Summary Statement
Love the outdoors? Passionate about sustainability, science, and inspiring the next generation? Join our team as an Environmental Education Instructor at the Foothills Learning Center or Boise Urban Garden School!
In this hands-on and impactful role, you’ll bring learning to life by leading engaging lessons that connect students to the natural world. Instructors primarily work outdoors with younger learners ages 4–10, creating positive, active experiences that spark curiosity and build confidence in the natural environment. Depending on the location, you may explore science and conservation concepts along the trail, teach sustainable practices, guide students in growing and harvesting garden produce, or inspire healthy habits through cooking and nutrition activities. No two days are the same—and every day makes a difference.
You’ll design, lead, and supervise age-appropriate activities in outdoor settings (with some indoor classroom time as needed), ensuring programs are safe, engaging, and developmentally appropriate. If you thrive working with young children, enjoy being outside in a variety of weather conditions, and love turning everyday moments into meaningful learning opportunities, you’ll fit right in.
During the summer camp season, this position works five days per week, averaging 20–35 hours per week.
This position is open to applicants age 19 and older and is designated as At-Will.
Come help cultivate curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong connection to the environment
Essential Functions
- Encourages and engages youths in a variety of activities and lessons.
- Prepares materials and supplies for youth field education programs.
- Provides instruction at city facilities, schools, and outdoors across Boise.
- Makes sure equipment and supplies are in good working order and notifies supervisor when items need repair or replacement.
- Performs other duties as assigned. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time.
Requirements
Required Knowledge, Experience, And Training
- One year of experience volunteering or working with youths and/or teens in a daycare, sports league, afterschool program or similar environment.
Ability to:- Provide basic instruction to youth.
- Participate in activities in areas such as science, health and environmental education.
- Recognize and redirect misbehavior.
- Interact with the public and co-workers in a friendly and professional manner.
- Display an attitude of cooperation and work harmoniously with all levels of city employees, the general public and other organizations.
- Communicate effectively in the English language at a level necessary for efficient job performance.
- Complete assignments in a timely fashion.
- Understand and comply with all rules, policies and regulations.
- Maintain prompt and regular attendance.
- Perform all essential and marginal functions as assigned by an authorized employee, supervisor and/or manager with or without a reasonable accommodation.
- Individuals must be capable of operating vehicles safely and have an acceptable driving record.
Preferred Knowledge, Experience, And Training- Two years' experience in outdoor science or environmental education.
Licensing And Other RequirementsSpecial RequirementsApplicants must be able to pass:- City of Boise background check processes which includes a criminal history check and reference checks in accordance with the City of Boise Hiring Process Regulation
- Driving Record Check
- Drug Free Workplace:
- In accordance with the City of Boise Drug Free Workplace Regulation, this position is designated as safety sensitive and is subject to testing requirements including Post Offer Applicant Testing, Random Testing, Reasonable Suspicion, Post - Accident, etc. Applicants will be required to submit to screening for illegal drug use prior to hire. Appointment to this position is contingent upon a negative pre-employment drug test.
- This position is required to work directly with and oversee minors in the absence of their parent or guardian, or work directly with and oversee vulnerable adults in the absence of their caretaker or guardian.
Working Conditions
The physical effort characteristics and working environment described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Physical Efforts
While performing the duties of this job the employee is occasionally lifting/carrying up to 10 pounds. Also, the employee is occasionally pushing/pulling up to 10 pounds. The noise level is occasionally moderate. Work includes sensory ability to talk, hear and touch. Work in this position also includes close vision. Employees will sit. Position requires hand/finger dexterity.
Working Environment
The work environment will include outdoor weather conditions. Employees will also drive a vehicle as part of this position. Work includes protected exposure to bodily fluids. Outdoor classrooms may include unpaved surfaces such as gardens, rivers, and other natural features.
