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We are seeking Forest Preschool Teachers who are self-motivated and directed with strong leadership abilities; excellent organizational, communication, and teaching skills; the desire to listen and speak with children effectively and with compassion; the flexibility to operate independently and as part of a team; has an engaging personality; and a genuine interest in learning and teaching of young children, working with families, and cultivating community connections.

Teachers supports children’s learning in nature by facilitating emergent (child-led) curriculum, modeling respect for the creatures we encounter and each other, choosing peacemaking, and expressing gratitude. We are committed to creating an environment that fosters a culture of inclusion, diversity, equity and a sense of belonging for the families in our community.

Responsibilities

Follow children’s passions to help facilitate learning and experiences

Work collaboratively with a team of other lead and assistant teachers

Use appropriate behavioral management with students to resolve conflict

Embrace the weather! Lime Hollow Forest Preschool is outdoors 95% of the time including during meals and naptime. Teachers model how to dress appropriately for the weather and maintain a positive attitude to provide immersive nature experiences.

Maintain a safe and healthy environment by understanding and adhering to safety protocols. This includes helping children stay warm and dry.

Gracefully and professionally communicate with parents and caregivers, both formally and informally, individually and in groups.

Regularly communicate children’s learning to parents on Storypark app

Read, learn and integrate lessons from the Coyote’s Guide to Connecting With Nature into everyday experiences.

Attend all staff meetings and trainings as necessary

Additional tasks may be assigned to meet the needs of the school

REQUIRED Qualifications

All Lead Teachers must meet the following minimum qualification for preschool teachers as determined by the NY State Office of Child and Family Services (OCFS):

an Associate degree in Early Childhood, Child Development or related field; OR

ONE (1) year of experience related to caring for children AND a Child Development Associate Credential or other OCFS recognized credential specific to the preschool developmental period; OR

TWO (2) years of experience related to caring for children AND 9 college credits in Early Childhood, Child Development or a related field, with a plan of study leading to:

a Child Development Associate Credential, OR

other OCFS recognized credential specific to the preschool developmental period, OR

an Associate’s degree in Early Childhood, Child Development or a related field;

All Assistant and Substitute Teachers must meet the following minimum qualification for preschool teachers as determined by the NY State Office of Child and Family Services (OCFS):

a high school diploma; OR

ONE (1) year of experience related to caring for children under 13

Additionally Applicants must possess:

Deep love and connection with children and the outdoors

Demonstrate an understanding of the developmental needs of young children.

Comfort in the outdoors in all seasons

Works well with a small team of creative educators who collaborate to support the learning of our students, plan activities, create routines, support each other and communicate well.

All Lime Hollow employees must be able to provide an up-to-date personal immunization schedule, have an updated TB booster and complete a medical form at time of hiring

Preferred Skills

Experience in teaching with place-based education, implementing emergent curriculum, Reggio Emilia, nature and/or environmental education and/or the arts.

Interest and knowledge of flora and fauna of Central NY, basic wilderness or outdoor skills, hazards of Central NY, etc.

Experience, knowledge, or coursework in child development, behavior management, various teaching philosophies and methods

Familiarity with Coyote’s Guide to Connecting with Nature, 8 Shields Institute, or other nature connection philosophy.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential function.

Must be able to lift and carry children up to 75 lbs.

Must be able to walk, sit, run, reach, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, pull, push and spend long periods of time standing

There may be physical demands based on physical, emotional and cognitive needs of particular children

Must cheerfully embrace being outdoors in all weathers, and show enthusiasm for animals, bugs and all of our natural environment.

Pay/Hours/Benefits

Pay Rate: $16-$20/hour (depending on experience and qualifications)

Seasonal or Year-Round: Depending on Lime Hollow’s needs, positions may be seasonal (for a designated period of time) or Year-round (an average of 35 hours per week.)

Benefits:

All seasonal staff receive: Paid pre-determined vacation days, paid training, paid sick time, worker’s compensation/disability benefits, and several unpaid weeks off depending on the season

All year-round staff receive: Health insurance, paid pre-determined vacation days, paid personal days, paid training, paid sick time, worker’s compensation/disability benefits, and 4 unpaid weeks (Winter Break, Spring Break, and up to 2 weeks in the summer)

Specific dates will be outlined in the offer letter.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

POSITION SUMMARY: 

The Facilities & Equipment Technician is responsible for the regular upkeep and maintenance of Nature Center buildings, equipment, tools, and built features such as pavilions, bridges, kiosks, and hard-packed trails. 

The duties described in this position are budgeted for an average of 20 hours per week. Hours may be added to up to 40 hours per week by adding duties and responsibilities described in the Groundskeeper and/or Janitorial Services.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Facilities & Equipment Maintenance 

• Performs regular upkeep and maintenance of Nature Center buildings and equipment

  • Maintains, cleans, services, repairs and/or replaces building systems and equipment

  • Builds, repairs, and performs maintenance on: tables, benches, fences, kiosks, signs, doors, gates, railing, and small structures. 

