FWS - Nature School Teaching Assistant - Wild Roots (CSWS)

Pacific University; Forest Grove, Northern (OR, KY); Hybrid; USD 22,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

Pacific University is hiring a Nature School Teaching Assistant for the Wild Roots program, based Off Campus at Forest Grove and the Wild Roots Farm Campus. The role supports outdoor learning for mixed-age groups and offers hands-on experience in child development and place-based education.

You’ll assist with preparing materials, welcoming children, guiding explorations, modeling safe tool use, and helping with routines, meals, and site care, while reflecting on strategies that support

Qualifications

• Dependable, warm and attentive.
• Able to communicate clearly and maintain appropriate boundaries.
• Ability to work collaboratively outdoors in varied weather.
• Must complete required safety training.

Responsibilities

• Assisting with preparing materials for outdoor learning.
• Welcoming children and supporting exploration and activities.
• Modeling safe tool use and stewardship.
• Helping children navigate routines, meals, and site care.
• Observing children and reflecting on strategies to support participation and belonging.

Skills

Dependable

Warm

Attentive

Job description

FWS - Nature School Teaching Assistant - Wild Roots (CSWS)

Overview

Category

Student

Description

This position is only open to current Pacific University Students

Location: Off Campus at B Street Learning Commons (1155 B St, Forest Grove) and Wild Roots Farm Campus (Gales Creek)

Wage: $16.80/hr

Length of employment:2026-27 academic year

Purpose of Position:Wild Roots offers inclusive, relationship-centered outdoor education grounded incuriosity, kindness, capability, and connection to place. Students work with experienced nature educators in small, mixed-age classes and gain practical experience in child development, teaching, group facilitation, neuro-affirming practice, risk-benefit assessment, and place-based curriculum. The team values diverse identities, learning styles, perspectives, reflection, collaboration, and growth through mentorship.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

The assistant joins a lead teacher in preparing and facilitating a day of outdoor learning. A shift may include:

• Setting up materials
• Welcoming children
• Supporting nature exploration and creative projects
• Modeling safe tool use and stewardship
• Helping children navigate routines and peer interactions
• Assisting with transitions, meals, and site care
• The student observes children, communicates with the teaching team, and reflects on strategies that support participation and belonging

Outcomes include safe, engaging learning experiences and increased student skill in responsive, inclusive education.

Competencies to Practice:

• Active Citizenship & Community Engagement
• Applied Problem Solving
• Engaging Diversity
• Ethical Reasoning & Decision Making

Supervisor / Recruiter: Contact Pacific Opportunity Hub ([e-mail]) to be connected with on-site supervisor

Qualifications

Required:

• Dependable, warm, attentive
• Able to communicate clearly and maintain appropriate boundaries and confidentiality
• Ability to work collaboratively and safely outdoors in varied weather
• Must complete require screening and safety training
• Interest or experience in education, child development, environmental studies, psychology, social work, recreation, or related fields.
• Experience with children is helpful but not required