Join Our Team
Red Oaks Forest School is dedicated to fostering a love for nature, exploration, and hands-on learning for children in Central and Eastern Kentucky. Our programs are designed to cultivate curiosity, environmental stewardship, and personal growth in youth through immersive, outdoor experiences.
As part of the Red Oaks team, you’ll gain valuable experience in outdoor education, work in a supportive team environment, and contribute to our mission of nurturing the next generation of environmental stewards. We offer competitive hourly pay, training opportunities, and the chance to make a lasting impact on children’s lives. Positions may be combined; some programs can accommodate employees’ children.
Current postings are for Spring 2025 semester (February 1 to May 15) with the opportunity to continue in Summer and Fall. Prospective hires will have the opportunity to observe classes through December 6, 2024.
Click here to apply.
lead nature-based educator for forest families
Position Overview:
We are seeking an enthusiastic, part-time Nature-Based Educator to lead outdoor learning experiences for children ages crawling to 5 and their caregivers. The ideal candidate is passionate about environmental education and skilled in engaging young learners through exploration and play. As a Nature-Based Educator, you will facilitate nature-focused activities, guide children in safe outdoor discovery, and help nurture their connection to the natural world.
Responsibilities:
Lead small groups of children ages crawling to 5 and their caregivers in nature-based educational activities.
Develop and implement hands-on learning experiences focused on ecology, natural sciences, and outdoor skills.
Foster a safe and inclusive environment that encourages exploration, creativity, and collaboration.
Communicate regularly with parents and guardians to address any concerns.
Collaborate with other educators and staff to plan and improve program offerings.
Program Details:
Thursdays, 9 am - 1:30 pm, plus at home prep time
A optional second day can be added based on the hired teacher’s schedule.
$18/hr
Location: Lexington, Ky.
Qualifications:
Experience working with children, ideally in an educational or outdoor setting
Knowledge of local ecology, flora, and fauna preferred
Strong communication skills and the ability to engage young learners
Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions
First Aid and CPR certification (or willingness to obtain)
A commitment to promoting environmental stewardship and inclusive learning
Organization skills
Spanish-speaking preferred, but not required
Lead nature-based educator for mighty acorns
Position Overview:
We are seeking an enthusiastic, part-time Nature-Based Educator to lead outdoor learning experiences for children ages 3-6. This is a drop-off program. The ideal candidate is passionate about early-childhood and environmental education and skilled in engaging young learners through exploration and play. As a Nature-Based Educator, you will facilitate nature-focused activities, guide children in safe outdoor discovery, and help nurture their connection to the natural world.
Responsibilities:
Lead small groups of children ages 3-6 in nature-based educational activities.
Develop and implement hands-on learning experiences focused on ecology, natural sciences, and outdoor skills.
Foster a safe and inclusive environment that encourages exploration, creativity, and collaboration.
Communicate regularly with parents and guardians to share updates and address any concerns.
Collaborate with other educators and staff to plan and improve program offerings.
Program Details:
Wednesdays, 9 am to 3 pm (sometimes longer), plus at home prep time
$18/hr
Location: Frankfort, Ky.
Qualifications:
Experience working with children, ideally in an educational or outdoor setting
Knowledge of local ecology, flora, and fauna preferred
Strong communication skills and the ability to engage young learners
Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions
First Aid and CPR certification (or willingness to obtain)
A commitment to promoting environmental stewardship and inclusive learning
Ability to stay calm under pressure
Organizational skills
Spanish-speaking preferred but not required
Experience working with children with ADHD, autism, and non-verbal children with special needs preferred but not required
Lead nature-based educator for forest friends
Position Overview:
We are seeking an enthusiastic, part-time Nature-Based Educator to lead outdoor learning experiences for children ages 5-10. During this program, caregivers are on-site but not in class. The ideal candidate is passionate about environmental education and skilled in engaging young learners through exploration and play. As a Nature-Based Educator, you will facilitate nature-focused activities, guide children in safe outdoor discovery, and help nurture their connection to the natural world.
Responsibilities:
Lead small groups of children ages 5-10 in nature-based educational activities.
Develop and implement hands-on learning experiences focused on ecology, natural sciences, and outdoor skills.
Foster a safe and inclusive environment that encourages exploration, creativity, and collaboration.
Communicate regularly with parents and guardians to share updates and address any concerns.
Collaborate with other educators and staff to plan and improve program offerings.
Program Details:
Lead educator for Forest Friends - a drop-off program for 5-10
After-school one day a week for 3 hours (times and day of week based on hired-teacher’s availability), plus at home prep time
$18/hr
Location: Lexington, Ky.
