Join our team!
Louisville Nature Center provides environmental education to people from all over the city and encourages stewardship via restoration of our urban forest. We are supported by a kind community of dedicated staff, volunteers, Board of Directors, and members. Our grounds include about 80 acres of forest, 2 miles of trails, a Nature Play Area, a bird viewing area, a large garden, and an education center with live reptiles and amphibians. We value our wonderful work environment, and we welcome applicants who are interested in being part of a dynamic team that is driving the growth of a beloved community non-profit. While working with children is not a part of every job, children are a constant presence here, and are central to our mission. The most successful candidates will enjoy the energy children bring to our work environment, and feel committed to our mission of environmental education and conservation. LNC strongly encourages people from underrepresented groups to apply.
Swallowtail Forest School Teacher
Forest School teachers spend their day in our outdoor classroom guiding children, ages 3-5, to connect with the natural world, and coach them in their social and emotional growth!
Forest School operates August - May and educators are able to continue teaching in the summer as camp counselors (ages 4-10).
The start date for those wanting to work full time, year round (Camp Counselor and Forest School Teacher) is May 27, 2026.
If you want to work primarily as a Forest School Teacher, you will work August - May, with unpaid summer time off. The start date is August 3, 2026.
Upon budget approval, we can post the hourly rate.
Requirements:
A love of children is the highest priority! We work with a very diverse audience, including young children and people with disabilities
Extensive experience working with children. Preference will be given to those who have worked with 3-5 year olds
Knowledge of play based, student led programming
Communicate effectively with peers and caregivers
Team player who approaches the job with a growth mind-set
First Aid and CPR certification, or the ability to obtain it upon employment
Must pass a background check
Ability to get a TB test
Willingness to work outside in a variety of weather conditions, including but not limited to, rain, sleet, snow and freezing temperatures
Ability to stand and walk on uneven terrain for extended periods
Provide your own gear for working outdoors and ability to dress appropriately for a variety of weather conditions
Education: Bachelors Degree or higher
Experience with photo and video editing is a plus!!
Responsibilities:
Ensure the safety and physical well-being of the children.
Organize and maintain safe, clean working conditions in various educational spaces.
Maintain daily, open communication with co-workers, the director and parents.
Complete necessary paperwork for medical and behavioral incidents.
Communicate child concerns and needs with the director and parents
Organize and ensure that all program materials are prepared in advance of the program.
Complete twice yearly assessments of the students
Benefits:
Two weeks paid vacation and holidays
Health Insurance (medical, dental and vision). LNC pays 80% of the employee premium
Send a resume and cover letter to Olivia Kaiser, Swallowtail Forest School Director, olivia@louisvillenaturecenter.org.
SUMMER CAMP EDUCATOR
Summer Camp Educators spend their days hiking, crafting and exploring
Beargrass Creek State Nature Preserve with youth, ages 4-10.
Monday - Friday
9 weeks, May 26 - August 31 (No camp June 29-July 3)
May 26-May 29 Required Camp Training
Program hours: 8:30am-4:30pm
Requirements:
A love of children is the highest priority! We work with a very diverse audience, including young children and people with disabilities.
Comfortable working in a team setting. Each age group (4-5, 6-7, 8-10) will have 3 counselors and a 1:5 student ratio
A love of the outdoors is the next highest priority. Natural history knowledge and enthusiasm for conservation is very helpful.
Team player who approaches the job with a growth mind-set.
First Aid and CPR certification, or the ability to obtain it upon employment.
Must pass a background check.
Willingness to work outside in a variety of weather conditions.
Ability to stand and walk on uneven terrain for extended periods.
Provide your own gear for working outdoors.
Responsibilities:
Ensure the safety and physical well-being of the children.
Organize and maintain safe, clean working conditions in various educational spaces.
Maintain daily, open communication with co-workers, the program manager and parents.
Complete necessary paperwork for medical and behavioral incidents.
Communicate child concerns and needs with the program manager.
Organize and ensure that all program materials are prepared in advance of the program.
Benefits:
This position provides valuable professional experience for college students interested in becoming an early childhood educator, an elementary or middle school teacher, naturalist, or educator at a nonprofit organization, aquarium, or zoo.
Learn interpretative techniques, how to teach students in an outdoor classroom, and behavior management techniques for early childhood and elementary age children.
Increase your natural history content knowledge about flora and fauna in Kentucky.
Get a behind the scenes look at what makes our organization work.
The potential for part time educator work after successful completion of summer camp.
Enjoy being outside!
Why Should You Apply? This job is an excellent opportunity for an individual wanting to make an impact on a growing environmental non-profit. LNC values our positive work environment and our wonderful community. Send a resume and cover letter to Janelle Vaesa, Camp Director, Janelle@louisvillenaturecenter.org
Americorps Environmental Education Leadership Corps MembeR
AmeriCorps term begins August 2026; applications are on-going. Applications for the 26-27 grant period open in March 2026.
Gain invaluable experience as you help grow LNC’s environmental education programs. The EELCorps position is a full time, year-long service commitment. EELCorps Members will receive a Professional Environmental Educator Certificate, a stipend for living expenses and an education award upon completion of service.
For more information on EELCorps, click here. Please send a cover letter and resume to Janelle Vaesa, Education Programs Manager, at janelle@louisvillenaturecenter.org.