Long-Term Substitute Youth Environmental Educator

Title: Long-Term Substitute Youth Environmental Educator

Reports to: Youth Programs Manager

Status: Seasonal Employee

Hourly Rate: $21.00/hour

Position Dates:

Mon/Weds/Fri following the school year

Hours: 7:30am - 3:30pm

Start: December 1, 2025

End Date: March 31, 2026

Location: Loveland, CO at Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch

How to apply: Complete a brief online

Application deadline: November 14, 2025

Questions: Contact Angela Stanford, Youth Programs Manager, angela.stanford@heartjcenter.org

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Heart-J Center Mission and Information: Heart-J Center for Experiential Learning (HJC) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to work with people of all ages to cultivate belonging, health, personal growth and environmental stewardship through experiential, place-based programming.

Founded in 2014, HJC has a rich history and has served more than 40,000 people through its programming, including over 17,000 K-12 aged children.

HJC is based at Sylvan Dale Guest Ranchin the foothills west of Loveland, Colorado. The Ranch serves as an inspiring living classroom where people can connect with nature, discover new passions, learn about a wide variety of topics, and cultivate a sense of place and belonging..

Sylvan Dale is a treasure in the Colorado landscape. Though it’s just fifteen minutes from Loveland, the landscape is truly wild. With the Big Thompson River running through the heart of the Ranch and rugged mountains on three sides, there’s a special sense of peace as soon as you arrive.

AIPA mission: Alpine International Preparatory Academy is a Kindergarten-12th grade multicultural learning community that offers a variety of high-quality and rigorous blended or virtual international academic programs. We promote student agencies and experiential learning and inspire global citizenship.

OEP: The Outdoor Explorations Program (OEP) is a partnership between the Nature Centers and Historical sites throughout Colorado and Alpine International Preparatory Academy. OEP combines place-based natural science with experiential learning, community-building, and self- discovery. The staff ensures your child grows in their knowledge of ecology while gaining skills in teamwork and outdoor activities in safe and supportive settings. The program is conducted year-round outdoors. Activities, experiments, challenges, service projects, explorations, and fun help your child build nature knowledge, self-awareness, and outdoor skills.

OEP is a tuition-free state funded program supplementing your curriculum with a conceptual understanding of ecology and practical applications of outdoor skills in our unique settings and social development. We have age-appropriate options for children ages 5-18 or K- 12th grades. (There is a tuition option)

Job Purpose: Long-Term Substitute Youth Environmental Educator supports, plans and leads fun, hands-on, Nature School sessions that inspire and cultivate nature connection in our students.

Principal Responsibilities:

• Support the coordination and setting up of the Nature School program.
• Be an active member of the instructional staff. Which includes supervision, providing instructions and a safe learning environment
• Attend regular calendar check-ins with the supervisor to maintain consistent programming hours.
• Design and implement outdoor education programs
• Facilitate group outdoor activities and programming
• Teach participants about local flora, fauna, and ecosystems
• Promote environmental stewardship and sustainable practices
• Ensure the safety and well-being of all participants during activities
• Evaluate program effectiveness and participant progress
• Collaborate with other educators and staff to create interdisciplinary learning experiences
• Organize and lead adventure-based team-building exercises
• Provide first aid and emergency response when needed
• Foster a positive and inclusive learning environment
• Engage in continuing education and training in outdoor education techniques
• Stay current on conservation issues and continue to build knowledge of local ecosystems
• Maintain and manage outdoor education equipment and supplies
• Participate in AIPA/OEP staff activities, including but not limited to training, public events, special programs, planning sessions, and staff meetings
• Maintain effective community relationships and positive representation of organization with Sylvan Dale Ranch Other duties as assigned by the Youth Programs Manager

Desired Skills and Abilities:

• Passion for outdoor experiences and connecting youth to nature.
• Experience instructing children in an outdoor setting.
• Effective communication skills with youth and adults.
• Good organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks and roles, patiently and professionally.
• Ability to adapt to changing circumstances.
• Experience relating to and communicating with diverse audiences, especially Latinx participants and families preferred.
• BIPOC and LGBTQ++ identifying individuals are encouraged to apply.
• Bilingual in Spanish/English encouraged to apply.

Compensation and Perks:

• Compensation is $21.00/hour
• Professional development, training, and skills sharing opportunities
• Paid Sick(prorated to hours worked)

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must be able to obtain First Aid/CPR certification
• Must be able to pass a background check

To Qualify:

• Bachelor’s degree (Outdoor Education, Environmental Science, or related field)
• Teaching License/Substitute Teaching License
• At least one year classroom teaching experience with skill in classroom management, including non-traditional learning environments
• 2+ years combined relevant experience (including summer jobs, internships, and practicums)
• Skilled in youth education curriculum design
• Experience in leading outdoor education programs
• Strong background in a variety of outdoor activities
• Proven ability to manage groups in outdoor environments
• Knowledge of local environmental issues and natural history
• Ability to develop and implement innovative educational programs
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Experience in risk management and emergency response
• Passion for outdoor education and environmental stewardship
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Physical fitness and stamina for outdoor activities
• Ability to work in varying weather conditions
• Effective leadership and team-building capabilities
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Flexibility and adaptability to changing environments
• Strong computer skills, with proficiency in MS Office suite and Google suite

Bonus Points:

• CPR/First Aid or Wilderness medicine knowledge/experience
• Outdoor skills (archery, camping, orienteering, etc.)

Required Trainings:

• TBD

Holiday Breaks:

• December 22 - January 2, 2026
• January 19 - 23, 2026
• February 16 - 20, 2026
• March 16 - 20, 2026

Working Conditions: This role requires a physical ability to perform tasks in an outdoor environment in all weather conditions including: lifting; standing for lengthy periods; carrying a backpack and additional teaching supplies; walking on rough terrain; and kneeling. Work takes place primarily in an outdoor setting with continuous interruptions and background noises.

Accommodations: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Expectation for All Employees: Support the Heart-J Center mission and exhibit a commitment to working collaboratively, with integrity and respect for fellow employees, associates, and our communities. Embracing personal responsibility and accountability for your job.

Equitable Recruiting Policy Statement: Our goal is to increase diversity amongst our staff at Heart-J Center. We do so by providing equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic.

Job Types: Part-time, Seasonal

Pay: $21.00 per hour

Expected hours: 20 – 30 per week

Work Location: In person