Qualifications:
Experience working with children, ideally in an educational or outdoor setting
Knowledge of local ecology, flora, and fauna preferred
Strong communication skills and the ability to engage young learners
Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions
First Aid and CPR certification (or willingness to obtain)
A commitment to promoting environmental stewardship and inclusive learning
Organization skills
Spanish-speaking preferred but not required
Experience working with children with ADHD, autism, and non-verbal children with special needs preferred but not required
Lead nature-based educators for STEAM
Position Overview:
We are seeking an enthusiastic, part-time Nature-Based Educator to lead outdoor learning experiences for children in one of the following age groups: ages 5-7 or ages 8-10. During this program, caregivers are on-site but not in class. The ideal candidate is passionate about early-childhood and environmental education, and skilled in engaging young learners through exploration and play. As a Nature-Based Educator, you will facilitate nature-focused activities, guide children in safe outdoor discovery, and help nurture their connection to the natural world.
Responsibilities:
Lead small groups of children ages 5-7 or 8-10 in nature-based educational activities.
Develop and implement hands-on learning experiences focused on ecology, natural sciences, and outdoor skills.
Foster a safe and inclusive environment that encourages exploration, creativity, and collaboration.
Communicate regularly with parents and guardians to share updates and address any concerns.
Collaborate with other educators and staff to plan and improve program offerings.
Program Details:
Tuesdays, 9 am to 1:30 pm (sometimes longer), plus at home prep time
$18/hr
Location: Frankfort, Ky. or Crab Orchard, Ky.
Qualifications:
Experience working with children, ideally in an educational or outdoor setting
Knowledge of local ecology, flora, and fauna preferred
Strong communication skills and the ability to engage young learners
Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions
First Aid and CPR certification (or willingness to obtain)
A commitment to promoting environmental stewardship and inclusive learning
Organization skills
Spanish-speaking preferred but not required
Experience working with children with ADHD, autism, and non-verbal children with special needs is preferred but not required.
lead nature-based educator for Trail Blazers
Position currently filled
Position Overview:
We are seeking a skilled and enthusiastic part-time Nature-Based Educator specializing in wilderness skills and trail building for ages 7-11. This is a drop-off program. The ideal candidate is passionate about the outdoors and experienced in teaching skills such as navigation, shelter-building, and responsible trail maintenance. In this position, you’ll guide small groups of students in hands-on activities that foster resilience, environmental respect, and a sense of accomplishment through trail-building projects.
Responsibilities:
Teach wilderness skills, including orienteering, shelter-building, fire safety, and “Leave No Trace” principles.
Guide students in trail-building and maintenance activities, encouraging teamwork and hands-on learning.
Plan, organize, and implement age-appropriate activities focused on outdoor survival and environmental stewardship.
Foster a safe, positive environment for exploration and learning in nature.
Supervise students during outdoor activities, ensuring their safety and engagement.
Maintain and organize materials, tools, and equipment used in trail-building and wilderness skills instruction.
Communicate regularly with parents and guardians, providing updates on student progress and activities.
Program Details:
Fridays, 9 am to 3 pm (sometimes longer), plus at home prep time
$18/hr
Location: Stanton, Ky.
Qualifications:
Experience in outdoor education, environmental science, or a related field
Proven experience with wilderness skills and/or trail maintenance, ideally with youth
Ability to engage young learners and foster a sense of curiosity and respect for nature
Strong communication and organizational skills
Comfortable working outdoors in a variety of weather conditions
First Aid and CPR certification (or willingness to obtain)
Commitment to environmental stewardship and the principles of sustainable outdoor education
Spanish-speaking preferred but not required.
Experience working with children with ADHD, autism, and non-verbal children with special needs is preferred but not required
assistant nature-based educators
Position Overview:
We are seeking part-time Assistant Nature-Based Educators to support our lead educators in delivering engaging outdoor learning experiences for children. The ideal candidate is enthusiastic, patient, and passionate about nature and environmental education. As an assistant, you will work closely with lead educators to facilitate activities, ensure a safe learning environment, and guide children between the ages of 3 and 12, depending on the program, in exploring the natural world around them.
Responsibilities:
Supervise and support children during outdoor exploration, ensuring a safe and inclusive environment.
Help prepare and organize materials for hands-on learning, including crafts, nature walks, and science activities.
Encourage positive social interactions and teamwork among students.
Assist with setup and cleanup of program activities and maintain the cleanliness of outdoor learning spaces.
Program Details:
Assistant Educator for Mighty Acorns (drop-off program for ages 3-6)
Wednesdays, 9 am to 3 pm
$16/hr
Location: Frankfort
Assistant Educator for Homeschool STEAM (program for ages 5-10, caregivers on-site)
Tuesdays 9 am to 1:30 pm
$16/hr
Locations: Frankfort, Ky. or Crab Orchard, Ky.
Assistant Educator for Trail Blazers (drop-off program for ages 7-11)
Fridays, 9 am to 3 pm
$16/hr
Location: Stanton
Assistant Educator for Mighty Acorns (drop-off program for ages 3-6)
Fridays, 9 am to 3 pm
$16/hr
Location: Stanton
Qualifications:
Experience working with children, ideally in an educational or outdoor setting
Interest in nature, ecology, or environmental education
Excellent communication and teamwork skills
Willingness to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions
First Aid and CPR certification (or willingness to obtain)
A positive, proactive attitude and commitment to fostering a love for nature in young learners