Join Our Nature Preschool Team as an Assistant Teacher!

Imagine a classroom where the woods and prairie are your backdrop—sounds like a dream job?  We are seeking passionate and dedicated Teachers to join our Nature Preschool team. This role is ideal for individuals who love working with young children and have a strong commitment to fostering a connection with nature. You’ll collaborate closely with the Nature Preschool Director and other staff to create a nurturing and engaging outdoor learning environment. 

Assistant Teacher

Part-Time, 22-25 hours/week 

Hourly Pay Range: $17.00 – $19.00 ($19,448 – $24,700 annually)  

Schedule: Hours will typically fall between Monday through Thursday, 8:00am-4:30pm, Fridays 8:00am-12:00pm; plus, occasional training and monthly team meeting. 

Location: Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center, Spicer, MN 

What You’ll Do: 

  • Lead a nature-based program for preschoolers (ages 3-5), guiding them through outdoor learning experiences that inspire curiosity, creativity, and connection to the natural world.  
  • Collaborate with the team of teachers to create a safe, engaging, and enriching outdoor classroom environment. 
  • Supervise and support children during outdoor explorations and play. 
  • Foster a strong relationship with children, parents, and the community, ensuring a positive learning experience. 
  • Assist in planning and implementing nature-based curriculum activities. 
  • Observe and document children’s development and progress. 
  • Carry out rules and legislation with DHS licensing for Rule 3 Child Care Center 
 

What Makes You a Great Fit: 

  • Passion for nature, outdoor learning, and working with young children in all weather conditions. 
  • Experience in educational settings with young children and knowledge of early childhood development, especially in nature-based education. 
  • Flexibility, strong communication skills, and a team-oriented mindset. 
  • Rule 3 Qualified under DHS Minnesota State Licensing, with current CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain). 
 

Why You’ll Love It Here: 

  • Make a real impact: Help young children connect with nature, grow in confidence, and learn through play in the great outdoors. 
  • Work with a supportive team: Be part of an inspiring, passionate group of educators who share your love for outdoor learning and exploration. 
  • Opportunities to grow: As we grow, there will be opportunities for you to engage in professional development, certifications, and training in outdoor and nature-based education. 
  • Incredible work environment: Spend your days in the beautiful outdoors of Prairie Woods, with nature as your classroom! 
 

How to Apply for This Position: 

If you’re excited about guiding children to learn and grow in nature, send your resume and a brief message explaining why you’re a great fit to Hannah Stelley, Nature Preschool Director at hannah.s@prairiewoodselc.org. 

Application Deadline: Monday, December 16th, 2024 

Equal Opportunity Employer: Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and visitors. 

Grounds Technician

Are you someone who finds purpose in nature, takes pride in hands-on work, and wants to make a positive impact on the community? We’re hiring a Grounds Technician to help keep our campus vibrant and welcoming for all to enjoy! 
 

Grounds Technician 
Full-Time, 30-35 hours/week 
6:00am to 12:30pm 
Hourly Pay Range: $21.00 – $22.50 ($32,760 – $40,950 annually based on weekly hours) Benefits provided. 

About Us 

Welcome to Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center (PWELC)—a 560-acre oasis of prairies, woods, and wetlands in Spicer, MN, dedicated to environmental education and outdoor recreation for all ages. If you’re ready for a life that’s a little richer, a little closer to nature, and filled with purpose, we’d love to have you join our team as our new Facilities and Grounds Technician. 

About the Role 

As the Grounds Technician, you’ll play a key role in keeping our campus safe, clean, functional, and welcoming. Working primarily independently with oversight from the Executive Director, you’ll manage routine maintenance, daily cleaning of preschool spaces, prepare facilities for events, and ensure grounds are accessible year-round. Your work will directly support PWELC’s mission of connecting people with nature, making you an essential part of our vibrant community resource. 

