Overview
The ENC Nature Preschool Assistant Director is responsible for supporting the Nature Preschool Director in the oversight and management of ENC Nature Preschool. This position is responsible for scheduling, managing and supporting all teaching staff with quality practice components of curriculum development, child and classroom environment assessments, teacher training, and ongoing professional development opportunities. The Assistant Director will assume position responsibilities of ENC Nature Preschool Director when the Director is off campus. The Assistant Director will guide and support teaching staff in supporting a nature-based program that encourages students’ awareness, understanding, appreciation and protection of the environment, and fosters empathy and kindness towards others and all living things. The Assistant Director will support ENC Nature Preschool’s goal to build a strong learning foundation through hands-on experiences, with the development of an intentional and meaningful curriculum. Constructing children’s knowledge and skill building in all areas of development.
Qualifications:
1. Commitment to the mission, vision, and core values of the Environmental Nature Center.
2. Create and maintain strong cooperative relationships and work cohesively with Nature Teachers, ENC staff, and
volunteers.
3. Demonstrate flexibility with scheduling, curriculum planning and thinking.
4. Knowledge of California Department of Social Services-Community Care Licensing Division, Title 22 regulations.
5. Ability or willingness to handle a variety of animals including amphibians, mammals, arthr
Required Skills:
6. Ability to gather, memorize and recall facts, figures, and information.
7. Ability to move up to fifty pounds and set up equipment.
8. Ability to hike on trails, and traverse stairs and uneven terrain while carrying equipment.
9. Ability to make independent decisions and respond to immediate needs of children, emergency situations, and
program needs.
10. Ability to work outside in a variety of weather conditions and temperatures.
11. Regular, reliable and punctual attendance is essential because of quali
Preferred Skills:
12. Ability to interact positively and successfully with supervisors, staff, teachers, families, and children.
13. Fingerprinting clearance will be required.
14. Computer (Macintosh and Microsoft Office) experience required or willingness to learn.
15. Communicate effectively in the English language, in both oral and written forms.
16. Understand and carry out oral and written instructions in an independent manner.
17. Understand and apply pertinent personnel policies, laws, rules, and regulations.
About Environmental Nature Center
Founded in 1972, the Environmental Nature Center (ENC) is a world class facility that provides transformative experiences resulting in a deeper connection to nature. The ENC’s mission is to provide quality education through hands-on experience with nature. Our vision is to provide equitable access and inspire all to protect the natural world by serving as our community’s leader in ecological responsibility, sustainable practices and environmental education. The ENC connects over 50,000 community members to nature annually through school field trips, Traveling Naturalist programs, community programs, nature camps, service learning programs, and professional development programs.
The ENC’s 5-acre Newport Beach campus features 15 California native plant communities, wildlife habitat, walking trails, and sustainably designed construction. The ENC’s LEED Platinum certified facilities are nationally recognized and provide an essential connection between nature and the built environment.