  • Ensures that all programmatic spaces are maintained and responds promptly to requests, 

• Maintain all tools, vehicles, and equipment owned by Lime Hollow including Ford F350, Kubota Tractor, Ferris zero-turn mower, tractor attachments, Stihl gas chainsaws; Greenworks electric chainsaws, hedgetrimmer, weedwackers, and push mower; plow, gas snow-blowers, hand tools.  

• Together with Groundkeeper and Land Steward, plows, snow blows, salts and sands driveways and walkways during winter months

• Conducts periodic scheduled preventive maintenance 

• Follows seasonal maintenance plan and assists in updating and revising plan

• Follows and keeps up to date plan for Tools and Vehicles Maintenance. 

• Washes, cleans, keeps organized storage areas, vehicles, and maintenance equipment. 

• Submits purchase requests for appropriate tools and supplies; provides written estimates for projects that include amount of materials, projected costs, and completion time. 

• Periodically assists Groundkeeper with trail and campus maintenance, including mowing, weedwacking, and chainsawing.

• Periodically assists Land Steward with tree plantings, invasive removal, etc.

Program Assistance

• Assist with program set-up, operations, and cleanup throughout the year.

• Ensure program spaces are kept in good repair and assist with seasonal program space flips and resets. 

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including early mornings, weekends, including being on-call. This is vital during plowing season.

• Exceptional work ethic, perseverance, ability to multi-task and switch priorities based on needs, and a genuine passion for the environment, building and equipment upkeep, and Lime Hollow’s mission. 

• Knowledge and experience with vehicle maintenance, small engine repair, plumbing, electrical, etc.

• Experience operating and maintaining common types of light to heavy equipment including tractor, plow, zero-turn mower, chainsaws, etc.

• Knowledge and experienced operating shop tools including saws, drill presses, etc.

• Ability to construct, maintain, and repair various types of structures including trail kiosks, gates, building systems, etc.

• Attention to detail and ability to accurately track and report on project metrics, activities, and accomplishments. 

• Computer skills with ability to learn Google Suite including email, Sheets/Excel, and Docs/Word, and Drive. 

• CPR/AED/First Aid certification or the willingness to acquire within 30 days of hire (Lime Hollow can provide).

• Preferred but not required - certifications in HVAC, chainsaw safety, ASE certifications, OSHA safety training, etc. 

• Ability to work independently for prolonged periods of time or as part of a team. 

• Communicate cordially and clearly with visitors, hikers, staff, and others.

• Valid driver’s license and ability to be insured 

Physical Demands 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential function. 

• Must be able to lift and carry up to 75 lbs. 

• Must be able to walk, sit, run, reach, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, pull, push and spend    long periods of time standing 

Pay rate

First 90 days = $18.00 - $22.00/hour based on experience

After the first 90 days until the end of the fiscal year = 2.5% - 7.5% increase in hourly wages based on performance. 

Annual wages adjustments will be made at the end of each calendar year.

Benefits

This position is classified as a “year-round, hourly” position and the above responsibilities are budgeted for 20 hours per week. Hours may be added to up to 40 hours per week by adding duties and responsibilities described in the Groundskeeper and/or Janitorial Services positions.

This position is overtime eligible when hours reach over 40 per week. Overtime is paid at 1.5 times the hourly rate. Overtime is likely during certain times of the year.

This position is also eligible for: 

• Paid time off (depending on average hours worked), sick time, and paid holidays

• Medical Insurance (80% employer contribution for individual plan)

• Gear Stipend

• Professional Development budget

• Discounts for Lime Hollow programs

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

POSITION SUMMARY: 

The Groundskeeper is responsible for the regular upkeep and maintenance of Lime Hollow Nature Center’s 13+ miles of trails, trailheads, parking lots, campuses, gardens, and landscaping.  

The duties described in this position are budgeted for an average of 15-20 hours per week. Hours may be added to up to 40 hours per week by adding duties and responsibilities described in the Facilities & Equipment Technician and/or Janitorial Services.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Groundskeeper 

• Regularly mows and weedwacks all campuses, entire trail network from April to October

• Regularly plows, snow blows, salts and sands parking lots, driveways and walkways during October- April

• Regularly maintains gardens and other landscaping in front of facilities

• Responds promptly to clear downed trees in trails using chainsaws and hands tools

• Regularly keep overgrown vegetation out of trails by using mechanical (hedge trimmer, weedwacker) and hand tools, (pruners, loppers, etc.) throughout the year.

• Performs regular upkeep and maintenance on landscaping equipment, in collaboration with Facilities & Equipment Technician 

• Submits purchase requests for appropriate tools and supplies; provides written estimates for projects that include amount of materials, projected costs, and completion time. 

