Join our team!
We are looking for a Forest School Junior Rangers (ages 9-14+) Program Lead and a Communications and Marketing Intern or Volunteer.
Forest School Junior Ranger Program Lead
Location: Lumberton, MS / Burrow Nature Center
Position Type: Part-Time (Approx. 6–10 hours/week) with room to grow
Schedule: Monday teaching (1 day/week) + 1 Saturday/month + Flexible Prep/Outreach Hours
Compensation: $15-$25/hour based on experience.
About the Role
Burrow Nature Center (BNC) is looking for an energetic lead instructor to build and guide our Junior Rangers cohort (ages 9–14).
Older kids in nature school need real skills, agency, and adventure. We are seeking an educator, naturalist, bushcraft enthusiast, or outdoor mentor who loves guiding youth through hands-on skills—like fire-craft, tracking, shelter building, primitive crafts, knife safety, and ecosystem exploration—while giving them room to build confidence and independence.
Key Responsibilities
1. Teaching & Program Delivery
Co-Lead Outdoor Sessions: Facilitate weekly children's forest school sessions (1 Monday/week) and one Saturday event per month alongside an assistant teacher, growing into more days as classes fill up.
Skill-Building & Mentorship: Cultivate a safe, inclusive, and adventurous outdoor environment that balances physical challenge, bushcraft skills, ecological learning, and social-emotional growth.
Logistics & Safety: Lead session setup and breakdown, oversee participant check-in/out, and adhere strictly to BNC safety protocols and risk management guidelines.
2. Community Outreach & Family Recruitment
For the right candidate, this position includes outreach responsibilities to grow our program.
Drive Enrollment: Work with executive director to actively promote the Forest School program to reach target cohort sizes.
Grassroots Networking: Build relationships with local homeschool co-ops, parent groups, libraries, community centers, and online regional groups, etc.
Digital & Physical Promotion: Distribute promotional materials (flyers, social media posts, digital event invites) to increase visibility for upcoming seasons and weekend workshops.
Participant Relationship Management: Help convert drop-in visitors or weekend event attendees into full-season registrations.
3. Curriculum & Prep
Lesson Planning: Help prep physical materials, test hands-on bushcraft or field activities, and contribute seasonal ideas to the curriculum.
Feedback: Gather feedback from families to continuously improve program offerings and participant retention.
Qualifications & Skills
Youth & Nature Passion: Demonstrated passion for nature connection, land stewardship, and outdoor learning.
Teaching Experience: Prior experience leading groups of children (formal classroom, camp, outdoor education, Scouts, Sunday schools, youth groups, etc).
Outreach & Communication Skills: Warm, approachable, and proactive communicator who is comfortable talking to parents, pitching the program, and representing BNC in the community.
Natural History Knowledge: Basic knowledge of Pine Belt flora, fauna, and ecosystems (or a strong enthusiasm to learn).
Reliable & Resilient: Punctual, dependable, and comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions.
Clearances & Certifications: Must pass a standard background check. First Aid/CPR required (Wilderness First Responder or Wilderness First Aid is a major plus; willingness to get certified upon hire is required).
Schedule & Commitment
Teaching Days: Mondays + One Saturday morning per month (approx 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM) for 5 hours.
Prep & Communications: 2–4 hours/week (Flexible/Remote options for lesson prep, outreach, family follow-ups, and coordination).
How to apply
To apply, please submit the following materials via email to Jordan@BurrowNature.org with the subject line: "Junior Ranger Program Lead - [Your Last Name]"*.
Required Application Materials:
1. Cover Letter: Detailing your relevant experience working with youth, interest in expanding BNC's community programs, and why you are the right person to enroll more families.
2. Resume/CV: Highlighting teaching/camp, or environmental science experience as well as marketing/outreach and administrative experience.
3. References: Contact information for 2 professional or academic references.
Application Deadline: Rolling review until filled.
Burrow Nature Center is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applicants of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities to apply.
Communications & Marketing Intern/Volunteer (Hybrid)
Location: Burrow Nature Center (Field visits for content capture + Remote work)
Hours: 8–12 hours/week
Credit: Unpaid (Academic Credit Eligible)
About the Role:
Burrow Nature Center (BNC) is looking for a creative, self-motivated Communications & Marketing Intern or volunteer to help tell the story of active land stewardship, longleaf pine and endangered species restoration, a children’s nature school, and youth agro-forestry apprenticeships in Mississippi.
Working directly with the Executive Director, you will build a professional portfolio by designing digital content, managing our social media presence, and helping launch targeted donor/community campaigns.
Key Responsibilities:
Content Creation & Social Media: Plan, capture, and design 2–3 weekly posts across platforms highlighting field work, sawmill operations, prescribed fire safety, animal care, educational programs, etc.
Storytelling & Field Visits: Attend 1–2 field sessions per month to capture high-quality photos/video of fellows, volunteers, and nature center activities.
Newsletter & Web Updates: Draft BNC’s monthly email newsletter using existing copy/photos and update basic announcements on our Squarespace website.
Community Outreach: Design digital flyers, event promotions, and simple 1-page sponsorship sheets for local business outreach.
Analytics Tracking: Track monthly engagement metrics to learn what content resonates best with our donors and local community.
What You Will Learn & Gain:
Portfolio Development: A collection of published marketing assets, newsletters, press pieces, and social campaigns to show future employers.
Brand Strategy: Real-world experience building a cohesive visual identity and voice for a growing regional non-profit.
Tools Mastery: Hands-on experience with Squarespace, MailerLite, Canva, Meta Business Suite, and basic analytics.
Direct Mentorship: Weekly 1-on-1 check-ins with non-profit leadership
Qualifications:
Currently enrolled in or recent graduate of a program in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Journalism, or Graphic Design (or real world experience)
Strong written communication skills with a knack for storytelling.
Basic experience with graphic design, social media, and related platforms
Self-starter who can manage deadlines independently.
Passion for the outdoors, conservation, or community development is a big plus!
How to Apply
How to Apply
To apply, please email your materials directly to Jordan@BurrowNature.org with the subject line: Marketing/Comms - [Your Last Name].
Required Application Materials:
1. Resume/CV: Highlighting relevant coursework, campus involvement, or past work in marketing, PR, communications, or design.
2. Short Cover Letter or Intro Note: Briefly sharing why you're interested in storytelling for active land stewardship, forestry, and nature education.
3. Portfolio or Design Samples (Optional): 2–3 examples of graphics (Canva/Adobe etc), social media posts, photography, or writing samples from class projects or past work.
Application Deadline: Rolling review until filled. Priority given to applications received by Sept 1, 2026.
Burrow Nature Center is an equal opportunity organization. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.