HAWKs Field Program Lead

HAWKs Field Program Lead 

Reports to: Field Operations Manager / Franchise Owner
Location: Treasure Valley

 Position Type: Part-Time 

 Role Overview

HAWKs exists to reconnect children with the outdoors through meaningful adventure, exploration, and community-based outdoor education. We believe kids thrive when they are challenged, inspired, and given the opportunity to experience the natural world firsthand. Our programs help children build confidence, resilience, curiosity, independence, and connection by getting them off screens and into the outdoors.

This is not a traditional classroom role. Lead Educators guide children through hands-on outdoor learning experiences including hiking, exploration, environmental education, games, team-building activities, and adventure-based programming in parks, foothills, and natural spaces throughout the community.

Successful team members are calm under pressure, highly responsible, energetic, adaptable, and passionate about working with children in outdoor environments. They lead by example, coach HAWKs Educators, maintain strong safety awareness, communicate professionally with families, and help create a culture of adventure, respect, curiosity, and belonging.

The ideal candidate is equally comfortable leading a group of children on a trail, mentoring staff in the field, managing logistics and transitions, and creating an environment where children feel both safe and inspired. Older age groups may hike up to five miles during programming.

This role is hands-on, outdoors, and collaborative.

 Key Responsibilities

1. Program Delivery & Group Leadership

• Lead groups of 8–14 explorers (ages 5–16) with a co-educator on hikes, with games, and hands-on activities.
• Teach nature-based lessons focused on ecological systems, environmental science, and conservation.
• Lead nature-themed games, songs, crafts, and activities that inspire curiosity and creativity.
• Teach and model trail safety and Leave No Trace principles during all programming.
• Group participants by age to ensure balanced and developmentally appropriate programming.
• Adapt activities to the age, interests, and skill level of each group to ensure a positive learning experience. 

2. Safety & Risk Management

• Ensure the physical and emotional safety of all explorers during hikes and programming.
• Monitor group dynamics and diffuse conflicts between participants as needed.
• Lead children safely across varied terrain, including streams, steep trails, and wildlife habitats.
• Carry and manage a first aid kit, water bladder, and other field essentials during all programs.

3. Behavioral Management & Safety Oversight

• Implement and uphold HAWKs behavioral policies and group management strategies.
• Support educators in managing participant behavior through positive, consistent approaches.
• Establish and oversee procedures for handling health concerns, behavioral issues, and safety incidents including management of medical/educational kits, coaching educators on group/individual behavior management, and incident reporting.
• Coordinate emergency response efforts with field educators, ensuring appropriate medical attention and clear family communication.
• Document all incidents and submit reports to the franchise owner and corporate team.

4. Family & Community Engagement

• Act as the primary point of contact for families regarding rosters, supply lists, locations, and program updates.
• Provide timely, supportive responses to questions, feedback, and concerns.
• Co-represent HAWKs in the community through local events, partnerships, and outreach initiatives.

6. Reporting & Owner/Corporate Alignment

• Share incident reports and customer feedback as required.
• Ensure full compliance with HAWKs systems, policies, and brand standards.
• Collaborate with owner/corporate leadership on program updates, curriculum rollouts, and system-wide initiatives.
• Provide insights and recommendations on pricing, program mix, and financial performance to optimize growth.
   

3. Family & Team Communication

• Communicate with parents and caregivers before and after programming using the registration and messaging platform.
• Provide updates on explorers’ experiences, highlights from the day, and any concerns.
• Collaborate closely with co-educators and senior team members to ensure seamless program delivery.
   

4. Contribution to HAWKs Culture

• Create a positive, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all explorers.
• Act as an ambassador for HAWKs’ mission, modeling environmental awareness and respect for nature.
• Support fellow educators and share knowledge, tips, and techniques to strengthen the team’s collective impact.
   

Qualifications

• Education & Experience
   
  • Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, education, biology, or related fields preferred.
  • Previous experience working with children or in outdoor education strongly preferred.
     
• Skills & Competencies
   
  • Passion for nature-based learning and inspiring children to connect with the environment.
  • Creative and engaging teaching style, able to make complex topics fun and accessible.
  • Ability to identify and support the social, emotional, cognitive, and physical needs of explorers.
  • Confident public speaking and excellent written communication.
  • Ability to represent HAWKs professionally and enthusiastically within the local community.
  • Strong interpersonal and networking skills with the ability to build authentic, lasting partnerships.
  • Comfortable presenting at school meetings, community events, and family workshops.
     
• Physical Requirements
   
  • Ability to hike 5–8 miles while carrying a day backpack with water, first aid supplies, and materials.
  • Ability to lift up to 40 pounds as needed for program setup and support.
     
• Additional Requirements
   
  • Fluency in local ecosystems, native plants, and wildlife preferred.
  • Reliable transportation to programming locations.
  • Current CPR/First Aid certification (required or obtained within 90 days).
  • Wilderness First Aid certification is a plus.
  • Punctual, dependable, and enthusiastic about working outdoors.
     

 Success in This Role Looks Like

• Explorers are safe, engaged, and inspired during every program.
• Families feel informed and connected to their child’s experience.
• Programming is delivered consistently and reflects HAWKs’ values and curriculum.
• Educators create a supportive, collaborative environment for participants and fellow team members.