Indigenous Programs Coordinator and Naturalist Teacher - High Park Nature Centre

This position is for people who identify as Indigenous. All candidates must be registered with Miziwe Biik Aboriginal Employment and Training and working with an Employment Counsellor. If you haven’t registered with Miziwe Biik yet, you can still apply to this position.

The High Park Nature Centre (HPNC) is a charitable organization that was established in 1999. Our mission is to promote awareness and respect for nature through year-round, hands-on outdoor nature education and park stewardship. The HPNC is a small and nimble organization that serves a diverse audience of over 14,000 people annually from across the Greater Toronto Area. Our experienced team of educators operates in a collaborative, supportive and inclusive work environment that enables unique programming and opportunities for learning and growth. We are currently underway with a capital campaign to fund the High Park Visitor and Nature Centre which will create a focal point for park life. This is an exciting time to join the HPNC team.

The High Park Nature Centre is committed to being a progressive organization that is guided by principles of equity, respect and inclusion.

We continuously strive to broaden the diversity of our participants, staff and Board – inclusive of race, gender, sexual orientation, identity, religion, ability, ethnicity, experience, national origin and the many other traits that are reflective of the vibrant character and heritage of Canada.

As we work to honour our relationship with the Indigenous Nations of the lands we are situated upon, we encourage applications from Indigenous people and others who have experience in the area of Indigenous-Settler relations.

Position: Indigenous Programs Coordinator and Naturalist Teacher
Reports to: Programs Director
Job Type: Full-time contract position
Hours of Work:

• 35 hours/week
• Regular weekend and evening work is required

Start Date: ASAP
End Date: March 31, 2025
Rate of Pay: $20.00/hour
Application Deadline: Sunday, November 3, 2024, at 11:59PM

(Note: We will be interviewing and hiring candidates as and when we receive applications. We advice applicants to not delay and apply as soon as possible for a better chance at securing an interview.)

The Indigenous Programs Coordinator and Naturalist Teacher is responsible for overseeing the coordination of some of High Park Nature Centre’s Indigenous-led programs. This position actively teaches a wide diversity of environmental, outdoor education programs at the Nature Centre, including school programs, family nature walks, nature camps and nature clubs. Coordination tasks include assisting to develop new events that highlight Indigenous connections to the Land in High Park; working in collaboration with the Event and Operations Director to coordinate OURSpace plantings of native plant species; and work with staff to revise existing program outlines to ensure Indigenous knowledge and perspectives are presented accurately and respectfully.

Main duties:

Program Coordination, Planning and Administration

• Coordinate Indigenous Programs (e.g. Indigenous Family Nature Walks, Special Events, Indigenous Youth Wanderers) and develop new events/programs that highlight Indigenous connections to the land;
• Continue to work with partnering organizations and build relations with Indigenous communities and organizations in Toronto;
• Work with the Event & Operations Director to explore opportunities for collaboration for teambuilding program delivery, building relationships and creating paid work for Cultural Carriers and other Indigenous partners;
• Assist in revising program outlines to ensure Indigenous knowledge and perspectives are presented accurately and respectfully if candidate has the knowledge and desire;
• In collaboration with Event & Operations Director, provide insights for our OURSpace outdoor savannah demonstration area and classroom including planting native grasses, wildflowers, medicines and Three Sisters garden.
• Develop and share knowledge of native plants in OURSpace;
• Oversee registration and communications for certain programs in concert with the Office Administrator and Fundraising and Communications Director;
• Distribute and analyze participant evaluation surveys and amend programming as needed;
• Scope new curriculum and/or opportunities/partnerships and propose new programs as related to Indigenous-led programs;
• Work with coordinators, supervisors, Event and Operations Director and Programs Director to revise program outlines and program development;
• Evaluate and amend programming as required;
• Provide information on programs to coordinators, supervisors and Programs Director as required;
• Answer phone call and email inquiries from parents and the public;
• Ensure health and safety protocols are followed in programs;
• Ensure program statistics are accurately tracked and prepare quarterly end-of-season reports;
• Provide Programs Director with input regarding program fees and annual budget.

Teaching

• Plan, develop and deliver outdoor environmental education programs for approximately 5 teaching shifts per week (one teaching shift equals approximately 3.5 hours);
• Teach environmental education programs to children, youth, and adults, with a heavy focus on early years (children ages 0-5 years and their caregivers) and children ages 4-12 years; programs include nature clubs, camps, teambuilding programs, school field trips, special events, and more.

Human Resources

• Provide training and mentorship to part-time staff, volunteers, interns and co-op students working on Indigenous-led and other relevant programs and events;
• Work with the Event and Operations Director to recruit, schedule, supervise and evaluate volunteers for Indigenous-led and other relevant programs and events.

Financial

• Provide Programs Director with input regarding nature fees and yearly budgets for Indigenous-led and other relevant programs and events;
• Track programs within this portfolio and their budgets monthly and report on a quarterly basis;
• In concert with Office Administrator, monitor registrations and ensure payments are processed in a timely manner;
• Monitor CampBrain for merch orders associated with your portfolio and provide order information to Office Administrator.

Communications

• Provide program information to the Fundraising and Communications Director to ensure timely communications schedule for promoting Indigenous-led and other relevant programs and events;
• Work with Fundraising and Communications Director to update the website on Indigenous-led and other relevant programs and events.
• Coordinate with the Fundraising and Communications Director about photo opportunities during programs for use in publicity and program materials.

On-Going

• Organize, repair, maintain and develop program supplies, props and displays;
• Ensure daily building maintenance, animal care and purchase program and other materials (i.e. Supplies for Indigenous-led and other relevant programs and events);
• Other duties as required.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate the following knowledge, experience, skills and attributes:

• Passionate about the environment and environmental education;
• Experience working with children in educational programs, preferably outdoors;
• Demonstrated ability to work with children, providing a positive learning experience for participants of all ages;
• Experience in day camp or overnight camp an asset;
• Experience with positive behavioural management and conflict resolution;
• Experience dealing with the public;
• Demonstrated ability for effective teamwork as well as independent work;
• Experience developing educational resources;
• Knowledge of Toronto’s ecology and natural history;
• Ability for effective teamwork as well as independent work;
• Creativity and enthusiasm with excellent problem-solving skills;
• Communication skills (oral and written);
• Ability and willingness to work outdoors in all conditions;
• Current CPR and First Aid certificates or willingness to acquire; and
• Current Vulnerable Sector Check or willingness to acquire.

Assets:

• University degree or college diploma in education, environmental studies or sciences or an environment-related discipline;
• Strong knowledge of Toronto’s ecology and natural history;
• Experience leading early years programming (age 0-5);
• Experience working with teens in leadership building;
• Experience coordinating program / project logistics;
• Experience facilitating education for adults;
• Experience with community building;
• Musical ability;
• Experience with CampBrain;
• Fluency in French.

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter as a single file. Applications will be accepted until Sunday, November 3, at 11:59PM.

(Note: We will be interviewing and hiring candidates as and when we receive applications. We advice applicants to not delay and apply as soon as possible for a better chance at securing an interview.)