Employment Opportunities

Position Summary
Do you love nature, children, and the arts? Interested in working in the arts-education field and ready to develop the skills that will allow you to progress your career?  If so, you might   be the ideal candidate to join our team! We are looking for an exceptional candidate who is well-suited for a dynamic and growing educational program like ours. 

About Us

Focus on Nature is an Ontario Non-profit Corporation and Registered Charity whose mission is to inspire young people to explore and connect with nature through photography. With government grants, corporate sponsorships, individual donations, and programming fees, we have touched the lives of over 32,000 children in the last 15 years. As the popularity of our program grows, we will continue to expand our reach, providing more Canadian children with a renewed connection to the natural world.

The Job

Reporting to the Executive Director, the successful candidate for this position will manage all aspects of our educational programs in Hamilton, Niagara, Dufferin-Peel, Halton, Guelph-Wellington, Waterloo, and Toronto Regions, plus new regions as they develop. Currently our programs include school-based workshops and day camps in nature photography.

Guided by the Vision, Mission and Values of Focus on Nature, the Operational Manager will maintain and enhance the reputation for excellence and trustworthiness that Focus on Nature has built in the communities it serves.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the team that delivers Focus on Nature workshop and camp programs, leading with passion, integrity and a focus on execution.

• Hands on management within a lean team that may include auditing workshops, training new team members and stepping in to support on site programs when required.

• Work closely with the Executive Director to ensure a robust feedback loop on program delivery challenges, successes and improvements.  

• Participate in recruiting, interviewing and developing team members.

• Maintain equipment and supplies for program delivery.

• Provide effective and prompt communications with the Focus on Nature program stakeholders such as school board staff, principals, teachers, parents, volunteers and community groups.

• Maintain and update online documents, calendars, forms and databases on Google Drive, and other digital platforms.  Support various marketing and program expansion initiatives.

• Collaborate with Focus on Nature Board Committees as needed.

• Organize, facilitate and attend special events such as Photo Exhibits and Fundraisers.

The Qualifications

• University or college degree in related field, or equivalent experience desired.

• Experience working with school-age children in educational environments.

• Experience conducting workshops, presentations, or seminars in various settings.

• Interest and experience in photography, art, or nature studies preferred.

• Demonstrated leadership skills acquired through experience managing, motivating, training and leading staff.

• A working knowledge of Google Workspace and strong computer skills with experience using products and services such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Canva, and Zoom or similar.

• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with a range of stakeholders on a variety of issues.

• The successful candidate must obtain a satisfactory Police Records Check for Vulnerable Sector.

• Reliable mode of transportation (private vehicle) required and valid Ontario driver’s license.

• Ability to transfer equipment to various program sites (schools and camps).

How to Apply

Qualified applicants are invited to apply directly to FoN-Hiring@outlook.com and should include a cover letter along with a current resume.  Please reference the role you are applying for in the cover letter.

Focus on Nature is an equal opportunity employer which values diversity in the workplace. We are therefore happy to accommodate any individual needs in keeping with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. If you require an accommodation to participate in the hiring process, please contact us to make your needs known in advance.

Personal information collected through the recruitment process will be used solely to determine eligibility for employment. We thank all candidates in advance; however, only those being considered for an interview will be contacted.

This position is an existing vacancy, and AI will not be used to screen or select applicants.

Job Type:

• Full-time

Salary

• $40,000-$45,000

Schedule

• Standard hours with some weekend or evening work occasionally required.

Work Location

• Majority of the time spent on client work sites (schools), balance completed remotely.  Candidates must reside within Focus on Nature’s area of operation.

Expected Start Date

• As soon as possible

Position Summary
Do you love nature? Do you have experience teaching children? Then you might be the ideal candidate for the role of Workshop Facilitator with Focus on Nature!

Focus on Nature connects kids to nature through photography workshops in local elementary schools. Our full-day school workshops for grades 3 and up are very popular with both teachers and students. While this position doesn’t require strong photography skills, a love for the arts, nature, and children, plus great presentation skills would be assets we are looking for in the ideal candidate. If that sounds like you, then please submit a resume and cover letter to tell us more about yourself.

As the applicant will be delivering Indigenous-focused workshops, preference will be given to Indigenous Candidates. 

The Workshop Facilitator will deliver educational programming to students on Indigenous cultures, histories, traditions, perspectives, and relationships to land. As the role involves sharing Indigenous knowledge and lived perspectives with young learners, we are seeking an Indigenous educator who can bring authentic cultural understanding, community connection, and lived experience to this work. 

We believe Indigenous voices should lead conversations about Indigenous peoples, cultures, and experiences. This reflects our commitment to respectful representation, cultural authenticity, and meaningful Indigenous engagement in educational settings.

Qualified applicants are invited to self-identify during the application process.

Candidates for this job should be prepared to work school days from September 14 to June 25, 2027. Hours are variable, to a maximum of 40 hours per week. This role’s hours vary from week to week and are solely dependent on workshop bookings.

Responsibilities

• Lead Focus on Nature workshops in schools, including presentations to the class regarding the Elements of Design and basic photography techniques, nature conservation, climate change, and Indigenous perspectives. Lead nature photography walks and photo editing sessions, and leading final student slideshows

• Assist with supervision of workshop assistants and parent volunteers

• Works with teachers to provide a safe, fun, and structured program

• Maintain workshop equipment including cameras, projector, and workshop documents

• Provide regular updates and feedback to the Program Coordinator and Executive Director.

• Perform additional duties and undertake special projects as assigned

Experience 

• be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act for the duration of the employment

• have a valid Social Insurance Number at the start of employment and be legally entitled to work in Canada

• Positive attitude and a love for working with children

• Minimum two (2) years of experience working/teaching with children

• Excellent presentation, communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills

• Customer service experience and ability to provide an excellent experience for teachers and students

• Superior interpersonal skills including the ability to work effectively in a team environment

• Standard First Aid/CPR-C required

• Interest and knowledge of nature and photography is an asset

• Must possess own transportation.

Qualified applicants are invited to apply by writing to us directly at workshops@focusonnature.ca. Please note all applicants must submit their resume and a cover letter in order to be considered. References will be requested at the time of the interview.

This position is an existing vacancy, and AI will not be used to screen or select applicants.

Focus on Nature is an equal opportunity employer which values diversity in the workplace. We are therefore happy to accommodate any individual needs in keeping with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. If you require an accommodation in order to participate in the hiring process, please contact us to make your needs known in advance.

Our organization is committed to reconciliation and ensuring that Indigenous stories, knowledge, and perspectives are shared by Indigenous people whenever possible. We recognize the importance of Indigenous representation in educational spaces and encourage applications from First Nations, Inuit, and Métis candidates. 

Personal information collected through the recruitment process will be used solely to determine eligibility for employment. We thank all candidates in advance; however, only those being considered for an interview will be contacted.

Benefits

• Casual dress

• Flexible schedule

• Mileage reimbursement

Pay

• $22.00 per hour

Contract Period

• September 14, 2026, until June 25, 2026