Opportunities

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Environmental Education Fellow

About Riverbend
Riverbend is a leader in environmental education for children in the Philadelphia area. We connect children to nature and empower them to take action for the earth. Our nature preserve is home to walking trails, ponds, woodlands, meadows, a stream, and a greenhouse. Students visit on field trips, and we travel to bring Riverbend’s award- winning education programs to schools and community locations.

About the Position
Riverbend will be hiring two Environmental Education Fellows for the 2026-27 school year. You teach Riverbend’s nature education programs to children in pre-K through 12th grade in local schools, at partner locations, on our preserve, and in our on-site summer and year round camp. Additionally, you learn the ropes of running a nonprofit nature center by assisting the following departments at various times: marketing, special events, fundraising, facilities, and habitat management. You gain experience working with live animals to support educational lessons. The fellows report to the Director of Education
and the positions run from August 17, 2026 to June 11, 2027 with the option to extend through August 2027 by assuming summer camp responsibilities. Pay is $720/week.

Who You Are
You are a people person with prior experience teaching children in a classroom, camp, or informal education setting, or you are someone with experience in environmental studies looking to gain experience in environmental education. You are looking for a professional growth opportunity and want to help children connect to nature. You are a lifelong learner, and Riverbend provides extensive training so you enter each class prepared to deliver hands-on, fun, indoor and outdoor experiences. You are an organized, detail-oriented person with strong administrative abilities and are a good communicator. You are a flexible problem solver who can help maintain excellence in our education programs during an unusual year when our barn and offices are undergoing renovation. The Environmental Education Fellowship will take you to the next level of your career as a teacher or environmentalist.

Responsibilities

• Teach environmental education programs indoors and outdoors to students in various locations, including on-site field trips and off-site classroom visits in local schools
• Plan and prepare for education programs by creating, gathering, and organizing education materials, as needed
• Complete daily animal care tasks to care for Riverbend’s collection of animal ambassadors including snakes, geckos, frogs, turtles, hissing cockroaches, stick bugs, and guinea pigs
• Support education program operations and organization during yearlong barn renovation
• Staff community events on occasional weekends, with no more than one weekend requested per month
• Contribute to the Center’s daily operations in every department, as needed
• Contribute to special projects around the preserve, as needed

Required Experience

• Interest in Environmental Education, Biology, Ecology, or other related field
• Experience working with people from various age groups, backgrounds, and cultures.
• Experience teaching education programs, formally or informally, is encouraged.
• Applicants should be self-starters, able to work independently in a fast paced work environment
• Passionate about Riverbend’s mission
• Experience with Google docs, Google sheets, and Google calendar is a plus
• Applicants must be 18 or over and we require a college degree or equivalent experience.

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary of $720 per week
• 40 hours per week; 36 hours a week, with half-day Fridays in the winter months
• Position runs August 17, 2026 to June 11, 2027
• 8 days paid time off over 10 months for vacation or sick time
• Beyond the 8 days, additional unpaid time off for covid illness
• Additionally, 6 paid holidays off
• The opportunity to advance your professional work skills
• Short and long term disability insurance

Why you should work for us

• We hold our meetings outdoors in spring, summer and fall
• We have deep respect for our partners: students, teachers, students, and parents
• We are committed to ensuring that all children, regardless of background or zip code, have access to meaningful experiences in nature. The work we do improves children’s lives and gives us hope for the future.
• We believe work-life balance is important: working hours are 8 per day, and typically end by 5pm
• Our Board and Staff are fiercely committed to equity and to achieving our DEI Plan goals (link to Riverbend’s DEI Plan)
• On your work breaks, enjoy a hike through the woods!

Working conditions

• Work will be split between our office, offsite classrooms, and outdoors.
• Able to remain on feet for long periods of time, in all weather conditions. 
• Will regularly need to walk trails with lots of hills and uneven ground. 
• Will regularly work with live animals including insects, reptiles, amphibians, mammals, and fish.
• Ability to safely lift and carry 40 lbs for a distance of 25 ft.
• Successful completion of a post-offer background check, including criminal and driving records and ability to obtain PA Child Abuse History, Criminal Records and FBI Fingerprinting clearances. 
• Must be available to work occasional weekends and holidays as needed for programming.
• Must have own vehicle. Mileage will be reimbursed.

This is a hands-on, creative, and fun-loving place to work. We care about children’s future on the earth. So if you're ready to educate the next generation, tackle varied challenges, and apply your experience, passion, and teamwork skills, please apply!

To Apply:
Applications must include a cover letter, resume, and 3 professional references. The cover letter should detail how this fellowship fits into your five year plan and how it will help you achieve your goals. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Applications should be sent to Jill Shashaty at jshashaty@riverbendeec.org.

