Nature Connection Mentor

This job has expired.

Organization

Vashon Wilderness Program

Job Posted

May 30, 2022

Job Category

Job Type

Job Duration

Job Compensation Type

Remote

No

Contact Name

Stacey Hinden

Contact Email

stacey@vashonwilderness.org

Contact Phone

(206) 651-5715

Location

Vashon, WA
United States
Vashon Wilderness Program is excited to welcome several new mentors to our community for the 2022-2023 program year. We have multiple openings in our school year programs for ages 4-12. We’re looking for mentors able to create emotionally and physically safe learning communities where play, curiosity, connection, compassion, reciprocity and justice are embodied as we connect youth with themselves, each other and the natural world.

Summary

Vashon Wilderness Program is excited to welcome several new mentors to our community for the 2022-2023 program year. We have multiple openings in our school year programs for ages 4-12. We’re looking for mentors able to create emotionally and physically safe learning communities where play, curiosity, connection, compassion, reciprocity and justice are embodied as we connect youth with themselves, each other and the natural world.

 

Job Description is on our website.

Responsibilities

  • Create and implement experiential nature immersion programs for children in the context of nature awareness, naturalist skills, wilderness survival, and community building
  • Role model passion and enthusiasm for engaging with nature
  • Oversee physical and emotional safety and instruction for children during our nature programs.
  • Work with teaching team to develop lesson plans and related program activities
  • Facilitate group energy and respond to group needs in order to effectively manage and engage each participant in a positive experience
  • Actively contribute to the leadership team to plan, prepare, deliver, and evaluate each day of programming
  • Communicate with parents (email, phone calls, in-person, before/after programs) on a weekly/monthly basis
  • Participate in monthly staff meetings, on-going staff development trainings, promotional events, and other meetings as requested
  • 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

Qualifications

Required Skills & Qualifications  

  • Demonstrated interest in youth development and nature-based learning 
  • Experience facilitating groups of children
  • Demonstrated commitment to children’s social and emotional well-being and sensitivity to participants’ life experiences and physical/emotional needs
  • Demonstrated desire to connect youth with self, peers, and nature
  • 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 in creating physically and emotionally safe learning environments for children
  • Commitment to creating an inclusive environment for all students, especially those who may have been excluded from nature-based learning (for example, students with disabilities, BIPOC students, and LGBTQ+ youth)
  • Demonstrated commitment to the mission and values of VWP 
  • Demonstrated capacity to effectively work on diverse teams
  • Capacity and commitment to work as a contributing member of a team, able to bring your unique voice, gifts, and contributions to a relational work setting
  • 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 Skills & Qualifications

  • Training and or experience in mentoring styles that utilize experiential, play-based, child-centered learning (such as 8-Shields Model or Coyote Mentoring method)
  • Experience as a naturalist instructor working with youth ages 4-17 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 justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion work.
  • Bilingual skills a plus

Salary & Benefit Information

  • This is a part-time salaried non-exempt position. Hourly rates are the equivalent of $20-$23 DOE
  • Staff are paid for planning, field work, staff training and development, meetings, community events and more

Benefits include: 

  • Worker’s Compensation, Paid Sick Leave
  • Ferry costs are reimbursed for mentors commuting from off-island
  • Mentors are eligible for meritorious bonuses
  • Be a part of a community that values earth-based wisdom
  • Support others in their journey of deep nature connection
  • Receive support for your own learning and growth

How to apply:

Click here for Job Application Form

Deadline: June 30th; interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis until positions are filled. 

Positions begin September 12, 2022

Compensation Information

This is a part-time salaried non-exempt position. Hourly rates are the equivalent of $20-$23 DOE. Staff are paid for planning, field work, staff training and development, meetings, community events and more

Benefits include: 

  • Worker’s Compensation, Paid Sick Leave
  • Ferry costs are reimbursed for mentors commuting from off-island
  • Mentors are eligible for meritorious bonuses
  • Be a part of a community that values earth-based wisdom
  • Support others in their journey of deep nature connection
  • Receive support for your own learning and growth