Forest Kindergarten Assistant Instructor

Earthroots Field School; United States; On-site; USD 20,457 - 29,136; Part time

Job summary

An outdoor education organization in Silverado Canyon is seeking an Assistant Instructor for Forest Kindergarten. You will work with children ages 3-6 and assist in nature-based classes, focusing on environmental stewardship. The role demands enthusiasm for outdoor education and a commitment to learning. Pay starts at $18 per hour, and the position begins December 2025/January 2026. Flexibility and physical stamina are required.

Qualifications

• Background in nature connection or outdoor education required.
• Must be comfortable working outdoors in various weather conditions.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs is necessary.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Lead Instructor in facilitating nature classes.
• Guide young children and manage small groups.
• Communicate with parents and staff regularly.

Skills

Passion for environmental stewardship

Experience in outdoor education

Strong communication skills

Group management skills

Job description

Forest Kindergarten Assistant Instructor Position at Earthroots Field School

Earthroots Field School is dedicated to cultivating a sense of care and connection between
people and the natural world. We offer outdoor classes and workshops for all ages on ecological
gardening, nature awareness, ancestral arts and sustainable living skills.

Earthroots is currently seeking an Assistant Instructor for Forest Kindergarten for 1 or more
days per week at Big Oak Canyon, our private 39-acre property in Silverado Canyon, from
8:30am-2:30pm. The Assistant Instructor will work outdoors with children and the Lead
Instructor. We are looking for candidates who are passionate about environmental stewardship,
have a background in nature connection/outdoor education and are enthusiastic about learning
and growing. Classes are held rain or shine, in a variety of weather conditions.

Location: Big Oak Canyon, our private 39-acre property in Silverado Canyon

• Assist the Lead Instructor in facilitating outdoor, exploration-based nature classes.
• Guide small groups of children ages 3-6 with their parents in weekly, exploration-based nature classes.
• Support group management and conflict resolution.
• Communicate regularly with the Lead Instructor and Earthroots staff.
• Represent Earthroots and build relationships with staff, families and community liaisons.
• Help facilitate nature-based activities such as songs, games, storytelling, crafts, journaling, hiking, animal tracking, and gardening.

Start Date: December 2025/January 2026

Our school year runs from August to June, with optional summer work available. Additional
hours and substitute positions may be offered throughout the year. We aim to find a strong fit for
long-term employment, continuing through both the school year and summer programs.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Earthroots encourages applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds, including BIPOC,
LGBTQIA+SGL, people with disabilities, and those from working-class backgrounds.

Physical Requirements of this Position

• Comfortably lifting up to 50 lbs (EZ ups, bins of materials, etc)
• Using hand tools including but not limited to whittling knives, hand saws, pruning shears, and loppers (training is available)
• Walking on uneven surfaces, up steep hills, and hiking distances up to 4 miles with a backpack (with class binder and class attendance sheet/waivers, first aid kit, personal water and food for the day) and carrying a gallon jug of water for students
• Standing for extended periods of time
• Working in outdoor conditions, year round
• Kneeling, sitting on ground
• Instructors required to arrive 30 min before the start of the first class to assist with set up and to stay 30 min after the last class ends to assist with clean up
• Assistants will be responsible for independently managing groups of up to 15 students at a time.

Earnings: Based on experience, starting at $18 per hour

Once hired, the Assistant Instructor will be required to

• Obtain CPR/First Aid Certification
• Provide valid driver’s license or state-issued ID
• Shadow an Earthroots class
• Have regular access to a working cell phone
• Have regular access to a computer with internet
• Have regular access to a reliable vehicle
• Attend staff training and monthly staff meetings