2025-2026 Environmental Educator Position

The University of Georgia is hiring 2-3 seasonal Environmental Educators for the 2025-2026 school year at Fortson 4-H Center in Atlanta, GA. Responsibilities include teaching hands-on classes to students, managing groups, and maintaining facilities. The position requires a bachelor's degree and ideally 1-2 years of experience in education or outdoor settings. Work is primarily Monday-Friday with varying hours and occasional weekend events.
2025-2026 ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATOR POSITION

Make Atlanta your new outdoor classroom at Fortson 4-H Center! A quiet environment surrounded by nature, history, and the big lights of Atlanta in your backyard; this opportunity is perfect for the outdoor enthusiast looking to live and work in a close-knit community! As part of University of Georgia, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences/Georgia 4-H, Fortson 4-H Center’s Environmental Education Program provides high-quality day and residential (overnight) learning experiences and is a partner in education to serve public, private, and homeschool groups across the Southeast. In our outdoor classroom, our research-based curriculum correlates to the Georgia Standards of Excellence (GSE), providing hands-on learning opportunities and real-world connections.

POSITIONS AVAILABLE & DETAILS

4-H ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATOR – UGA Posting # G/R28795P

POSITIONS AVAILABLE

Fortson 4-H Center is accepting applications until filled for 2-3 seasonal educators. Staff training for the 2025-2026 Environmental Education Season begins (tentative start date) August 25, 2025. Residential environmental education programs resume (tentatively) September 17, 2025 – May 22, 2025. Please note, a successful pre-employment background check will be required prior to the start date (4-8 weeks processing estimate).

PRIMARY EDUCATOR RESPONSIBILITIES (60%)

Environmental Educators will teach hands-on day and evening classes primarily to 3rd-8th grade students and chaperone adults during residential (overnight) environmental education programs. Classes at Fortson 4-H Center cover topics such as pond ecology, herpetology (reptiles), ichthyology (fishing), climbing wall, zip line, dissections, local history, and more. View full list of classes

SECONDARY RESPONSIBILITIES (40%)

Additional duties include student and adult group management during programs, dorm cleaning 2-3 times a week, assisting with meal service in the dining hall, maintaining teaching facilities and supplies, providing animal husbandry for residential education animals, operating UGA vehicles for outreach programs, and various maintenance projects as needed. Educators must be able to work outdoors in variable weather conditions including extreme heat and cold.

WORK SCHEDULE

Workdays are consistently Monday-Friday, with weekly hours and schedules varying based on reservations. Mondays and Wednesdays may be longer due to evening classes and turnover between sessions. There may also be opportunities to work at other UGA Georgia 4-H facilities (Rock Eagle 4-H Center, Wahsega 4-H Center, Burton 4-H Center, and Georgia 4-H at Camp Jekyll) and occasional weekend assignments for community outreach events.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Seasonal applicants committed to the Environmental Education Season (August-June) must hold a bachelor’s degree (education or science preferred). While not required, a minimum of 1-2 years of experience working with students in summer camps, traditional/nontraditional, or outdoor education settings is recommended.

RECOMMENDED QUALIFICATIONS

Ideal candidates demonstrate a commitment to youth development, a passion for education, and a desire for life-long learning. They should be enthusiastic about connecting students with meaningful experiences in science and the natural world. Experience in customer service and the hospitality/food industry is a plus, along with strong group management, leadership, teamwork, communication skills, and flexibility.

HOW TO APPLY?
• Go to www.ugajobsearch.com
• Enter the Posting Number: G/R28795P
• Click ‘Search’
• Click ‘View Details’
• Click ‘Apply for this Posting’ and complete the UGA application
• After applying, notify Environmental Education Program Coordinator, Jordan Parker (jordanparker@uga.edu), including your application confirmation number, resume, cover letter, and three professional references.

WAGE, EMPLOYMENT TYPE, & BENEFITS

The position offers $14.00 per hour (plus overtime for hours exceeding 40 per week), with a tentative increase pending the next fiscal year. This temporary position is eligible for a maximum of 1-year employment and/or up to 1300 hours within the University Systems of Georgia (USG), whichever comes first. Re-hire eligibility is possible after a 6-month break. Benefits include paid CPR/First-Aid training, ServSafe Food Handler training, on-the-job training, networking opportunities with other UGA 4-H centers, limited health insurance, and pro-deals on name-brand outdoor gear—all set against the backdrop of Atlanta’s vibrant city lights.

ACCOMMODATION / HOUSING

On-site housing is available at a cost of $40 per pay period (utilities included). The housing comprises a spacious home with an attached sunroom, on-site parking, five private bedrooms (each with a private sink, bathroom, and shower), a laundry room with washer and dryer, and a shared kitchen. Housing is optional and not required; opting out does not affect the hourly rate. Please note, no pets are allowed.