Field Ecologist Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

The Lansing School District serves over 10,000 PreK-12 students across 25 school buildings in the increasingly diverse urban community of Lansing, MI. We are unique compared to other districts because of the wide variety of exciting and innovative educational options from which families and staff members can choose. All of Lansing School District's team members are dedicated to our mission to provide an excellent education to all students in a safe and nurturing environment.
In Pursuit of this mission, we are looking to hire an Environmental Education & Stewardship Coordinator.
The Environmental Education & Stewardship Coordinator is a year-round leadership position responsible for developing exceptional outdoor learning experiences while stewarding the 238-acre Ebersole Environmental Education Center. Serving more than 6,000 students annually through field trips, overnight environmental education programs, summer camps, teacher professional development, and community events, this position ensures that both educational programming and the natural landscape support Lansing School District's mission of providing engaging, equitable, and experiential learning opportunities.
The Coordinator leads the development and delivery of standards-aligned environmental education programs that foster curiosity, environmental literacy, scientific inquiry, and stewardship among learners of all ages. Equally important, this position serves as the primary steward of Ebersole's forests, wetlands, prairies, trails, waterways, and outdoor classrooms by planning and implementing long-term conservation, restoration, and land management initiatives that preserve the ecological integrity of the property while enhancing its value as an outdoor classroom.
This role is ideal for a collaborative, innovative educator and conservation professional who is equally comfortable leading students on the trail, restoring native habitats, managing long-term stewardship projects, building community partnerships, and mentoring staff and volunteers. The position requires independent decision-making, excellent organizational skills, and a passion for connecting people with nature through meaningful educational experiences.
Job Responsibilities
Environmental Education

• Design, coordinate, and facilitate high-quality environmental education programs for PreK-12 students aligned with Michigan Academic Standards and the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).

• Lead day field trips, overnight environmental education experiences, summer camps, family programs, and community events.

• Develop engaging curriculum that integrates environmental science, ecology, sustainability, literacy, and social-emotional learning.

• Foster inquiry-based, place-based, and experiential learning that encourages environmental stewardship and critical thinking.

• Create educational materials, teacher resources, interpretive signage, and assessment tools.

• Support classroom teachers through professional development and outdoor learning coaching.

• Evaluate programs to ensure continuous improvement and meaningful student outcomes.

Stewardship

• Develop and implement annual land stewardship plans for Ebersole's 238-acre property.

• Monitor ecological health of wetlands, forests, prairies, and aquatic habitats.

• Coordinate invasive species management and native habitat restoration.

• Plan and oversee reforestation, prairie restoration, pollinator habitat enhancement, and wetland improvement projects.

• Maintain trail systems, outdoor classrooms, boardwalks, observation areas, and interpretive infrastructure.

• Coordinate conservation projects with volunteers, students, and community partners.

• Collect ecological data and assist with environmental monitoring and reporting.

• Support compliance with environmental regulations and best management practices.

Facilities & Operations

• Inspect outdoor learning areas and natural features for safety.

• Maintain outdoor education equipment, scientific equipment, and field supplies.

• Coordinate maintenance of canoes, camping equipment, archery equipment, and outdoor recreation resources.

• Assist with emergency preparedness and risk management procedures.

• Support facility improvements and capital projects related to outdoor learning environments.

Partnerships & Collaboration

• Serve as a collaborative member of the Ebersole Programming Team.

• Coordinate volunteers, interns, AmeriCorps members, and seasonal staff.

• Develop partnerships with universities, conservation organizations, local governments, and community groups.

• Assist with grant writing, fundraising initiatives, and stewardship projects.

• Represent Ebersole Environmental Education Center and Lansing School District at conferences, professional organizations, and community events.

Qualifications
Required

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Education, Ecology, Environmental Science, Natural Resources, Biology, Forestry, Parks and Recreation, Outdoor Education, or related field.

• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in environmental education, conservation, land management, or outdoor education.

• Valid Michigan Driver's License.

• Current First Aid/CPR certification (or ability to obtain upon hire).

Preferred

• Certified Interpretive Guide or equivalent.

• Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder certification.

• Experience with habitat restoration, invasive species management, GIS, grant management, and volunteer coordination.

• Experience supervising seasonal or volunteer staff.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of Michigan ecosystems, wildlife, native plants, and conservation practices.

• Knowledge of environmental education pedagogy and child development.

• Strong understanding of NGSS and inquiry-based instruction.

• Ability to independently manage multiple projects and priorities.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Strong organizational and project management abilities.

• Ability to establish effective working relationships with students, staff, families, volunteers, and community partners.

• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive educational practices.

• Ability to work safely in outdoor environments under varying weather conditions.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements
The employee will frequently:

• Walk over uneven terrain throughout a 238-acre property.

• Lift and carry up to 50 pounds.

• Operate hand tools, power equipment, utility vehicles, and outdoor recreation equipment.

• Bend, kneel, climb, paddle, hike, and work outdoors year-round.

• Work occasional evenings, weekends, and overnight programs.

This job description is intended to outline the general scope of responsibilities and qualifications for this position. It is not an exhaustive list of duties. Ebersole reserves the right to modify job responsibilities as organizational needs evolve.
$62,265 - $62,266 a year
At Lansing School District, we champion diversity, equity, and inclusion, providing equal opportunities to all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or sexual orientation. We foster a rich environment for professional growth and student experiences by valuing diverse perspectives. As an equal opportunity employer, we invite passionate individuals dedicated to educational excellence to apply for our positions.
We value internal mobility and list "Strong Internal Candidate" when considering an internal candidate before posting a job. We still encourage all candidates to apply.
Complete the attached online application at your earliest convenience. If selected, we will contact you to set up an interview. While we strive to provide prompt feedback, the high volume of applicants may limit our ability to do so. All of our jobs will be posted for at least 10 days (unless otherwise noted), but we will review applications on a rolling basis.
External candidates interested in multiple positions within the same department need only apply to one posting and can indicate other roles of interest in the final question. We will consider your application for various roles based on your qualifications.
Internal candidates should apply using their SSO email address and submit separate applications for each role of interest.
Thank you for your interest in joining our mission-driven team. We look forward to meeting you!
This job description is intended to outline the general responsibilities and qualifications for the position. It is not an exhaustive list of duties, and the Lansing School District reserves the right to modify job responsibilities as needed. Due to the evolving needs of the District, additional job responsibilities may be assigned (depending on funding sources).