Nature Guide Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

In this role as Nature-Based Early Learning Teacher, you will cultivate a vibrant, engaging outdoor classroom where children learn through immersive play, discovery, and exploration. You will be a key member of our teaching team, working collaboratively to create meaningful learning experiences, support daily classroom operations, and foster strong relationships with families.

You have a deep understanding of how children grow and develop across multiple domains—cognitively, socially, emotionally, and physically—and use this expertise to create a stimulating environment where every child feels valued, supported, and empowered. Through hands-on activities and intentional play, children develop essential skills, build confidence, and cultivate a love for learning.

As a skilled communicator, you will connect with children at their level, collaborate with educators to guide and support teaching assistants, and build positive relationships with families through regular updates, thoughtful responses, and empathetic care.

If you are passionate about play-based, child-led learning and eager to make a lasting impact in a dynamic, outdoor-inspired setting, this role is an excellent fit for you.

The Teacher is responsible for building a cohesive teaching team, coordinating the curriculum, and overseeing day-to-day operational activities. Teachers must comprehend children's cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development to ensure a safe and stimulating classroom environment where children are actively engaged and encouraged to succeed. The Teacher must be adept at communicating with both children and adults to meet the needs of the children, effectively guide teacher assistants, and resolve parental concerns.

• Develop and implement a curriculum that embodies play-based, child-led learning, aligning activities with developmentally appropriate practices and early learning guidelines.
• Set a positive example by modeling best practices, supporting the teaching team, to ensure a consistent, high-quality learning environment.
• Create engaging learning experiences that cater to individual and group needs, promoting social, cognitive, emotional, and physical growth through hands-on discovery and exploration in nature.
• Foster strong relationships with families through regular, meaningful communication, including informal check-ins, progress updates, and parent-teacher conferences, building strong home–school partnerships.
• Ensure compliance with center policies, licensing requirements, and state regulations.
• Maintain a safe and healthy environment by ensuring hygiene, cleanliness, and child safety procedures are in place.
• Keep accurate records and required documentation to support effective program operations and reporting.
• Develop a personal professional development plan focused on continuous improvement, reflection, and strengthening teaching practice.

• Associate’s Degree in early childhood education or related field of study with a minimum of 30 Credits in ECE.
• Must clear full background check and must pass health screening.
• Minimum of 2 years of professional child care experience.
• Infant/child CPR and First Aid certification.
• High energy and the ability to work well with others (staff, children, and parents) and to foster a team environment.
• Excellent leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• A strong understanding of child development.
• Strong oral and written communication skills and basic computer skills.
• Requirements include the ability to take frequent walks, use hands and fingers, handle objects, tools or controls, talk to and hear voices at many levels. May also be required to kneel, bend, squat or crawl.
• A specific vision ability will be required including the ability to see up close and up to a certain distance, to see colors, have peripheral vision and depth perception.

• Experience in play-based, child-led, Reggio-inspired, or nature-based/forest school settings.
• Comfort facilitating outdoor learning in varied weather and supporting children’s resilience and risk-aware play.
• Experience with observation/documentation practices and child assessment/work sampling.
• Interest in engaging with the broader early childhood professional community (local/state/national organizations).
• Experience supporting community events and family gatherings.

• Reduced tuition for a staff member’s child may be offered for full-time staff (amount agreed upon prior to start; dependent on availability; subject to Parent Handbook policies).
• Access to Early Achievers education grants after 90 days (subject to eligibility and program requirements).
• Up to 8 paid hours/year of approved professional development release time.
• Planning time for all staff: minimum of 4 paid hours/month (1 hour/week), scheduled as staffing allows.
• Paid holidays available after 1 year of full-time, continuous employment.