Position:  Education and Preschool Program Coordinator

(full-time, non-exempt)

Site: Based out of Coverdale Farm Preserve managing programs at three sites in New Castle County, Delaware (Coverdale Farm Preserve, Ashland Nature Center and the DuPont Environmental Education Center)     

Schedule: Varied schedule including days, nights, and weekends, based on production schedule, and offerings at sites. Typical schedule April – November is Tuesday-Saturday; December – March is Monday- Friday

Date: May 2026

Mission

Founded in 1964, the Delaware Nature Society (DelNature) is a state-wide, non-profit organization that aspires to be inclusive and multicultural, celebrating the rich dimensions of diversity in nature and people. Our mission is to connect people and nature to create a healthy environment for all, through education, conservation, and advocacy. DelNature delivers hands-on environmental education and conservation programs at four sites: Ashland Nature Center (HQ), in Hockessin, DE; DuPont Environmental Education Center, in Wilmington, DE; Coverdale Farm Preserve, in Greenville, DE; and Abbott’s Mill Nature Center, in Milford, DE. At these and other sites, we also manage over 2,000 acres of land, including four nature preserves. DelNature is a state affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation. We envision Delaware as a place where people view themselves as part of nature and understand that nature is essential for life; recognize the immediacy of addressing environmental issues; and take pride and joy in caring for the natural world.

Position Summary

The Education and Preschool Program Coordinator plays an important role in educating and engaging the public through 4 focus areas: Weekends family activities, which includes special “holiday month events” at Coverdale Farm Preserve; Summer Camps; Preschool Programs; and Public Programing/events throughout the organization. The Education and Preschool Coordinator  will be responsible for creating, planning, scheduling, and delivering enriching and engaging opportunities in the above categories for all audiences, while incorporating our core values of Respect, Stewardship, Collaboration, Inclusion, and Integrity. This position works in collaboration with educators, marketing, farm staff, summer camp instructors, and other staff as assigned for events. Training and resources will be provided to gain knowledge in regional environmental science and farm topics.

The Education and Preschool Coordinator reports to: Program Manager at Coverdale Farm Preserve and works closely with education and engagement staff at Ashland Nature Center and the DuPont Environmental Education Center.

Responsibilities

• Develops, coordinates, implements, and teaches weekend programs/events, while following safety protocols for farm-based education and engagement for children, adults, families, and groups.
• Oversees weekend program operation, which includes but not limited to set-up, clean-up, staffing, and reporting.
• Develops, coordinates, implements, and teaches year-round preschool programs for all New Castle County, Delaware sites. Oversee the management of preschool program operation, which includes but not limited to program development, set-up, clean-up, staffing, and administrative tasks.
• Coordinates  the preschool summer program team, at Coverdale Farm Preserve and Ashland Nature Center, with various aspects of summer camp programming and training, – including development, coordination, support, preparation, delivery/teaching as needed.
• Coordinates, staff and communicates with potential program participants to schedule hayrides and birthday parties for all NCC sites.
• Works with and supports marketing efforts to promote site and educational opportunities.
• Assists and supports with administrative duties, as needed.
• Participates in Education Department activities as needed and required, such as monthly meetings.
• Assists and supports special projects, and events, at New Castle County sites, as needed

• Promotes & supports DelNature’s mission, values, goals, activities, and membership to a wide array of program audiences.
• Perform additional duties at the request of supervisor, site manager, or leadership team member.

Qualifications and Experience

• Commitment to and passion for the mission of Delaware Nature Society
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and justice (DEIJ)
• Experience creating, developing, and delivering farm/nature -based educational programming for groups of children, adults, and families. Teaching experience and/or working with preschool-aged children is preferred but not required.
• Ability to actively engage positively and professionally while interacting and building relationships with the public and program participants.
• Excellent communication skills with ease and ability to talk to individuals of all ages.
• Natural sciences and regenerative agriculture knowledge, or experience preferred but not required.
• Comfortable working around farm animals
• Degree (or pursuing a degree) in an education field – such as early childhood education, elementary education preferred but not required.
• Ability to work outside for significant lengths of time in all safe weather conditions.
• Must possess the following traits and skills: Flexibility, dependability, critical thinking, problem solving, creativity and decision-making skills, ability to work as part of a team.
• Valid Driver’s License and reliable transportation
• 21 years of age or older

Work Environment and Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The employee frequently is required to sit and reach and must be able to move around the work environment.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds and be able to carry, move and set up necessary supplies and equipment.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

• Ability to plan, lead, and participate in program activities in a variety of indoor and/or outdoor settings, weather, and terrains.
• Work with or around farm animals and reptiles when facilitating educational programing.

Salary and Compensation

Starting hourly rate of $22/hour. This is a nonexempt full-time position with health, dental, paid time off, paid 30-minute lunch break, and employer/employee matched retirement benefits.  40-hour work week with a varied schedule as required for program delivery and site needs.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY – The Delaware Nature Society considers candidates for all positions on the basis of qualifications and without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, genetic information, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, marital status, or status as a Vietnam-era or special disabled veteran or other protected classification and in accordance with applicable federal, state & local laws.

Salary : $22