Job Title: Naturalist – Indigenous Land-Based Learning
Job Type: Full-time, 10 months + 5 days per year, 35 hours/week
Location: Education Center
Salary: $30.98 to $34.42 per hour (Pay Band 10B)
Start Date: TBD
Posting Closing Date: July 31 , 2026; 4:00PM EST/EDT
Who We Are
The Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board (KPR) offers a world-class education for approximately 35,000 students in 87 schools. Spanning over 7,000 square kilometers, across diverse rural and urban communities in southeastern Ontario. KPR serves the Municipality of Clarington, Northumberland and Peterborough Counties, and City of Quinte West/Murray Ward.
The Board is situated on the traditional territory of the Michi Saagiig Anishinaabeg people, serving three vibrant Indigenous communities which include Alderville First Nation, Curve Lake First Nation and Hiawatha First Nation.
Today, the Kawartha Pine Ridge school district is home to many First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples and we acknowledge the contributions and accomplishments of all Indigenous people across Turtle Island, current and throughout history.
All positions in the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board support the schools’ priority of student achievement and the Board’s mission to educate our students to excel in learning, to succeed in life and to enrich our communities.
Employees demonstrate empathy and respect in all interactions, are committed to service excellence, and embrace change through innovation.
The purpose of the Naturalist – Indigenous Land-Based Learning position is to lead safe, inclusive, and experiential Outdoor Education programs aligned with the Ontario curriculum for students in grades JK to 12. This role ensures the day-to-day operations, logistics, and safety of the assigned Outdoor Education Centre.
We offer eligible employees a comprehensive employee pension (OMERS) and benefit package upon start date, a commitment to ongoing learning, and an exceptional work environment.
Qualifications Required
Education & Experience:
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Completed three (3) year post-secondary diploma or degree in a field related to environmental sciences/studies, outdoor education, or equivalent.
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Minimum of one (1) year of demonstrated experience collaborating with Indigenous communities, students, and families, including engagement in land-based education practices.
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Preference for candidates with Indigenous Lived Experience and cultural connection.
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Valid First Aid & CPR certificate.
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Drivers’ license and use of own vehicle.
Specialized Skills:
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Advanced knowledge of Indigenous Ways of Knowing, principles of Land-Based Learning and environmental science, ecosystems and stewardship.
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Ability and knowledge to connect cultural teachings to Land-based Learning opportunities and experiences to staff and students.
Strong classroom management skills to lead safe, engaging, and age-appropriate Indigenous Land-Based Learning educatio
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Proficient computer skills including Microsoft Office software for word processing, data management, email, and calendar scheduling.
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Demonstrates strong organizational and multitasking skills to efficiently prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
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Builds positive relationships through effective communication and respectful interactions with all contacts.
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Ability to effectively work independently as well as part of a team willing to assist colleagues and contribute to group goals.
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Demonstrates a strong commitment to the Board’s mission to educate students to excel in learning, succeed in life, and enrich communities.
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Builds positive relationships through empathetic communication and respectful interactions with students, colleagues, and school community members.
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Committed to a culture of continuous improvement and service excellence.
Reports to: Principal, Indigenous Education
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
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Plan, develop, and facilitate structured, experiential, hands-on Ontario Curriculum based Outdoor Education and Indigenous Land-based Learning programs for students’ grades JK - 12 in all seasons.
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Integrate and incorporate Indigenous curriculum content and the 7 Principles of Indigenous Education collaboratively alongside the Indigenous Education Department.
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Design and create program resources, worksheets, resource guides, and interactive displays to enhance visual learning and comprehension through an Indigenous lens.
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Modify and adapt existing learning programs continually based on school specific needs, student abilities, varying seasons, and unique education center environments, while centering Indigenous Ways of Knowing.
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Research and maintain up-to-date knowledge on cultural context and learning, evolving curriculum documents, environmental science topics, and relevant educational content through continuous professional development.
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Lead and engage students in authentic sharing of Land Acknowledgements, establishing clear thematic connections to the land, water, and relations.
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Instruct and support students during land-based learning activities by explaining core concepts and guiding their deepening understanding of Indigenous knowledge systems.
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Act as a resource to the system by providing teachers with relevant educational materials, activities, and expertise to enhance classroom learning in an alternative setting and maximize the benefits of Indigenous Land-Based Learning and experiences.
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Ensure the safe, daily operation and administration of the assigned Outdoor Education Centre, including but not limited to, cleaning and coordinating repairs with facilities department, including monitoring and culturally relevant care for the learning lodge and sacred fire circle.
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Conduct ongoing daily safety awareness scans of the property and trails to address physical concerns, natural hazards, or extreme weather conditions.
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Administer first aid when required, execute emergency action plans, and determine any applicable critical safety responses.
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Maintain daily and specialized outdoor program inventory and equipment while processing orders and collaborating with the principal on larger resource requests.
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Coordinate the use of the Outdoor Education Centre by collaborating with school staff on logistics such as scheduling and busing and proactively resolving registration conflicts caused by weather or calendar shifts.
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Coordinate Indigenous Land-Based Learning programming in collaboration with the Indigenous Education Department and local knowledge keepers and elders from local First Nation and wider urban Indigenous partners.
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Other duties as assigned.
Main Contacts:
Regular/on-going contacts include but are not limited to:
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Internal: staff, students, volunteers
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External: public, representatives from government agencies
Supervision of Work:
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Responsible for providing support to co-op/placement students and volunteers including assigning tasks and guidance of work.
Working Conditions:
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Primarily based at an Outdoor Education Centre, requiring frequent transitions between indoor and outdoor settings.
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Frequent exposure to variable outdoor elements, including varying temperatures, UV rays, insects, dust, and dirt.
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Moderate amounts of lifting materials under and over 5 kg, standing, walking, bending, kneeling and pushing/pulling.
Police Record Check:
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This position requires a Police Record Check that includes Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC).
A police records check, with a Vulnerable Sector Search and Pardoned Sexual Offenders Database Search, dated within 6 months prior to the date of hire, is a requirement for employment with this Board. Please note that there have been reports that it has taken some candidates up to 6 weeks to obtain a police check. With that in mind, we strongly recommend that you go about obtaining this search at your earliest convenience.
How to Apply:
Interested applicants are invited to submit a cover letter and resume through our online portal, Apply to Education (ATE), by the closing date to be considered for this opportunity. If you have any questions regarding this position, please reach out to to discuss further. We thank you for your application and your interest in working at Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board, at this time, we will only be contacting candidates who are selected to move forward in the recruitment process.
Our Commitment:
Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board is committed to a qualified workforce that is representative of the diversity of the people of Ontario and across the communities we serve. We welcome applications from candidates with diverse background and lived experiences as a member of a marginalized group, including but not limited to:
- First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples, and all other Indigenous peoples;
- Members of groups that commonly experience discrimination due to race, ancestry, colour, religion and/or spiritual beliefs, or place of origin;
- Persons with visible and/or invisible (physical and/or mental) disabilities;
- Persons who identify as women; and
- Persons of marginalized sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions.
Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board is committed to providing barrier-free and accessible employment practices in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Should you require accommodation through any stage of the recruitment process please make them known when contacted and we will work with you to meet your needs.
Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board is an Equal Opportunity Employer. For more information about what this means in our organization, please refer to our website at (see "Careers" section).