Applications must be received by April 24th. Job offers will be made in late May.

Riverbend Summer Camp at The Wetherill School Preschool Summer Camp Counselor

Dates: July 6th– August 14th, 2026

Hours: Full time, appx. 35-40 hours per week; Monday – Friday 8:30am – 4:30pm (some evenings required)

Compensation: $19 per hour

Camper Ages: 4-6 years old

Location: The Wetherill School 1321 Beaumont Dr, Gladwyne, PA 19035

Program:

Riverbend Environmental Education Center believes that amazing things happen when a child spends time in nature.

Studies show that when kids spend time in nature they:

• Think more creatively and critically

• Are more social and less likely to be bullied or experience bullying

• Feel less stressed, allowing their emotional development to flourish

• Increase their fitness level and distance vision.

Riverbend is seeking self-motivated, energetic, and passionate educators to be a part of the staff of Riverbend’s newest offsite Preschool Summer Camp at The Wetherill School. Each week, children come to The Wetherill School for outdoor hands-on exploration and discovery. Campers at the Wetherill have a balance of time exploring outdoors and enjoying storytimes, free play, and further activities in an air-conditioned classroom provided by the Wetherill School. The atmosphere is friendly and child-centered. Curriculum is interpreted and delivered by professional staff with a strong emphasis on exploring and expanding children’s interests and stimulating investigation in nature. Groups are 12 children maximum and are led by a lead educator and supported by an assistant educator.

Camp counselors are responsible for working together to create a positive camp experience for a group of campers each week. This includes implementing activities for the campers, and behavior and safety management.

Responsibilities:

• Working with our Wetherill Coordinator to facilitate outdoor, environmental education activities and experiences for campers.

• Adapt activities as necessary for camper age, interest and outdoor conditions.

• Navigate behavioral and group management.

• General upkeep of the facility each day.

Qualifications:

• Successful completion of pre-employment screening including criminal background check, FBI fingerprint check, and Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance.

• Interest in Environmental Education, Biology, Ecology or other related field

• Some experience educating and managing children formally or informally is encouraged

• Strong oral communication skills

• Ability to work a flexible schedule which will include early mornings, late afternoons and occasional overnights.

• Ability to follow all COVID-19 safety procedures

• Passionate about Riverbend’s mission

Physical and Medical Standards:

• Ability to work actively outdoors during the hot summer months and in all weather conditions.

• Ability to work independently and in groups

• No allergy to plants, animals or chemicals that may be used on the job that may interfere with ability to perform work.

• Ability to safely lift, carry, and load 40 lbs at a distance of 50 ft.

• No impairment of sight, smell, hearing, touch, balance or agility of movement (which cannot be corrected with appropriate devices) that may interfere with ability to perform work.

To apply:

Please email Ken Guadagnino, our Camp Manager, with your resume and cover letter at: camps@riverbendeec.org

Feel free to reach out regarding any questions you may have regarding the position!

Gladwyne Summer Camp Educators-In-Training (EITs)

Dates:

• A minimum of 3 weeks between June 8th – September 4th; Monday –  Friday, 8:30am – 4:00pm
• Weeks must be scheduled prior to the start of the summer and do not need to be consecutive
• Mandatory EIT Training Saturday May 30, 2025 10am-1pm
• Ages 15-17

Position type: Seasonal volunteer

Program:
At Riverbend, amazing things happen when a child spends time in nature.
Studies show that when kids spend time in nature, they:

• Think more creatively and critically
• Are more social and less likely to be bullied or experience bullying
• Feel less stressed, allowing their emotional development to flourish
• Increase their fitness level and distance vision.

Riverbend is looking for energetic and motivated students between the ages of 15 and 17 to assist on a volunteer-basis with our summer camp program and have a positive impact on the lives and education of young children. Educators-In-Training will spend their time assisting professional educators and assistant educators with group management, daily activities, modeling of appropriate behavior, and providing nurturing support for campers. In addition, EITs will get to participate in activities with the children, including games, nature exploration, field trips, and more. EITs work primarily with our youngest campers and are a vital part to the success of the program.

Returning EITs are eligible to apply to be paid as long as they are a rising Junior or
older. Pay rate is $10/hr, with paid EIT slots awarded based on seniority. Previous EITs are also prioritized when applying for Riverbend counselor positions!

Pre-requisites:

• Some experience caring for children, whether that be previous volunteer work, babysitting, or taking care of siblings at home!
• Interest working with multiple age groups of children.
• An excitement for the great outdoors and a passion for sharing it with children.
• A dedication to Riverbend’s mission to care for children & introduce them to nature

Responsibilities: 
EIT’s perform a vital role in Riverbend's summer camp program.  Depending on the
EIT’s time and growth in the position there will be potential for increased responsibilities throughout the summer including but not limited to check in and check out, leading a program, and planning and implementing lessons.