• Periodically assists Facilities & Equipment Technician with building/equipment maintenance.

• Periodically assists Land Steward with tree plantings, invasive removal, etc.

Program Assistance

• Assist with program set-up, operations, and cleanup throughout the year.

• Ensure program spaces are kept in good repair and assist with seasonal program space flips and resets. 

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including early mornings, weekends, including being on-call. This is vital during plowing season.

• Exceptional work ethic, perseverance, ability to multi-task and switch priorities based on needs, and a genuine passion for the environment, building and equipment upkeep, and Lime Hollow’s mission. 

• Ability to operate Ford F350, Kubota Tractor, Ferris zero-turn mower, tractor attachments, Stihl gas chainsaws; Greenworks electric chainsaws, hedge trimmer, weed wackers, and push mower; plow, gas snow-blowers, hand tools.  

• Experience operating landscaping equipment

• Knowledge and experience with landscaping equipment maintenance

• Computer skills with ability to learn Google Suite including email, Sheets/Excel, and Docs/Word, and Drive. 

• CPR/AED/First Aid certification or the willingness to acquire within 30 days of hire (Lime Hollow can provide).

• Preferred but not required - certifications in landscaping, chainsaw safety, etc. 

• Ability to work independently for prolonged periods of time or as part of a team. 

• Communicate cordially and clearly with visitors, hikers, staff, and others.

• Valid driver’s license and ability to be insured 

Physical Demands 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential function. 

• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. 

• Must be able to walk, sit, run, reach, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, pull, push and spend    long periods of time standing 

Pay rate

First 90 days = $16.00 - $20.00/hour based on experience

After the first 90 days until the end of the fiscal year = 2.5% - 7.5% increase in hourly wages based on performance. 

Annual wages adjustments will be made at the end of each calendar year.

Benefits

This position is classified as a “year-round, hourly” position and the above responsibilities are budgeted for 20 hours per week. Hours may be added to up to 40 hours per week by adding duties and responsibilities described in the Facilities & Equipment Technician and/or Janitorial Services.

This position is overtime eligible when hours reach over 40 per week. Overtime is paid at 1.5 times the hourly rate. Overtime is likely during certain times of the year.

This position is also eligible for: 

• Paid time off (depending on average hours worked), sick time, and paid holidays

• Medical Insurance (80% employer contribution for individual plan) - if working average 20 hours per week.

• Gear Stipend

• Professional Development budget

• Discounts for Lime Hollow programs

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

POSITION SUMMARY: 

The Janitorial Services position is responsible for the regular upkeep and cleaning of Nature Center buildings, including program spaces, bathrooms, and outbuildings.

The duties described in this position are budgeted for an average of 5-10 hours per week. The duties are expected to be completed after program hours which are generally after 6pm or before programs at 7am - Monday-Sunday- and may be completed late at night, early in the mornings, or on the weekends. Hours may be added to up to 40 hours per week by adding duties and responsibilities described in the Facilities & Equipment Technician and/or Groundskeeper positions.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Janitorial Services

• Performs regular upkeep and cleaning of main program spaces, offices, kitchens, and bathrooms in Visitor Center, Education Building, Gus Barn, several outbuildings by:

  • Regular sweeping, mopping, vacuuming wiping surfaces

  • Seasonal deep cleaning including baseboards, trim, dust removal, etc.

• Submits purchase requests for appropriate tools and supplies; provides written estimates that include amount of materials, projected costs, and completion time. 

• May assist with program set-up and cleanup throughout the year.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including late nights, early mornings, and/or weekends, 

• An eye for detail and exceptional cleanliness 

• Ability to work independently for prolonged periods of time or as part of a team. 

• Communicate cordially and clearly with visitors, hikers, staff, and others.

Physical Demands 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential function. 

• Must be able to lift and carry up to 25 lbs. 

• Must be able to walk, sit, reach, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, pull, push and spend long periods of time standing 

Pay rate

First 90 days = $17.00

After the first 90 days until the end of the fiscal year = 2.5% - 7.5% increase in hourly wages based on performance. 

Annual wages adjustments will be made at the end of each calendar year.

Benefits

This position is classified as a “year-round, hourly” position and the above responsibilities are budgeted for 5-10 hours per week. Hours may be added to up to 40 hours per week by adding duties and responsibilities described in the Groundskeeper and/or Facilities & Equipment Technician positions.

This position is overtime eligible when hours reach over 40 per week. Overtime is paid at 1.5 times the hourly rate. Overtime is likely during certain times of the year.

This position is also eligible for: 

• Paid time off (depending on average hours worked) and sick time

• Medical Insurance (80% employer contribution for individual plan) - available to those working on average 20 hours/week

• Discounts for Lime Hollow programs