Assistant Instructor/ Nature Mentor

The Nature Institute; Vancouver; Hybrid; CAD 28,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

Soaring Eagle Nature School in Metro Vancouver is seeking a casual Instructor / Nature Mentor Assistant to support outdoor education for youth 4–18. The role runs Sept 1, 2026, to June 12, 2027, with hours typically 9 a.m.–3 p.m. across multiple locations.

Working as part of a small, supportive team, you’ll help deliver engaging, hands-on nature programming. You’ll assist with daily programming, learn wilderness skills, and help foster curiosity and mentorship in learners while participating in

Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year of experience in leading or assisting in education for children, outdoors preferred.
• Genuine passion for naturalist skills and outdoor learning.
• Experience working with youth aged 4-18 in group settings.
• Strong facilitation and communication with kids and families.
• Clear Criminal Record Check required by hire date.

Responsibilities

• Assist in nature-based programming for youth aged 4-18, grouped by age (4-6, 7-12, 13-18).
• Teach wildlife tracking, plant ID, survival basics, navigation, and forest ecology.
• Run programs rain or shine.
• Participate in daily debriefs to reflect on the day and plan ahead.
• Contribute to a team culture that’s playful, curious, and deeply caring.

Skills

Outdoor education

Youth education

Communication

Facilitation

Criminal record check

Education

Diploma or Degree in education or related field

Job description

Instructor / Nature Mentor Assistant

Independant Contractor

Soaring Eagle Nature School

Location: Metro Vancouver (Vancouver, North Vancouver, Delta, Coquitlam)

Dates: September 1, 2026, to June 12, 2027 (Casual)

Hours: Casual- 7 to 8 hours per day

Compensation: $20-22/hour

About the Role

Each day brings something different - tracking animals, introducing new skills, or simply slowing down and being present outdoors with a group of curious learners.

This is a casual fall-to-spring position for an assistant instructor and mentor who wants their work to feel meaningful. You’ll assist with daily programming across Metro Vancouver, working with youth aged 4-18 in small groups that make real connection and mentorship possible.

Hours are part-time when you’re scheduled, and scheduling is based on weekly enrollment across our four locations. The programs run September 7, 2026, to June 12, 2027.

What You’ll Do

• Assist in nature-based programming for youth aged 4-18, grouped by age (4-6, 7-12, 13-18)
• Assist in teaching naturalist and wilderness skills: wildlife tracking, plant ID, survival basics, navigation, knife safety, forest ecology, and more
• Run programs rain or shine
• Participate in daily debriefs to reflect on the day, flag incidents, and plan ahead
• Contribute to a team culture that’s playful, curious, and deeply caring

Schedule (Work Hours)

• Program runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m (Monthly Programs), and 10 a.m to 3 p.m (Weekly Programs + Monthly Teen Program)
• Instructors arrive either 1 Hour or 30 Min before, program dependent
• Prep time: 30 Min /1 Hour per program, program dependent

What We’re Looking For

Required

• Minimum 1 year of experience in leading or assisting in education for children- ideally outdoor or nature-based, but not required
• Genuine passion for naturalist skills. You don’t need to know everything, but you need to love learning
• Experience working with youth aged 4-18
• Strong facilitation and communication skills with kids and with families
• Clear Criminal Record Check (required by hire date)

Nice to Have

• Diploma or Degree in education, environmental studies, or a related field
• Standard First Aid & CPR
• Child development training or expertise
• Wilderness First Aid
• Graduate of the Wilderness Awareness School Immersion Program, RDNA, or a similar program
• Access to a vehicle (camps run across Metro Vancouver)

What You’ll Gain

• The chance to assist in mentoring kids in a meaningful way- small groups, real skills, real time outdoors
• Gain experience in teaching nature-based education and eventually being a lead mentor

Compensation

• $20-22/hour based on experience, knowledge, certifications, and leadership responsibilities (for Lead Instructors)
• Paid bi-weekly

To ensure our team reflects the communities and youth we serve, Soaring Eagle Nature School prioritizes applications from people who identify as Indigenous, Black, People of Colour, 2SLGBTQIA+, living with a disability, or from other equity-deserving communities. We encourage you to self-identify in your application. This information will only be shared with the hiring team.