Job Opportunities

Founded more than 50 years ago in 1965 as a pioneer in a then-new field called environmental education, we are still pioneering.

Our Nature Preschool, started in only 2013, was the first such nature-based program in Pennsylvania. Since 2000, we have operated a cutting-edge environmental art program, the only one of its kind in an American nature center. Founded in 1987, our Wildlife Clinic is one of the few in the region, and the only one in the City of Philadelphia. Our Camp Schuylkill, after-school program, and day-off camps provide thousands of kids with immersive experiences in nature, which mounting evidence shows benefits children, and people, in innumerable ways.

We are a leader in land restoration and stewardship practices as well, using our 365 acres of open space, the largest privately protected open space in Philadelphia, as a living laboratory for balancing stewardship with active use.

Nature Preschool Assistant Teacher (Full Time)

The Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education, a leading environmental
education provider for the Philadelphia region, seeks a passionate and
energetic early childhood educator to engage our Nature Preschool children
through meaningful and innovative learning experiences in nature. The ideal
candidate will have experience teaching in a progressive preschool as well
as experience in, and a passion for, using nature as a context for
learning. This is a full time position for 40 hours per week that runs late
August 2024 through mid-June 2025.

The assistant teacher supports the teachers and the director by helping to
create a caring and safe environment for the children and assisting in
activities to improve the overall care and quality of education. Assistant
teachers should communicate, listen, and work well with others in a team
environment. Assistant teachers are responsible for implementing
developmentally appropriate activities based on children’s interests and
needs under the direction of the teachers and the director.

Duties and Responsibilities

Assist in the implementation of emergent curriculum activities and encourage participation by children.
Interact with children for extended periods of time.
Actively engage in activities; manage cleanliness, order, and availability of classroom materials.
Interact with children to encourage positive self-concept and enthusiasm for the discovery process.
Encourage self-help and good hygiene through behavior modeling.
Help ensure smooth transitions throughout the day.
Follow all center policies and state regulations.
Complete the required training and professional development through the course of the school year and attend monthly staff meetings.
Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with parents, guardians and colleagues.

Expected Competencies

Interest in the natural sciences, local flora and fauna, and nature-based education.
High energy.
Ability to work well with others.
Strong oral and written communication skills and basic computer skills.
Understanding of early childhood development, the different stages of growth, and an awareness of young children’s needs.
Excellent leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
Adapt and be flexible with quickly changing environments.

Physical Demands/Work Environment

During most of the year, Preschool staff spend the better part of their day
outdoors. The employee must be able to:

Spend multiple hours outdoors in all weather (Heat, cold, rain, snow).
Hike 2-5 miles a day on rough terrain, keeping pace with the children in
their care.
Engage in sustained physical activity throughout the day.
Lift up to 50 pounds (size of a small child).
Be able to hear, see, and guide children at all times.

Education, Experience, and Qualifications

Must be 18 years of age or older.
High School Diploma or GED and college credit in early childhood education or related field of study. CDA or 6 hours of ECE credit preferred.
Minimum of 2 years of professional child care experience.
Must clear a full background check.
Must provide current documentation of a health screening and TB test.
The successful candidate must provide proof of vaccination status. An exception to the COVID vaccine requirement may be considered for religious or medical reasons.

Compensation

Starting at $18.50 to $20.00 per hour commensurate with experience.

To Apply

Submit a cover letter and resume along with contact information to Sarah Watrud, Director of Early Childhood Education, sarah@schuylkillcenter.org.

Nature Preschool Assistant Teacher (Part Time)

The Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education, a leading environmental
education provider for the Philadelphia region, seeks a passionate and
energetic early childhood educator to engage our Nature Preschool children
through meaningful and innovative learning experiences in nature. The ideal
candidate will have experience teaching in a progressive preschool as well
as experience in, and a passion for, using nature as a context for
learning. This is a part-time position for 15 hours per week that runs late
August 2024 through mid-June 2025.

Duties and Responsibilities

Assist in the implementation of emergent curriculum activities and encourage participation by children.
Interact with children for extended periods of time.
Actively engage in activities; manage cleanliness, order, and availability of classroom materials.
Interact with children to encourage positive self-concept and enthusiasm
for the discovery process.
Encourage self-help and good hygiene through behavior modeling.
Help ensure smooth transitions throughout the day.
Follow all center policies and state regulations.
Complete the required training and professional development through the course of the school year and attend monthly staff meetings.
Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with parents, guardians and colleagues.

