Vilda is hiring Instructors and assistant instructors/counselors for our beloved summer nature day camps at Stafford Lake park in Novato and China Camp State Park in San Rafael. Our camps are 100% outdoors with a balance of games, naturalist and wilderness skills instruction, crafts, stories, and free play designed to connect children more deeply with the earth, local animals and plants, and each other (and kayaking and beach play too at China Camp)
We are currently looking for instructors who can work 40 hours/week during our summer season (weekly day camps running June 17 through Aug 16). We may also have availability in our ongoing school year programs.
For more information on our programs, check out our program page at www.vildanature.org/programs.
WHAT DO ASSISTANTS DO?
Assistants help support instructors in leading nature connection education in groups of about 12 children, helping the children have fun and be safe, leading games and telling stories, and mentoring the children in nature connection.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
Previous experience working with children and or significant experience in naturalist knowledge and wilderness skills
A strong interest in working with children outdoors
A strong interest and commitment to expanding naturalist and wilderness skills
Responsible, timely, and with good follow-through
Enjoy working with a team of people
Good communication skills
OPTIONAL BUT AWESOME:
Some training in the Jon Young 8 Shields lineage, Tom Brown kids programs or other similar
Currently based in the North Bay with intentions to stay in the area
Some life guard experience and kayaking skills
Current first aid and CPR
COMPENSATION:
Pay: $17-23 per hour depending on experience.
GROWTH OPPORTUNITY:
Possibility of training to become an instructor available for good candidates.
WHAT DO INSTRUCTORS DO?:
Instructors plan and lead nature connection education (with the help of a program assistant) in groups of about 12 children, maintaining group safety, facilitating positive group dynamics, deepening children's knowledge and connection to the local environment through leading games. storytelling, exploration and the art of questioning, and teaching earth based skills. Instructors also communicate with parents via email and in person about the weeks themes and highlights and mentor their assistant teacher.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
A positive, flexible, and heart-based outlook on life
4 or more years of experience working with children in educational fields, 2 or more of those in nature education
Knowledge of local plants and animals and a desire to be outdoors in any weather
Excellent communication skills both written and verbal
Total comfort in jumping in and teaching a group of 10-15 kids outdoors and great student management skills
Responsible, enjoy working with a small team
Current first aid and CPR (WFA or WFR preferred)
Reliable transportation and ability to work at our San Rafael or Fairfax.
Ability to check email weekly and stay on top of communication with director and parents
OPTIONAL BUT AWESOME:
Some training in the Jon Young 8 Shields lineage, Tom Brown kids programs or other similar program
Wilderness skills such as animal tracking, survival, foraging, fire by friction, navigation
Craft skills such as basketry, felting, herbalism, carpentry
Experience with kayaking and/or lifeguarding
Currently based in the North Bay with intentions to stay in the area
A clean exceptional driving record
COMPENSATION: $27-$33/hour depending on experience
HOW TO APPLY:
Please fill out the following online application and reply to this email with your resume and cover letter
https://www.vildanature.org/employment-application