative, patient, positive, motivated and able to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team environment.

Please Note: Potential candidates must be First Nations, Inuit or Metis and reside within the GTA. Candidates must be registered or eligible to register with Miziwe Biik Aboriginal Employment and Training.

Job Scope

• Under the guidance of the Education Supervisor, the Nature Educators will research, plan and prepare programs and activities.
• Prepare and maintain programs materials for crafts and activities including coordinating monitoring the condition of program materials and supply inventory.
• Sign campers in and out of camp using safe sign in/out procedures.
• Provide camper updates and communications with guardians as necessary and, with the support of Supervisor, lead discussions regarding campers safety as behaviour.
• Follow all required health and safety policies and procedures and monitor the health and safety of participants including sun safety, heat, air quality and care around bodies of water.
• Lead a group of participants through planned activities including providing clear instructions and demonstrations and guiding participants throughout their activity.
• Provide supervision for a camp group through a variety of indoor and outdoor activities in the Toronto Botanical Garden and nearby Wilket Creek ravine.
• Support with the coordination, planning and delivery of indoor and outdoor curriculum linked programs to groups of students (KG to Grade 6).
• Support with the coordination, planning and delivery of family drop in programs, birthday parties, outreach programs, scouts and guides programs and tours as required.
• Work closely with volunteers by providing clear directions on how they can best support the program.
• Support with the planting, maintenance, and harvesting of vegetables, fruit and herbs in the Toronto Botanical Garden's Teaching Garden.
• Support other educational programming opportunities as required.
• Work with Education Supervisor to develop and implement a special project that supports the incumbents learning objectives.

Experience/Skills

• Enrollment or completion of a university or college program related to environmental/natural science, horticulture, outdoor recreation, or education an asset.
• Experience working with and educating children, particularly outdoors.
• Knowledge and interest in native plants and animals and/or vegetable gardening.
• Strong communication skills
• Basic proficiency with the Microsoft suite.
• Have or be willing to acquire a Police Reference Check and First Aid Level C certificate prior to the start of your contract.
• Some availability to work nights, weekends, and statutory holidays is an asset.

Application Procedure

This position is made available through funding from Miziwe Biik Aboriginal Employment and Training and Service Canada. In order to be considered for the role candidates must:

• Be First Nations, Inuit or Metis
• Reside within the GTA.
• Candidates must be registered or eligible to register with Miziwe Biik Aboriginal Employment and Training. Non-registered candidates can contact reception@miziwebiik.com to set up an appointment.

Please submit a resume and cover letter as one PDF file with your name in the title through indeed link.

If you have any difficulties with the link please email tbgkids@torontobotanicalgarden.ca

Equal Opportunity Employer

Toronto Botanical Garden is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to maintaining a welcoming, safe, diverse and inclusive environment. TBG's workplace has a long-standing policy of providing fair, equitable, and accessible opportunities for all employees and prospective employees. TBG considers all qualified applicants for employment regardless of age, race, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, religion, or disability status.

Job Details

Job Type: Fixed term contract starting April 7, 2025

Contract length: 52 weeks

Salary: $22.00 per hour

Flexible Language Requirement: French not required

Schedule: Monday to Friday

Location: Toronto, ON (must reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work)

Education: Secondary School (required)