Instructor/ Nature Mentor

The Nature Institute; Vancouver; Hybrid; CAD 33,000 - 39,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid training week

Professional development

Equipment discounts

Job summary

Soaring Eagle Nature School in Metro Vancouver is seeking an Instructor/Nature Mentor to lead outdoor programs for youth aged 4-18 across multiple locations. The fall-to-spring role runs Sep 1, 2026 to Jun 12, 2027, with part-time hours (8–16 per week) and occasional two-week spring camps.

Responsibilities include teaching wildlife tracking, plant ID, and wilderness skills while fostering curiosity and mentorship.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of nature-based mentoring or outdoor education with children.
• Experience working with youth aged 4-18.
• Standard First Aid & CPR C; Criminal Record Check by hire date.

Responsibilities

• Lead nature-based programming for youth aged 4-18, grouped by age.
• Teach naturalist and wilderness skills: wildlife tracking, plant ID, survival basics, navigation, forest ecology.
• Run programs rain or shine.
• Participate in daily debriefs to reflect on the day, flag incidents, and plan ahead.
• Write recaps (Story of the Day) emails to families after each session.
• Contribute to a team culture that’s playful, curious, and deeply caring.

Skills

Nature-based mentoring

Outdoor education with children

Youth engagement

Education

Degree in education or environmental studies

Job description

Instructor / Nature Mentor

Soaring Eagle Nature School

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

Dates: September 1, 2026, to June 12, 2027

Hours: Part-time, Approx. 8 to 16 hours per week (40 hours per month), two weeks of Spring Camps (40 hours per week)

Compensation: $24-28/hour + 4% vacation pay

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 fall-to-spring position for a naturalist and mentor who wants their work to feel meaningful. You’ll be involved in 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. Instructors are expected to commit to the full term.

What You’ll Do

• Lead nature-based programming for youth aged 4-18, grouped by age (4-6, 7-12, 13-18)
• Teach 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
• Write recaps (Story of the Day) emails to families after each session
• 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)
• Tuesdays and Fridays (dependent on the schedule), possibly Wednesdays
• 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 2 years of experience in nature-based mentoring or outdoor education with children
• 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
• Standard First Aid & CPR C (required by hire date)
• Clear Criminal Record Check (required by hire date)

Nice to Have

• Degree in education, environmental studies, or a related field
• 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)

Eligibility

Funding Eligibility

This position is supported through Nature Canada's Work to Grow Program.

• To be eligible for the funded placement, candidates must meet the program’s eligibility requirements:
  • Be 18-30 years old at the time of employment;
  • Be legally entitled to work in Canada;
  • Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person who has been granted refugee status;
  • Be available to complete the placement during the program’s eligible employment period;
  • Meet any additional eligibility requirements established by Nature Canada’s Work to Grow Program.

Equity and inclusion:Nature Canada’s Work to Grow Program is designed to create meaningful nature-related employment opportunities for racialized youth who may face barriers to employment. While the program is not exclusive to BIPOC/racialized youth, candidates from equity-deserving and racialized communities are strongly encouraged to apply.

What You’ll Gain

• 2-3 days of paid staff training before Programs begin (Training week: between September 1 and 4)
• The chance to mentor kids in a meaningful way- small groups, real skills, real time outdoors
• Professional development throughout the year
• Discounts on educational workshops and outdoor gear for long-term staff

Compensation

• $24-28/hour based on experience, knowledge, certifications, and leadership responsibilities (for Lead Instructors)
• 4% vacation pay in lieu
• 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.