Instructor/ Nature Mentor

Part-time (18 to 27 hours per week)
Location: Vancouver and North Vancouver
Start date: September 7, 2021, or earlier to shadow at week-long summer camps this summer.

Soaring Eagle Nature School is seeking an Instructor/ Nature Mentor to join our team to offer unique programs for kids aged 4 to 6 in the beautiful forests of Vancouver and North Vancouver.

This is an opportunity to share your gifts with kids through nature-based mentoring and passion-based learning. We offer a benefits package, unique professional development opportunities, and the ability to work outdoors.

The ideal candidate will be available for shadowing at week-long summer camps this summer. Please indicate on your application if you are available for summer camp (start this summer) or fall (September 7th).

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Part-time instructing for Young Sprouts program on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Position may extend to additional programs such as monthly, weekend programs, as well as contract programs and school group programs.
Development and implementation of age-specific and developmentally appropriate nature-connection programming for youth aged 4 to 6.
Passion and knowledge about some of the following: survival skills, wildlife tracking and animal ID, edible and medicinal plants, navigation, forest ecology, etc. Being an expert on these topics is great, but not necessary. You can study while you work and grow your knowledge.
Developing fun, hands-on projects for 4 to 6-year-olds.
Maintaining clear and consistent communication with students, parents, and other staff.
Maintaining all relevant paperwork and administrative support for programs.
Running programs rain or shine, and comfortable outside no matter the weather.

Must-haves:

Minimum 2-year experience in nature-based mentoring with children
Standard First Aid and CPR C (will be required by date of hire)
Clear Criminal Record Check (will be required by date of hire)

Preferred, but not required to apply:

(Please send in your application even if the following does not apply to you.)

Graduate of the Anake Program, Regenerative Design and Nature Awareness Program (RDNA), Kamana Naturalist Program, or similar program
Familiarity and experience with Coyote Mentoring/ 8 Shields Model (developed by Jon Young and Wilderness Awareness School)
Bachelor or Master’s Degree in education or environmental degree
Expertise in Child Development and Neufeld Attachment
Access to a vehicle
Wilderness First Aid

The ideal candidate demonstrates:

A desire to use your gifts to help guide people into a closer connection with the natural world
Naturalist skills as well as earth-based living skills/primitive skills
Experience working with children aged 4 to 6
Excellent group facilitation skills
Understanding and practice of effective, clear, and compassionate communication skills
Comfort in handling student and family affairs in a competent, open, and professional way
Creativity and crafty with a love of making cool things with your hands out of natural materials
A healthy sense of humour

Schedule:

Mandatory training September 7 to 10, 2021.

Young Sprouts Programs run 9:30am to 2:30am on Mondays and Wednesdays in North Vancouver and Thursdays in Vancouver. Additional hours are available.

If you are able to start in the summer to shadow for a week or two, camps run Monday to Friday from 8am to 2pm.

Instructors work at least one week of Spring Break Camp and five weeks of Summer Camp when regular programs are not in session.

Compensation:

Starting wage $20-$23 based on experience and availability

4% Vacation Pay

One week paid training (mandatory attendance Sept 7 to 10th)

Paid professional development sessions throughout the year

Health and dental benefits through Pacific Blue Cross (50% of Monthly premium covered)

Discount for educational workshops and outdoor gear for long-term staff

To Apply:

Please send your resume, 3 professional references, and a letter of interest to julia@soaringeaglenatureschool.org

Applications are due right away. The review of applications will be ongoing until the position is filled.

Thank you for your interest and please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

No phone calls, please.

We recognize the importance of employment equity and workplace diversity and encourage Indigenous applicants, people of colour, all genders, and LGBT2Q+ folks to apply.