Outdoor Educators - After School Care Programs

Saplings Outdoor Program; North Vancouver; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

Join a leading outdoor education program in Metro Vancouver as an Outdoor Educator for After School Care. You'll work in beautiful outdoor settings, fostering children's love for nature through play-based learning. This role requires enthusiasm for working with children, ensuring safety and well-being during outdoor activities while promoting an inclusive environment.

Benefits

Flexible work schedule

Vacation pay

Opportunities for subbing and working at seasonal camps

Qualifications

• Clear Criminal Record Check required.
• Experience with children aged 2.5-12 years.
• Experience supporting children with additional needs is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement forest-based programs.
• Ensure safety during outdoor activities.
• Manage program tools and equipment.

Skills

Creativity

Flexibility

Safety Awareness

Education

Current First Aid Certificate

Responsible Adult, ECEA, or ECE Certificate

Job description

Now Hiring: Outdoor Educators for After School Care Program (Multiple Locations)
Part-Time: 2-6pm shifts.

Starting: September 2025 (with training in late August).
Hourly Wage: $21-25.

Locations:

• Pemberton Heights.
• Gleneagles.
• West Bay.
• Lions Bay.
• Queen Victoria Annex.
• Laura Secord.
• Britannia.
• Lord Nelson.
  
  

About the Role:

Saplings Outdoor Program is seeking passionate Outdoor Educators to join our After School Care Program across these locations. If you love working with children in outdoor environments and are inspired by play-based, nature-based learning, this is a fantastic opportunity to join a growing community that values play, exploration, and connection to the land.

We’re looking for individuals who:

• Thrive in outdoor, play-based settings year-round.
• Work independently and collaboratively with a team.
• Bring creativity, flexibility, and a love of early childhood and school-age learning.
• Are committed to creating dynamic, engaging, and safe forest school experiences.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Plan and implement dynamic forest-based programs alongside management.
• Ensure the safety of all children during forest play, hiking, climbing, and other nature-based activities near water, streams, and uneven terrain.
• Prepare learning areas and materials daily.
• Manage program tools and equipment, ensuring safety and maintenance.
• Co-create seasonal activities and projects using natural and locally foraged materials.
• Provide individualized, age-appropriate mentorship with compassion and respect.
• Attend monthly staff meetings and parent meetings as needed.
• Communicate effectively with parents in person and occasionally by phone.
• Be physically capable of teaching outdoors in all weather (including carrying a backpack and supplies).
• Support the benefits of risk-taking, movement, and physical development in children.
• Encourage familiarity with local flora and fauna, including poisonous plants (or be open to mentorship and self-study).
• Model and teach outdoor skills: knots, shelter building, leave-no-trace practices, and risk management.
• Follow licensing requirements.

Qualifications:

• Clear Criminal Record Check.
• A positive reference from a previous work experience.
• Current First Aid Certificate.
• Experience working with children aged 2.5-12 years old.
• Responsible Adult, ECEA, or ECE Certificate.
• Experience supporting children with additional needs or neurodivergence is an asset.

Salary and Benefits:

• $21-25 paid hourly plus vacation pay.
• Opportunities for subbing and working at seasonal camps.

Who Are We?

Saplings Outdoor Program operates on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the Coast Salish Peoples-Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), Stó:lō, Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh), and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Nations. We offer preschools, afterschool care, daycares, and a primary school program.

Saplings believes that nature is a child’s best education. We take a holistic approach, inspiring wonder and fostering a love of learning. Our forest school educators work in diverse natural landscapes-forests, ocean sides, and parks-encouraging play and curiosity. At Saplings, we slow the pace of the day, giving children time and space to learn, connect, and form caring relationships.

Our organization is committed to providing a safe and equitable space for all. We fiercely protect the right of educators and children to belong and feel safe, and we actively implement anti-racist, anti-homophobic, and anti-transphobic practices.

Why Should You Apply?

Saplings offers a flexible work schedule and great work-life balance. Our educators often note the positive effects of working in beautiful outdoor classrooms on their mood and sense of well-being. If you’re seeking a meaningful role in education that aligns with your philosophy of nature-based and child-centered programming, this role is for you.

Who Should Apply?

We employ individuals from a variety of backgrounds and firmly believe that diverse expertise enriches the children’s learning environment. Saplings recognizes the importance of strengthening values of equity, social justice, diversity, and inclusion.

Apply Today!

Join our mission to help children grow into resilient, curious, and connected learners-rain or shine!