Hiring Forest School Educators/Assistants
Bedford/Cole Harbour locations & Lunenburg County
We are looking for someone magical with children to help deliver Nova Scotia’s Wild Child Forest School program. Our ideal candidate would love being outside in all weather, enjoys playing with kids with an eye for safety and risk management, and can maintain a positive attitude while working effectively with a team.
We want our educator team to reflect the kids that come to our program, and so we especially welcome applications from Black people, Indigenous people, People of Colour, 2SLGBTQ+ people, newcomers, and people with neurodivergence. All are welcome to apply.
About Sierra Club Canada Foundation
Sierra Club Canada Foundation empowers people to protect, restore and enjoy a healthy and safe planet. SCCF’s objective is to protect and restore the health of the natural environment, including communities, by empowering Sierra Club members and its citizens through education and action.
Wild Child Forest School is a project of Sierra Club Canada Foundation that provides child led, play-based learning through repeated exposure to nature. At forest school we empower children to take the lead on their learning in a natural setting over time, which may mean getting wet, dirty, making stuff with tools, and learn to extend their limits in a thoughtful and intentional way.
Tasks and Responsibilities:
As part of the staffing team, you will:
- Contribute to the development & delivery Wild Child Forest School programming with the NS Wild Child Projects Coordinator
- Support the development of a child’s ability to navigate risks
- Mediate conflicts between participants maintaining dignity and respect for everyone involved
- Ensure proper protocols and Safe Work Practices are enacted
- Foster curiosity and excitement about nature
- Maintain session notes and contributions to social media platforms
- Communicate effectively with other educators
- Maintain clean and organized gear
- Create inclusive and supportive environments for kids on the autism spectrum and for queer/trans/gender creative children.
Qualifications:
To qualify for a position, we are ideally looking for:
An excellent communicator and team player
- Have previous experience working with children
- Love of nature and being outside in it (in all weather)
- Have a positive fun attitude, yet professional approach.
- Experience/interest in working in the non-profit sector
- Some of the available positions require certain qualifications, depending on the external funding source (see below)
Applicants must also be prepared to provide a clear Criminal Records Check with Vulnerable Sector Screen and a clear Child Abuse Registry Search.
Valid First Aid with AED/CPR-C, Wilderness First Aid, Certified Lifeguard would be considered an asset.
Details of various positions available:
- Forest School Summer Educator Position (Summer): This is a 6–8-week position, 30 to 40 hours/week from approximately July 4th to September 1st, with possibility of extension, with two weeks off during the summer. (All shifts are during the day between the hours of approximately 8:30am to 4:30pm). $18 to $20/hr, based on experience. This position requires that the candidate is between 15 and 30 years old.
- Assistant Forest School Leader Highschool Position (Summer): This is a 6–8-week position, 30 to 40 hours/week from approximately July to September 1st, with two weeks off during the summer, and/or several long weekends. (All shifts are during the day between the hours of approximately 8:30am to 4:30pm). $15.00 to $16.50/hr, based on experience. This position requires that the candidate is between 15 and 19 years old.
*Note* Working in the woods with children can be quite tiring, which is why we are creating a schedule with some days/weeks off for staff to be able to enjoy summer to create a more sustainable and enjoyable work experience and culture. We are open to negotiation/discussion if this does not work well for you.
Due Date: April 28th, or until positions are filled. Interviews may start as applications come in.
Questions regarding the position can be directed to wildchild@sierraclub.ca, or 902-403-1712.
To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter outlining your education, experience, and location interested to wildchild@sierraclub.ca.