Overview: Wild Society is a wilderness education nonprofit based in Kitsap County, Washington. Our mission is to cultivate wonder and belonging in the natural world. Our curriculum is built around natural history and community building, taught within a culture of gratitude and respect. Guides must share these values and should have their own strong relationship to the outdoors. All of our guides are required to adhere to Wild Society policies and practices regarding travel and safety.
Junior Naturalists Guides are responsible for leading groups of 4 students on afternoon adventures through local parks in Kitsap County – North Kitsap Heritage Park, Newberry Hill Heritage Park and Port Gamble Heritage Park. Guides are responsible for implementing Wild Society outdoor education curriculum while providing experiences and adventures that align with Wild Society’s mission.
Core Responsibilities
● Lead students ages 8-12 on 3 hour educational afternoon hikes
● Teach Wild Society curriculum to achieve the natural science learning objectives of the Junior Naturalists program. Guides will also be responsible for providing supplemental activities that align with Wild Society’s learning objectives and mission.
● Maintain an environment of safety through adherence to the risk management policies of Wild Society, as well as maintaining a general attitude of risk prevention.
● Adhere to Wild Society’s Covid-19 safety policy
● Lead and teach in culturally responsive ways, working with diverse campers/staff
Qualifications & Experience
Wild Society Guides are selected based on their training, experience, and availability. We are looking for people who:
● Have experience teaching science curriculum outside.
● Have experience working with youth.
● Educated and experienced in science, education, and/or a related field.
● Are able to communicate elements of the natural world observed in local parks.
● Can instill a sense of wonder that encourages curiosity and questioning.
● Lead and teach in culturally responsive ways through a lens of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
● Are familiar with and interested in at least some elements of multiple disciplines such as botany and ethnobotany, ecology, geology, ornithology, mammalogy, hydrology, etc.
Requirements & Certifications
● Submit to a background check
● Attend a paid weekend staff training April 3-4
● Current First Aid & CPR certification (Wilderness First Aid preferred)
● Guides must be able to provide their own transportation
Compensation: $20/hr, paid monthly
Time commitment:
● 4-12 hours per week, 1-3 afternoons per week for 8 weeks
● Paid weekend staff training April 3-4
● Junior Naturalists will run April 13th – June 3rd every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday in the afternoon. Guides are expected to work 4 hours each day (Half hour prep/clean-up, 3 hours teaching).
● Guide schedules can be flexible, but a minimum of two full sessions (i.e. 8 afternoons) is required. If you’re interested in working with us but not able to work with this schedule, please let us know. We have other programs and opportunities that may suit your schedule.
To apply: Please submit a resume and a short statement written or recorded (video or audio) that shares your background and experience as a guide/naturalist/educator, personal connection to the natural world, and why you want to work with
Wild Society to emily@wildsociety.org Wild Society is an equal opportunity employer. Individuals from all cultures and communities are encouraged to apply. We are committed to racial and social justice and we will prioritize BIPOC applicants.
Closing date: Priority deadline, March 5th, 2021. Open until filled. .
Questions? Contact Emily Morgan, Program Director Emily@wildsociety.org