Forestry Jobs in Decatur, GA (NOW HIRING)

Environmental Educator

Type: Independent Contractor

Employment Classification: Exempt

Application Period: Open until filled

Start Date: August 2026

Reports to: Education Manager

Salary: $16.00 - $16.50/hour

Estimated Hours Per Week: 10 to 20 hours per week; schedule varies based on program bookings, hours are not guaranteed. See School Break Schedule section below for additional details.

Location: Primarily in-person teaching at schools with some in-office prep time

Trees Atlanta is a nationally recognized non-profit community group that protects and improves Atlantas urban forest by planting, conserving, and educating. Founded in 1985, Trees Atlanta works tirelessly to address Atlantas tree loss, protect its forests, and create new greenspace. Empowered by its wonderful community of volunteers, Trees Atlanta serves the metro Atlanta area, and has grown to become one of Atlantas most widely known and supported non-profit organizations.

Trees Atlanta is looking for a part-time Environmental Educator to teach environmentally-focused curriculum for Atlanta area schools, both in the schools and at Trees Atlanta. The position also includes serving as a counselor during seasonal break camps during the school year (fall break, winter break, and spring break) as well as occasional family programs. Your role helps connect young scholars with their environment and furthers our mission of educating our community about the importance of Atlantas urban forest.

What You Will Do

School Programs (80%)

• Teach curriculum and activities in Atlanta area schools focused on the urban forest that use inquiry-based approaches to teach STEAM topics.

• Prepare and gather materials at the office according to the programs being taught.

• Lead field trips and walking tours along the Atlanta Beltline and Trees Atlantas campus.

• Track education interactions, as well as pre/post test data for school visits in the form of student surveys.

School Break Camps (10%)

• Supervise and guide campers at all times, including on bike rides on the Atlanta Beltline while ensuring camper safety.

• Co-lead outdoor and indoor classes and activities (e.g., bike rides, tree ID, art, tree planting, science investigations, camp games, etc.) for a group of 20 campers for fall, winter, and spring breaks based on the Atlanta Public Schools calendar.

• Assist in creating a fun blend of environmental education, outdoor exploration, and urban forest stewardship in local greenspaces.

Potential Additional Opportunities (10%)

• Facilitate special programs at schools (e.g. science nights, career days), weekend scout badge programs, and family programs.

• Develop and lead after-school programming with community centers and schools.

• Additional Duties as assigned.

Schedule

The schedule for this position is variable and dependent on school calendars and schedules.

School Programs (80%)

• In-school programs can be booked between 8 am and 4 pm, Tuesday through Friday, August through May.

• We expect the contract educator to be available between 7 am and 5 pm.

• Availability to lead school programs on Fridays during the school year will be required.

• Between 10 and 20 hours each week, although there are light seasons with fewer hours.

School Breaks (10%)

• Monday through Friday, 7:30 am 5:30 pm (one week in October, February, and April; see the Atlanta Public School calendar for exact dates of their breaks).

• 40 hours a week - on site at Trees Atlanta.

Potential Additional Opportunities (10%)

• Time commitment varies based on additional program requests.

• Occasional weekend and evening hours.

• Potential to stay on over summer as summer camp counselor (May 31st - July 30, 2027).

Requirements

Basic Requirements

• Be at least 18 years old.

• Have a car and an available schedule to visit schools at their requested times.

• Ability to confidently ride a bike (applicable for school break camps).

• Ability to pass a drug screen and an APS Background Check including fingerprinting

Must-Have Skills

• Ability to enthusiastically engage with and manage behavior for children in grades PK-12.

• Willingness to learn about environmental education topics you will be teaching about.

• Exemplary sense of timeliness, reliability, and flexibility when visiting schools.

• Effectively represent Trees Atlanta through excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Nice-to-Have Skills

• Education experience with an emphasis on classroom management.

• Experience working with Atlanta Public Schools and/or underserved communities.

• Previous camp counselor experience.

• Working knowledge of environmental science, ecology, botany, and/or natural systems.

• Basic bike repair skills (applicable for school break camps).

• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and Google Apps.

To Apply

Please submit an employment application. Applicants must upload a cover letter and a resume in order to complete and submit the application. In your cover letter, you may share a camp or school experience from childhood, your interest in environmental education, interest in working with underserved communities, etc.
Candidates selected to move forward in the process will be contacted to set-up a brief phone call to answer any questions regarding the position following completion of application (resume and cover letter.) Candidates will then be selected to move forward with an interview. This interview will take place with two education team members. The final two candidates will be asked to submit at least 3 references before a conditional offer will be extended.

Background Check and Drug Screening Disclaimer

• All final candidates will be required to pass both a criminal background check and drug screening; adverse results will impact hiring (Trees Atlanta is a participant in the Federal Drug-Free Workplace program).

• All new hires will be required to verify their identity and eligibility to work in the United States of America. Trees Atlanta in compliance with regulation set by the Department of Homeland Security. Trees Atlanta is a registered E-Verify employer.

Estimated Timeline (subject to change as needed)
1st round phone interviews: June 15th - July 10th

Interviews: July 13th - July 24th

Reference Checks: July 24th

Provisional Offer: By July 29th

Background Check/Drug Screen Window: July 29th - August 12th

First Day at TA: August 19th