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 skills with a professional demeanor.
• Ability to think quickly and respond to ever-changing outdoor conditions.
• Current First Aid, AED, and CPR certifications, or the ability to obtain them before the first day of employment.

Must pass a pre-employment background check and drug screening.

Benefits: Benefits for part time employees include Paid Sick Leave, EAP (Employee Assistance Program), Tuition Reimbursement, Employee Discounts (30%) for Programs and Events, Referral Program, Recreation Center usage.

401k plus company match and Health Insurance, Telehealth and Flex Plans after one year if the minimum hours requirement is determined.

Education:  Working towards, or completion of, bachelor's degree in a related field such as natural resources, science education, outdoor recreation, early childhood education, elementary education, or a human services field is preferred.

Experience: Prior experience teaching in a childcare center, elementary school, or outdoor education setting.

Application Submittal Deadline: 6/30/2025

EOE