Nature Preschool Educator

Title: Nature Preschool Educator

Department: education

Reports to: Education Director

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Role Type: Approximately 34-36 hours a week

Wages: $19.00-$21.00 hour (based on exact role) plus benefits (see here)

Duration:   School year (September-June) based, with the possibility of summer hours

2026-2027 School Year: August 24, 2026 (Ideal) – early June 2027

Work Hours: A typical work week is Monday-Thursday 7:30 am-4:00 pm, with occasional 

evenings for staff meetings or family events and Friday mornings for planning

Organization and Program Overview:

Founded in 1978, Eagle Bluff is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. As a year-round overnight environmental learning center, we provide accredited education programs and outdoor adventures to over 13,000 children, adults, and families each year. We are located in rural southeastern Minnesota, just a few miles from the small historic town of Lanesboro in Fillmore County. Through hands-on learning in nature, we aim for people to leave Eagle Bluff with experiences that stick with them and inspire them to become lifelong stewards of the environment by: 

• Fostering a sense of respect, stewardship and community
• Imparting life skills such as teamwork and problem-solving
• Increasing environmental awareness & academic literacy
• Promoting positive outdoor experiences
• Sparking curiosity and appreciation for the natural world

Eagle Bluff’s Nature Preschool is a partnership with Semcac Head Start and Eagle Bluff. Our classroom is a mix between 10 students enrolled through Head Start and 7-10 students enrolled through Eagle Bluff. Our kindergarten readiness program for children ages 3-5 uses outdoor education to support the development of the whole child. Preschool is in session Monday-Thursday, 7:45 am-3:15 pm. Staffing for the combined classroom includes 4 staff members (including this position); two employed by Eagle Bluff and two by Head Start.

Summary

Eagle Bluff is seeking a highly collaborative Nature Preschool Educator to support outdoor learning experiences for preschool-aged children enrolled in our nature preschool program. This educator will work closely with the Lead Nature Preschool Educator to implement age-appropriate outdoor activities (typically from 9:15–11:30 a.m.) and help create a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment for children. Depending on experience, this role may be responsible for some outdoor activity planning. They will assist with behavior guidance, group management, transitions, and encouraging exploration during outdoor play and learning. This is a team-based position that emphasizes flexibility, enthusiasm, and a shared commitment to nature-based early childhood education.

In the afternoons, the Nature Preschool Educator will supervise students in small groups during nap or quiet time and provide them with developmentally appropriate activities. They will also assist with light cleaning tasks. The day concludes with helping maintain a clean and organized classroom environment.

An ideal candidate will have a variety of life experiences, patience, a sense of humor, and comfort in the natural world. A typical work week is 34-36 hours.

Essential Functions

• Supervise and assist with nature-based learning experiences (on and off trail) to groups of no more than 20 preschoolers in mixed age classes of 3-5 each morning, Monday-Thursday.
• Foster problem solving, collaboration, confidence building and imagination by providing developmentally appropriate assistance to children.
• Provide consistent routines, positive guidance, and a safe classroom environment.
• Collaborate with classroom partners and support a positive team environment.
• Communicate with families during drop-off and pick-up.
• Maintain supplies and organization of outdoor play spaces, and contribute to operational tasks such as cleaning.
• Other duties as assigned.

As Experience Allows

• Lead nature-based learning experiences (on and off trail) to groups of no more than 20 preschoolers.
• Complete student assessments seasonally.

Minimum Qualifications & Skills

• High school diploma or GED
• 1 year teaching experience
• A willingness to pursue a Preschool CDA Credential
• Ability to develop and foster relationships with coworkers and students
• Strong leadership skills: Communication, self-motivation, flexibility, enthusiasm, collaboration
• Able to create a culturally responsive, inclusive environment for children and their families
• Current first aid and CPR/AED certification from a nationally recognized provider (American Heart Association, American Red Cross, American Safety & Health Institute, National Safety Council). The training must include an instructor-led skill session.
• Comfortable in outdoor environments and able to hike long distances
• Computer, radio, and audio-visual equipment literacy
• Ability to pass a background check.

Preferred Qualifications & Skills

• A Preschool CDA credential, or a state-awarded certificate that meets or exceeds the requirements for a CDA credential, or a Certificate or Credential for a 2-year program in Child Development or Early Childhood Education from a Minnesota community college or Technical college, or a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Early Childhood Special Education, Teach for America, or Equivalent Coursework.
• Experience working in early childhood education, especially in outdoor or nature-based settings. Applicants with strong relevant experience will be considered for additional teaching responsibilities.
• Proven track record of creating developmentally appropriate and educational outdoor activities for preschoolers
• General knowledge of the natural world and outdoor recreation

Work Environment and Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:

Regularly works around adults and children and in outside conditions that include inclement weather, heat and humidity. Routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines. Noise level may be loud at times. 

Communication, detecting, traversing, and operating skills are needed. The physical demands of this job will vary, but typically require:

• This position is primarily conducted outdoors in all weather conditions, including rain, snow, heat, and cold. Educators must be prepared to participate in outdoor activities year-round.
• Daily activities include hiking on uneven terrain, sitting or kneeling at child level, and engaging in active play.
• Noise levels can vary and may occasionally be high due to group activity or excitement.
• Staff work closely with young children and must be comfortable with mud, insects, and natural elements.
• The role requires occasional lifting or carrying of children or supplies weighing up to 40 lbs.
• Close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer; extensive reading; visual inspection involving small defects, small parts, and/or operation of machines; using measurement devices.
• Constant movement and use of limbs including but not limited to typing, hauling, bending, pushing, and pulling.
• Frequent communication (speaking and hearing) and information exchange in person and digitally on computers, phones, and radios.

Eagle Bluff ELC does not sponsor work visas, thus, in compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify eligibility to work in the United States by completing the required I-9 form upon hire. Employment will require the selected candidate to pass all background, criminal record, fingerprinting, reference checks

Eagle Bluff ELC is an equal opportunity employer that promotes and values diversity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability.

All employees are required to satisfactorily perform the essential functions of their positions. The essential functions listed above are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.