Everyday we work to transform education & build community through hands-on, experiential, and nature-based learning.  At the heart and soul of  the Forest School program is engagement with the natural world. Through handwork, art and craft, play, and exploration, children learn how to overcome adversity, work alongside others, and develop a deeper relationship with nature. Each day children move between instructor-directed activities and self-directed play, both of which perform important roles in the holistic development of a child’s heart, hands, and mind. Children learn traditional skills related to seasonal themes as well as have the opportunity to engage with the natural world on their own terms. An authentic connection to nature comes from within and self-directed play provides this opportunity. Every day we enhance teamwork and confidence through games and reflection, develop outdoor survival skills, learn native plants and stories, and spend time exploring and playing outdoors. We will spend each day doing a variety of outdoor activities, aligned with the seasons as well as with the children’s ages & interests. We will spend time exploring and observing nature, tracking, and following our curiosities. All of our day will be spent outdoors, rain or shine.

The ideal candidate for this position is someone who can work independently as well as in a team, is confident in working with children of various ages and abilities, enjoys being out of doors – rain or shine – , and finds a job that offers new adventures each day energizing.

Responsibilities:

Nature Days – Monday, Wednesday, Friday 8am-4:00pm

• Responsible for all teaching, planning curriculum, and coordinating EdenAcres Forest School programs.
• Responsible for tracking, recording, writing, and disseminating student progress reports to parents and Forest School administration.
• Ensure lessons for each child and cohort are developmentally appropriate, engaging, and meet Oregon State Standards.
• Responsible for writing, recording, and disseminating unique Forest School curricula and lesson plans.
• Build, implement, and innovate on hard (physical, primitive, wilderness, etc.) and soft (social/emotional) skills curriculum.
• Ensure EdenAcres Forest School lessons and curriculum meet Oregon State standards for the students in your assigned cohort.
• Train, mentor, and co-teach with fellow EdenAcres Forest School teachers.
• Provide a safe environment at all times. Recognize, mitigate, and respond to hazards to ensure a healthy and safe program for all staff and participants.
• Communicate health and safety information clearly and effectively to the Forest School Director, other Teachers, and other staff.
• Organize, analyze, and respond to parent surveys with the Forest School Director and other Teachers.
• Fulfill assigned duties in an emergency situation. Handle emergency situations safely and effectively
• Staff and facilitate marketing events as needed.
• Maintain the rhythm of the day.
• Collaborate and communicate with staff and director to maintain facilities in good operational order.
• Communicate clearly, effectively, and compassionately with parents and students.
• Communicate clearly, effectively, and compassionately with other instructors, Forest School director, other staff, and board of directors.
• Facilitate contactless dropoff and pickup
• Ensure teaching spaces, storage spaces, and restrooms are cleaned regularly by staff and are safe and healthy at all times.
• Ensure safe spaces by sanitizing tools, materials, and touch surfaces after children and/or staff have used them or been in the space.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Preferred Characteristics:

• Passion for outdoor and experiential education
• Experience working with children/youth ranging from k-12 in diverse and often challenging situations
• Basic forest/primitive skills
• Knowledge of native flora and fauna
• Wilderness first aid
• Love and appreciation for the natural world

Applicants demonstrating exceptional background and experience in cultural competency and advancing organizational diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), such as trauma-informed care, restorative justice training, or wilderness therapy are strongly encouraged to apply.

Qualifications: 

• Over 3 years experience in Education or Outdoor Education and skills focuses.
• Accredited teacher training or the equivalent professional teaching experience.
• Enthusiasm about working in an inclusive environment which serves children of all backgrounds and abilities
• Demonstrated cultural competency and experience working with diverse populations, including communities of color, immigrants, and underserved communities
• Must be physically able to lead students in hikes of up to 5 miles in a day.
• Must have visual, perceptual, cognitive and judgment ability to: recognize and respond verbally to health and safety concerns and to deal appropriately with any improper behavior.
• CPR & First Aid, Epi-pen training
• Grit, compassion, and patience

Working Environment:

• 4-5 outdoor teaching days per week
• Schedule includes assigned and facilitated professional development and programmatic activities that may last up to 48 hours and include overnight camping.
• Work environment includes open flames, use of tools, and all season outdoor weather conditions.
• Physical Demands: 10% Sitting, 30% Standing, 20% Walking, 35% Lifting/Carrying/Pushing/Pulling 5 – 80 lbs.

EdenAcres Environmental Education is an Equal Opportunity Employer valuing diversity and inclusion as essential elements that create and foster a welcoming workplace. All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, political affiliation, disability or any other factor unrelated to the essential functions of the job.