Job Description
Downers Grove Park District Job Description Job Title: NaturePlay School Instructor (Part-Time)
Department: Recreation
Reports To: Recreation Supervisor, Outdoor Education
Status: Part Time Non-exempt
Pay Rate: $16.00 - $17.00/hour
Position Summary: The NaturePlay School Instructor leads nature-orientated preschool programs at the William F. Sherman, Jr. Interpretive Center at Lyman Woods.
The NaturePlay School Instructor teaches children ages 3 to 5 on a program based on the forest school model and is outside 75-100% of the class period. The position takes place on day(s) between Monday and Friday, with potential hours between 8am-12:30 pm. Instructors may work a total of no more than 1,000 hours per year.
Essential Functions - Instruct and lead classes for 3 year-olds and/or 4-5 year-olds as they learn about nature, self-care, social skills and developmentally-appropriate concepts (such as counting, color, letters) through play, activities, and games.
- Assist with weekly lesson-planning and program development with other preschool teachers and staff.
- Share a passion and enthusiasm for teaching, and display patience when guiding young children through behavior issues, or other challenges.
- Be adaptable to changes in plans/program needs, and open to sharing spaces with other Park District programs occurring at the nature center and preserve at the same time.
- Interpret outlines and adapt teaching methods and materials to meet interests and learning styles of children.
- Communicate with NaturePlay School parents through email, in-person, and online media.
- Prepare, maintain and put away materials for programs including sensory bins and outdoor supplies.
- Attend staff meetings, trainings and special events as scheduled by the Recreation Supervisor
- Follows and adheres to Park District policy and safety guidelines.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- Job may be modified at any time.
Requirements - Must have knowledge or experience pertaining to local wildlife, ecology, natural history, biology and/or nature.
- Must be willing to adhere to the NaturePlay and Forest School philosophies.
- Degree in education or a science preferred but not required.
- At least 1-year prior experience working with preschool aged children.
- Must exhibit: problem-solving abilities, adaptability, good judgment and safety awareness.
- Must possess good communication skills and ability to work cooperatively with co-workers, supervisors, and the general public
- CPR, First Aid and AED certification or a willingness to obtain certification within 30 days of employment. The Park District provides training
Working Conditions/Physical Requirements Work is generally performed in an outdoor setting
. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions including precipitation, poison ivy and stinging or biting insects. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear. The employee may be frequently required to climb or balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Employee may be required to lift up to 30 pounds.
Equal Employment Opportunity The Downers Grove Park District is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Downers Grove Park District
Job Tags
Local area, Monday to Friday,