Nature (re) Connection Mentor (4-6 year olds)

VWP Nature (re) Connection Mentor

Responsibilities:

• Co-create with your mentor team to design and implement experiential nature immersion programs for children, including plan, prepare, deliver, evaluate and report on each day of programming
• Role model passion and enthusiasm for engaging with nature
• Role model and ensure physical and emotional safety 
• Respond to group needs and engage each participant in a positive experience
• Check in regularly with parents to discuss the growth and challenges of their kids
• Participate in monthly staff meetings, on-going professional development trainings, promotional events, and other meetings as requested
• Receive and provide feedback in a clear and respectful manner for individual staff and organizational learning and growth
• Participate in our public community events
• Provide ongoing feedback for Young Mentors that assist in our programs
• Uphold Vashon Wilderness Program’s mission and policies

Required Skills & Qualifications  

• Demonstrated interest in youth development and nature-based learning 
• Experience facilitating groups of children in an outdoor setting
• Demonstrated commitment to children’s social and emotional well-being and sensitivity to participants’ life experiences and physical/emotional needs
• Skills in nature-based related areas [examples include: wilderness and naturalist skills (i.e., wild edible and medicinal plant knowledge, animal tracking, shelter building, fire-making, bird language), hunting, boat building, farming, music, crafting, storytelling, art, drama, ecological knowledge, cultural knowledge, conservation]
• Experience creating physically and emotionally safe learning environments for children
• Excellent listening and compassionate communication skills
• Commitment to creating an inclusive environment for all students 
• Commitment to the mission and values of VWP 
• Capacity and commitment to work as a contributing member of a diverse team, able to bring your unique voice, gifts, and contributions to a relational work setting
• Capacity to engage in peaceful conflict resolution and restorative practices
• Current First Aid/CPR certifications (or able to acquire before working)
• Able to move around outdoors, while carrying some program gear, in a variety of weather conditions for hours at a time
• Able to pass a background check

Preferred Qualifications

• Training and or experience in mentoring styles that utilize experiential, play-based, child-centered learning
• Experience as a naturalist instructor working with youth ages 4-6 in the outdoors
• Knowledge of Pacific Northwest hazards, mammals, tracking, edible/medicinal plants, navigation without map/compass, field ecology, trees, survival techniques, birds/birdsong, or history of local Indigenous Nations and right relations
• Knowledge and/or training in equity and belonging work
• Bilingual skills a plus

Physical Requirements

• Willingness and ability to spend significant time outdoors in all weather conditions interacting with children and families
• Willingness and ability to spend time to collaborate with leadership team and carry out administrative job responsibilities, including those on a computer
• Willing to be regularly exposed to fire, smoke, water, and outdoor risks and hazards

Application: https://vashonwildernessprogram.formstack.com/forms/program_instructor_employment_application