Expected Competencies

Interest in the natural sciences, local flora and fauna, and nature-based education.
High energy.
Ability to work well with others.
Strong oral and written communication skills and basic computer skills.
Understanding of early childhood development, the different stages of growth, and an awareness of young children’s needs.
Excellent leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
Adapt and be flexible with quickly changing environments.

Physical Demands/Work Environment

During most of the year, Preschool staff spend the better part of their day
outdoors. The employee must be able to:

Spend multiple hours outdoors in all weather (Heat, cold, rain, snow).
Hike 2-5 miles a day on rough terrain, keeping pace with the children in their care.
Engage in sustained physical activity throughout the day.
Lift up to 50 pounds (size of a small child).
Be able to hear, see, and guide children at all times.

Education, Experience, and Qualifications

Must be 18 years of age or older.
High School Diploma or GED and college credit in early childhood education or related field of study. CDA or 6 hours of ECE credit preferred.
Minimum of 2 years of professional child care experience.
Must clear a full background check.
Must provide current documentation of a health screening and TB test.
The successful candidate must provide proof of vaccination status. An exception to the COVID vaccine requirement may be considered for religious or medical reasons.

Compensation

Starting at $18.50 to $20.00 per hour commensurate with experience.

To Apply

Submit a cover letter and resume along with contact information to Sarah Watrud, Director of Early Childhood Education, sarah@schuylkillcenter.org.

Nature Preschool Substitute Teacher

The Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education, a leading environmental
education provider for the Philadelphia region, seeks a passionate and
energetic early childhood educator to engage our Nature Preschool children
through meaningful and innovative learning experiences in nature. The ideal
candidate will have experience teaching in a progressive preschool as well
as experience in, and a passion for, using nature as a context for
learning. This is a part-time seasonal position that runs from late August
2024 through mid-June 2025.

The substitute teacher supports the teachers and the director by helping to
create a caring and safe environment for the children and assisting in
activities to improve the overall care and quality of education. Substitute
teachers should communicate, listen, and work well with others in a team
environment. Substitute teachers are responsible for implementing
developmentally appropriate activities based on children’s interests and
needs under the direction of the teachers and the director.

Duties and Responsibilities

Assist in the implementation of emergent curriculum activities and encourage participation by children.
Interact with children for extended periods of time.
Actively engage in activities; manage cleanliness, order, and availability of classroom materials.
Interact with children to encourage positive self-concept and enthusiasm for the discovery process.
Encourage self-help and good hygiene through behavior modeling.
Help ensure smooth transitions throughout the day.
Follow all center policies and state regulations.
Complete the required training and professional development through the course of the school year and attend monthly staff meetings.

Expected Competencies

Minimum of 1-2 years of professional child care experience.
Interest in the natural sciences, local flora and fauna, and nature-based education.
High energy.
Ability to work well with others.
Strong oral and written communication skills and basic computer skills.
Understanding of early childhood development, the different stages of growth, and an awareness of young children’s needs.
Excellent leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
Must clear a full background check.
Must provide current documentation of a health screening and TB test.

Physical Demands/Work Environment

During most of the year, Preschool staff spend the better part of their day
outdoors. The employee must be able to:

Spend multiple hours outdoors in all weather (Heat, cold, rain, snow).
Hike 2-5 miles a day on rough terrain, keeping pace with the children in their care.
Engage in sustained physical activity throughout the day.
Lift up to 50 pounds (size of a small child).
Be able to hear, see, and guide children at all times.

Education, Experience, and Qualifications

Must be 18 years of age or older.
High School Diploma or GED and college credit in early childhood education or related field of study. CDA or 6 hours of ECE credit preferred.
Must be 18 years of age or older.

Compensation

Starting at $18.50 to $20.00 per hour commensurate with experience.

To Apply

Submit a cover letter and resume along with contact information to Sarah Watrud, Director of Early Childhood Education, sarah@schuylkillcenter.org.

Summer Camp Staff

Camp Schuylkill is an environmentally focused program that strives to give children ages 4-12 the opportunity to explore and learn about their relationship to the natural world. We are seeking highly motivated, energetic and creative team members to help us achieve these goals this summer!

Environmental Educator (19 positions)

The Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education is dedicated to being an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by law and our core values.