Substitute Forest School Educator

Saplings Outdoor Program; Electoral Area A; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An exciting opportunity awaits at a forward-thinking organization that focuses on outdoor education for preschool and school-aged children. This role involves creating and implementing engaging forest programs while ensuring the safety and well-being of children in various outdoor settings. The ideal candidate will be passionate about nature, possess strong interpersonal skills, and be prepared to work in all weather conditions. This innovative program emphasizes play-based learning and aims to foster a deep connection between children and their natural surroundings. Join a team dedicated to nurturing young minds through exploration and adventure!

Qualifications

• Must have a current First Aid Certificate and Criminal Record Check.
• Experience with outdoor education and working with children is essential.

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement a dynamic forest program ensuring children's safety.
• Prepare learning areas and materials for outdoor activities.

Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Outdoor Education

Risk Management

Mentorship

Education

Current First Aid Certificate

Current Criminal Record Check

Experience with School-aged Children

Job description

Saplings Outdoor Program is looking for an individual who is interested in working with preschool and/or school-aged children in the outdoor environments around various schools. We are looking for an individual who is interested in working independently, as well as part of a team. You will be working in our morning programs, full day programs and/or after school care programs around Vancouver, North Vancouver and West Vancouver

Responsibilities:

• Alongside the management plan and implement a dynamic forest program.
• Ensure the safety of all children including but not limited to forest play, hiking, climbing trees, or while in close proximity to such things as standing water, streams, and other terrains.
• Ensure the daily preparation of learning areas and materials.
• Assume overall responsibility for program tools and equipment, to include safety, use, and maintenance.
• Plan, prepare and co-create seasonal activities and projects utilizing natural materials, locally foraged or sourced.
• Implement mentorship strategies that are individually focused and age-appropriate, with an emphasis on compassion and respect.
• Attend monthly staff meetings and parent meetings as needed.
• Communicate with parents effectively, in-person, and occasionally by phone.
• Be physically capable of performing teaching duties with enthusiasm regardless of the weather (rain, sleet, snow, heat) including the ability to walk distances and over uneven terrain, carry a backpack and supplies.
• Support the benefits of risk-taking, movement, and physical development in the early years.
• Encourage familiarity with the local flora and fauna, including poisonous plants and their location, or be willing to be mentored, seek outside training or self-study.
• Model and teach outdoor skills including risk management, knots, shelter building, self-care/appropriate clothing, leave-no-trace practices, and interacting with local wildlife.

Qualifications:

• Current First Aid Certificate.
• Current Criminal Record Check.
• Work experience with school-aged children, preferably with experience in the area of outdoor education focusing on play-based, student-led learning.
• Interpersonal skills as you are interacting with children and parents.