Backcountry Wild Roots Nature Early Childhood Teacher

JOB TITLE: Backcountry Wilderness Area Wild Roots Teacher          FLSA Status:  Non-Exempt

(Part Time Position)

General Statement of Duties:  Responsible for teaching and guiding a group of up to sixteen preschool students in an outdoor nature-based setting, which includes, but is not limited to, communication with parents, teaching age-appropriate science lessons, social emotional learning, and practicing active supervision during child-led play. 

Supervision Received: Reports to the Backcountry Wilderness Area Early Childhood Programs Manager.

Supervision Exercised: None

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Examples of Duties: The following examples of competencies are intended to be illustrative only and are not intended to be all inclusive.

• Care for and maintain the health and safety of up to sixteen preschool aged children in a mostly outdoor nature-based environment.
• Facilitate lessons, conversations, or inquiry on topics including, but not limited to, animals, birds, insects, habitats, rocks, snow, water, plants, and cycles.  
• Actively supervise and engage with children throughout the duration of the program each day.
• Teach social emotional skills to children 
• Closely supervise children during risky play, including, but not limited to tree climbing, campfires, sledding, and tool use.
• Ensure the health and safety of all children in your care.
• Take and submit photos via WhatsApp to capture and share children’s experiences at Wild Roots.
• Set up, clean up, and maintain all program supplies.
• Communicate regularly with the Early Childhood Program Manager and other full time staff.
• Attend staff meetings as required.
• Work collaboratively with the Backcountry Wilderness Area team to achieve program goals.
• Respond promptly and appropriately to emergency situations.
• Follow established policies and procedures.

Physical and Environmental Standards:

• Ability to work outdoors in varied and sometimes extreme weather conditions including heat, humidity, sun, wind, rain, cold, snow.
• Must be able to walk, hike, sit, crouch, bend, kneel, stoop, and reach; lift, push, pull, and lift up to 40 pounds unassisted.
• Vision requirements include near and far acuity; must be able to hear, speak, and communicate effectively.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:  

• Minimum age requirement: 21 years.
• Enthusiasm for working with young children.
• Prior experience teaching and working with young children in childcare center or professional setting.
• Basic science and nature knowledge, with a willingness to continually learn.
• Passion for nature and the outdoors.
• Ability to adapt lessons and instructions to accommodate a variety of learners.
• Supervise and ensure the safety of up to 16 participants.
• Strong work ethic and motivation to contribute positively to the Backcountry Wilderness Area team.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to effectively interact with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to work effectively in a busy environment with frequent distractions.
• Dedication to completing tasks thoroughly and efficiently.
• Excellent customer service ski