Nature Connection Facilitator
Organizational Overview
The Emerald Necklace Conservancy is a nonprofit in Boston, MA with a mission to restore and improve the Emerald Necklace for all. The Conservancy is dedicated to stewarding the 1,100-acre linear Emerald Necklace park system in Boston and Brookline connecting over 15 diverse neighborhoods. Our vision: A thriving Emerald Necklace where people and parks care for each other, made possible through thoughtful parks care, people-driven programming and inclusive policy work.
Position Overview
Are you interested in connecting Greater Boston youth to the overwhelming beauty of nature? Would you like to facilitate nature connection experiences in an inspiring, and culturally responsive way? This is an excellent opportunity for individuals who love the outdoors and are interested in working with children.
The Emerald Necklace Conservancy is hiring capable, enthusiastic facilitators to lead nature connection experiences for youth who participate in summer programs within Boston youth serving organizations.
All experiences will take place in Emerald Necklace Parks. The Natural Ways Program provides inquiry, place-based, and hands-on experiences that use the Art of Questioning to deeply connect participants to nature. The program focuses on the natural inclinations of children (Children's Passions). For example, wandering/exploration of the surrounding green spaces, skipping rocks, playing hide and go seek, building natural shelters, interacting with insects, and amphibians, playing tag, etc. Our goal is to allow youth to be self-guided, so they can connect with nature on their terms. One of the many periphery benefits of the program is the exposure to life science concepts that align with the Boston Public School Massachusetts Science Standards even though that is not the goal of the program. The program facilitates experiences that are designed for 8-10 and 11–13-year-old youth.
Title: Nature Connection Facilitator
Position Type: Temporary (July-August, 2026) Part-Time, Non-Exempt
Department: Education
Reports to: Kent Jackson, Director of Education
Compensation: $20.00-$25.00 per hour, based on experience
Work Schedule: 23.5-24 hours per week.
Training dates: June 22, 23 (rain dates: June 24,25) 10:00 am-2:00 pm
Program facilitation: Start Day, July 1, Monday-Friday
Responsibilities
Work with Education staff at the Conservancy to prepare and facilitate interactive nature connection experiences in Emerald Necklace parks
Lead groups of 10-12 participants in hands-on outdoor nature connection experiences in Emerald Necklace parks
Monitor program participants in all types of outdoor environments and ensure the safety and comfort of all participants
Maintain a professional work environment, which includes equipment cleanup and storage of program gear and materials
Provide basic first aid as needed
Qualifications:
1+ years of experience in facilitating outdoor nature connection, environmental education, or outdoor adventure activities for youth
1+ years of lesson plan development and facilitation preferred
Experience as a camp counselor, Girl, or Boy Scout Leader, outdoor adventure facilitator, environmental education instructor/teacher or related experience, BA or BS in, environmental studies, biology, or earth science is welcomed
Experience leading/teaching youth in an outdoor environment
Excellent interpersonal skills
Interest in natural history, nature connection, environmental education, and science education
Strong organizational, time management, oral, and written communication skills
Skill and ability to work with diverse groups, exercise cultural humility, and implement best practices in inclusion
Demonstrate a positive attitude while working on a team
Reliable transportation
Basic use of standard business software, such as Microsoft Office
Ability to speak Spanish/other languages in addition to English is desirable
Preference given to candidates from the Greater Boston community
The position requires the ability to lift 10-20 pounds
Certifications/Requirements
Must successfully pass background checks including a Criminal Offender Record information (CORI) and Sex offender registry information (SORI)
Current First Aid and CPR Certification
Please see below for Program Dates (dates are subject to change due to weather conditions, etc.)
Program Dates:
July: 1,2,7,8,9,10,13,14,15,16,17,20, 21,22,23,24, 27,28,29,30,31
August: 3.4,5,6,7
The Emerald Necklace Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and no person shall be discriminated against on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, Veteran status, physical/mental disability, genetic information, ancestry, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements.