Basic duties include:

• Assisting camp staff with assigned tasks that help with the general management of educational groups, primarily for children 5-8 years of age.
• Providing a role model for the younger children on the appropriate ways to behave at camp and how to successfully explore the natural world.
• Assisting with the leading of Circle Time.
• Assisting with implementation of lesson plans and activities.
• Assisting with the clean-up of education spaces, including picnic areas, outdoor classroom, supply room and others.
• Assisting with camper lunch.

Qualifications:

• Successful completion of pre-employment screening including Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance and criminal background check.
• Ability to work actively outdoors during the hot summer months and in all weather conditions.
• No allergy to plants, animals or chemicals that may be used on the job that may interfere with ability to perform work.
• Ability to safely lift and carry 50 pounds for 25 feet.
• No impairment of sight, smell, hearing, touch, balance or agility of movement (which cannot be corrected with appropriate devices) that may interfere with ability to perform work.

To apply:
Please email Ken Guadagnino, our Summer Camp Manager at:
camps@riverbendeec.org, including your resume and three references.

Thank you so much for considering joining Riverbend’s growing summer camp
community! By taking part in our EIT program, you will build your resume, gain
valuable leadership experience, meet new people, and have a fantastic summer
outdoors!

Part-Time Paid Summer & Fall Internships in Habitat Management

We are looking for applicants that are recent high school graduates, current college students, and recent graduates. Please don’t hesitate to inquire about your candidacy before applying!

Duration: Two separate 10-week opportunities

• Summer: June 1-August 7, 2026
• Fall: Sept. 1- November 6, 2026                          

Expected hours: 12 hrs/wk
Compensation: $16.00/hr

Do you love to be outside and have a passion for nature? Riverbend Environmental Education Center is accepting applications for 2025 Summer and Fall Habitat Management Interns to assist with the stewardship of our 30-acre nature preserve.  The internship is for individuals interested in pursuing careers in conservation, natural resources, parks management, environmental education, and environmental non-profit work. The Habitat Management Interns, under the supervision of the Habitat and Volunteer Manager, will help maintain our trails, woodlands, gardens, ponds, and meadow areas, and assist with our ongoing woodland restoration project.   Tasks will include planting, weeding, watering, mulching, pond maintenance, trail maintenance, stocking our woodpile, the identification and removal of iinvasive species, and debris removal.          

Storm and trash clean-up is also to be expected.  Additionally, interns may operate small power equipment such as power drills, weed whackers, or leaf blowers. This is a hands-on internship with most of the time spent working outside in nature.

Interns may also help the Volunteer Manager work with the Summer Teen, School, and Corporate, volunteer group programs, and assist with camp activities to give a well-rounded Riverbend experience.  In addition, they may help with preparation for special events and general maintenance. Management tasks will include working with individual volunteers and helping mentor and manage Teen Summer Volunteer Program members.  

Interns will also be invited on occasional field trips and tours of other gardens/nature preserves. Successful applicants can expect to gain practical habitat management experience, as well as volunteer management skills and insight into the running of an environmental non-profit.

The Habitat Interns will work approximately 10 weeks for 12 hours per week, and this is a paid internship at $16.00/hr.  Work weeks are flexible to accommodate school or vacation plans, but the interns must be available for 10 weeks of work spread from early June to mid-August for the Summer positions and Early September to mid November for the Fall positions.  Workdays will generally be Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursdays, with hours divided however is
convenient to the applicant and habitat manager. 

Internship candidates may be diverse in their educational backgrounds and future career goals and will be considered regardless of race, gender, or educational background. Candidates pursuing a degree in environmental science, botany, biology, or environmental resource management are encouraged to apply. 

Requirements: 

• Demonstrated interest in the natural world - gardening, ecology, botany, environmental studies, conservation, or landscape architecture
• Ability to work independently and in groups 
• An outgoing leader who can comfortably supervise other volunteers, especially teenagers 
• Ability to handle strenuous manual labor associated with outdoor work and ability to work outdoors in inclement weather and on a hilly terrain with occasional exposure to poison ivy, biting and stinging insects, etc.
• Child Abuse and Criminal Background checks
• Current driver’s license

Riverbend is located in the western suburbs of Philadelphia.  We are not accessible by public transportation. 

Interested applicants should fill out this form. For any questions, please contact Ayla Moulder-Tyler, Habitat and Volunteer Manager, at amouldertyler@riverbendeec.org.

Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled.