Join us this coming school year as a Nature Instructor or Site Director at our Monthly Programs! This fun, down-to-earth, all ages nature school is looking for seasonal, part-time (4–16 hr/week) Monthly Program Instructors/Site Directors to join our team. Our ideal candidates are creative, inspirational, and have a desire to learn about our Coyote Mentoring teaching methods.
- Make a difference in the lives of kids by helping them connect with the natural world
- Learn to be a “Coyote Mentor” capable of igniting children’s passion for learning
- Join our team of experienced and committed nature instructors in a connective work environment.
- Have a lot of fun!
Our Teaching Philosophy
Coyote Mentoring utilizes a number of teaching styles that mimic how children naturally learn. The end result is something of an “invisible school” where kids experience having fun and playing games without even realizing how much they’re learning.
Nature Connection
Children’s lives are becoming more and more screen-based and indoors-focused. Wild spaces are shrinking and our impact on the planet is reaching a breaking point. It is more urgent than ever for people of all ages and backgrounds, especially children to experience and fall in love with the natural world.
Become a Nature Instructor
In the quickly growing industry of Forest Kindergartens and nature-based education, there is an increasing need for skilled, diverse, and experienced instructors. As one of the oldest and most respected nature schools, many of our students and staff have gone on to become leaders in the industry.
Overview
Qualifications and Expectations
- Creativity and passion for mentoring youth in a natural flow learning environment with an open and flexible structure
- Committed to practicing on-the-ground routines that foster justice, equity, diversity and inclusion for all
- Current Wilderness First Aid and CPR certifications (or able to acquire before working).
- Able to supervise up to 10 kids at a time with minimal support or supervision
- Have empathy, compassion, and an open mind
- Able to drive to various camp locations in the Puget Sound area, many of which aren’t accessible by public transportation
- Able to pass a background check
- This is a physically demanding job and instructors must be able to be on their feet for 6+ hours at a time, carry a 20 lb. pack, walk long distances, move over uneven terrain, and be out in the elements all day
- Must demonstrate good judgment and risk assessment
- Strong ability to work as a contributing member of a team, able to bring your unique voice, gifts, and contributions to a relational work setting
- Willing to participate in a healthy feedback culture
- Be a professional adult: operate with responsibility and integrity
- Uphold Wilderness Awareness School’s mission and policies
Preference will be given to applicants who have:
- Ability to work at least two to four Fridays or Saturdays per month
- Experience as a naturalist instructor working with youth ages 4-13 in the outdoors
- Experience with the 8-Shields Model and Coyote Mentoring method, including facilitation through stories, songs, games, observation, and sensory awareness activities.
- Knowledge of Pacific Northwest hazards, wildlife, tracking, edible/medicinal plants, navigation without map/compass, field ecology, trees, survival techniques, birds/birdsong, and awareness of local Indigenous Nations and right relations.
- Experience (lived or otherwise) with diverse populations from various social and economic backgrounds
- Ability to integrate justice work – acknowledgement of indigenous land use, awareness and acceptance of human diversity, tracking and sharing origins of songs/stories/skills – into mentoring curriculum
- Completed one or more Wilderness Awareness School programs
Locations
Beautiful state and local parks in the greater Seattle, WA area: Tolt-MacDonald Park (Carnation), St Edward State Park (Kenmore), Seward Park (Seattle), and Cougar Mountain Park (Bellevue).
Schedule & Hours (Tentative Dates)
- 8am to 4pm, two to four Fridays and/or Saturdays per month
- Instructor Start/End Dates: September 1 – May 7, 2024
- Site Director Start/End Dates: August 31 – May 9, 2024
- Required Staff Orientation Day(s): Friday September 1, 8am-4pm
Monthly Program Instructors will instruct 2-4 Fridays and/or Saturdays per month at Seattle and Eastside parks. Instructors will be paid for:
- 9 hours per class day (includes 1 hour of planning and prep the week before each class day)
- 12 hours per year for Monthlies Staff Orientation on September 2nd
- 2 hours per year for check-ins with supervisor (1 in late Fall and 1 in Spring)
- 3 hours per year for debriefs with all Monthlies Staff (1.5 in late Fall and 1.5 in Spring)
- This is a 9-36 hour per month contract position, paid by the hour.
Monthly Program Site Directors will Direct two to four Fridays and/or Saturdays per month at Seattle and Eastside parks. Directors will be paid for all of the above, plus:
- 1.5 hours of planning, prep, and follow-up time per class day
- 6+ hours per year to hold mentoring check-ins for instructors (3 in the fall, 3 in the winter)
- 4 or more additional hours per year for Director-specific meetings (exact amount TBA)
- This is a 10.5-42 hour per month contract position, paid by the hour.
Compensation/Benefits
- Pay scale starts at $20 per hour
- Discounts on WAS programs and store items
- Be a part of a work culture that fosters peer mentoring and lifelong learning in the context of the 8-shields model and Coyote Mentoring curriculum
- Referrals to instruct at our other school year and summer youth programs
How to apply
Mail or Email a complete application packet including:
1. Employment Application
2. Resume
3. Cover letter to Shivani Gogna, Youth Program Manager
Please include in your cover letter:
- Why you are an excellent candidate for the position
- What relevant experience you have with outdoor education, nature connection, and education in general
- What experience and fluency you have around diversity, equity and inclusion work
First round of applications due by June 16, 2023. After that, applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until all positions are filled. Interviews take place the week of July 3-7. Training begins Sept 1, 2023.
Shivani Gogna
Wilderness Awareness School
POB 219, PMB 137
Duvall, WA 98019
[email protected]
Questions?
Contact: [email protected] or call 425-788-1301
Wilderness Awareness School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, disability, national or ethnic origin, or sexual orientation. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.