Why You’ll Love This Job 

  • Enjoy a daily connection with nature in an outdoor work environment. 
  • Work independently on tasks, supporting our mission to connect people with nature. You’ll be part of something that brings joy, learning, and inspiration to others. 
  • Paid benefits  
     

What You’ll Do 

  • Facility Upkeep and Care: Maintain classrooms, the nature preschool center, offices, restrooms, and common areas to ensure a clean and welcoming environment. You’ll work from a weekly schedule of facility use and work orders provided by the Executive Director. 
  • Grounds Maintenance: Mow lawns, remove snow, and ensure safe, accessible paths year-round. Be prepared for earlier starts during snow removal to ensure conditions are safe for all. 
  • Event Setup: Arrange tables, chairs, and equipment for a variety of events, from small meetings to large gatherings, based on the facility schedule. 
  • Routine Maintenance: Follow preventive schedules to keep air handling systems, equipment, vehicles, and facilities in excellent working order. Flexibility may be needed as groups and students sometimes arrive later in the day. 
  • Supply Management: Coordinate and manage supplies to ensure all spaces are stocked and ready for use. 

 

Qualifications 

  • Experienced in maintenance (3+ years preferred). 
  • Self-motivated and reliable, punctual, able to work independently while staying connected with the team to keep PWELC running smoothly. 
  • Physically active and comfortable working outdoors, tackling tasks that keep you engaged and on your feet.  

 

Ready to Apply? 

Start your mornings with birdsong and the beauty of the outdoors on a campus you help maintain. If you’re looking for a role with purpose, impact, and a connection to nature, join us at Prairie Woods and help make it a welcoming place for everyone! 

Equal Opportunity Employer 
Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and visitors. 

Application Deadline: Monday, December 16th, 2024.

To Apply, send your resume to Jennifer Swenson, Executive Director, at jennifer.s@prairiewoodselc.org   

For more information call (320) 354-5894  

Program Facilitator


Do you enjoy being outdoors and facilitating group experiences in nature? At Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center (PWELC), you’ll have the opportunity to lead groups in outdoor activities, helping others explore and appreciate the natural world. As part of our team, you’ll gain practical experience in group facilitation, environmental education, and outdoor recreation, all while spending time in nature and providing meaningful experiences for participants.

Position: Facilitator 

Hours: This is a part-time, on-call position. Your hours will typically fall between Monday through Friday, 8:00am-3:00pm, with an average of 10-20 hours per week.

Pay: $15-$18 per hour 

Location: Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center, Spicer, MN  

This is a seasonal position with approximately 15-20 hours per week during April and May, with many opportunities for additional work from June through October. There are also exciting opportunities to lead snow activities in January and February, including cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. You’ll have flexibility to choose which programs you lead based on your schedule and interests.

In this role, you’ll guide a variety of hands-on programs for all ages, from preschoolers to seniors. Whether it’s teaching a pond study, exploring local wildlife and insects, exciting activities like canoeing, kayaking, and fat-tire biking, or even helping participants navigate our challenge course and climbing walls, every day will bring a new adventure. You’ll also assist with preparing materials, equipment, and curriculum, ensuring everything runs smoothly and participants have a memorable experience.

What makes you a great fit:
We’re searching for people who love the outdoors and enjoy sharing that passion with others. If you have experience working with kids or young people, can confidently engage groups, and are excited about learning new outdoor skills, this could be the perfect fit for you! Physical stamina is important, as you’ll be leading outdoor activities, and a general awareness of environmental issues is a bonus.

Here’s what a past employee had to say:  
“Working at PWELC has been an amazing experience! I have had the opportunity to gain confidence in myself and continuously grow as a person. Working with diverse groups of people as well as connecting others with each other and the environment has been extremely rewarding. I am beyond grateful for PWELC and the wonderful staff on shaping the person I am today.”  – Kelsie Rustad

Why you’ll love this job:

  • Pick shifts that fit your schedule with flexible, on-call options.
  • Spend your time outdoors leading fun activities like teaching environmental education, canoeing, rock climbing and flying squirrel.
  • We provide training to help you build the skills you need to lead with confidence.
  • Help kids and adults connect with nature and make a real difference in their lives.

 

How to apply:
If you’re excited about working outdoors, leading engaging activities, and making a positive impact, we’d love to hear from you! Please send your resume and a brief message explaining why to Jennifer Swenson at jennifer.s@prairiewoodselc.org  

Winter application deadline:
Monday, January 6th, 2025 

Spring application deadline:
Monday, March 10th, 2025 

Environmental Education Internship

A Prairie Woods internship offers diverse experiences in environmental education and outdoor recreation, as well as connections with a community of educators who support your learning process. Internships are available for the spring and summer seasons. Please email Kory Klebe with a letter of interest and resume: kory.k@prairiewoodselc.org