OUTDOOR EDUCATION JOBS

Hiring: Lead/ Assistant Outdoor Educators – Contract
Organization: Roots 2 Rise Outdoors
Locations:

• Toronto, Ontario 
• Owen Sound, Ontario

About Us

Roots 2 Rise Outdoors is a growing organization seeking part time and lead outdoor educators for our year round outdoor exploratory programs for children ages 2 to 10. Programs are facilitated across Toronto and surrounding areas in ravines and forested spaces. We are dedicated to providing intentional spaces for children to explore the connection with themselves, those around them, and the natural world through a play-based, child initiated program model. roots2riseoutdoors.com

About the educator role

Our educators are responsible for providing and facilitating programming that is aligned with the philosophies and values at Roots 2 Rise Outdoors. Working outdoors in all seasons and all weather with the ability to adapt programming accordingly is a key element to this role.

This position requires previous experience working with children in the outdoors, naturalist knowledge, creativity, flexibility and a positive attitude. Our educators are an integral piece to the Roots 2 Rise Outdoors team, role modelling our values of compassion, awareness, curiosity and gratitude throughout all aspects of the job.

• Weekly hours: 8-10 hours per week with opportunities for additional programs/camp programs.
• Compensation: Pay ranges; (Assistant-$18-$20) (Lead - $20-$25) (Depending on experience and qualifications)
• Start date: January 2025 
• This is a contract position for our Winter and Spring season, with opportunities to extend into our summer programs.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for the health, safety, and welfare of all children. This includes helping children stay warm and dry in wet weather, managing risk in outdoor settings, and addressing unsafe or unkind behaviours and any conflict.
• Follow all health and safety protocols as outlined in the staff handbook.
• Facilitates engaging outdoor, child-led, play-based, developmentally appropriate programming.
• Facilitation and collaboration with the co-instructor, providing a safe and positive space for feedback and debriefs.
• Uses a strengths based approach to managing behaviours.
• Conduct ongoing developmental assessment and risk assessment of individuals and groups.

• Conduct a site assessment check before the program, checking for environmental hazards, picking up garbage etc. (Lead)
• Follow Leave No Trace principles.
• Provide program planning, updates and follow ups. (Lead)
• Setup and take down of necessary program equipment. (Tarps, materials etc.)
• Ambassador for the program within the public.
• Mentoring co-op students and volunteers. (Lead)
• Attend necessary staff training and meetings.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Two or more years of experience in education (Lead)
• Diploma or degree in Education, ECE, Environmental Education or related.
• Experience facilitating children's programs in the outdoors in all seasons.
• Understanding of risk assessments (site assessments, individual/group assessment and dynamic assessment).
• Familiar with play-based/inquiry-based education for children.
• Knowledge of natural history/science, plant/animal identification, knowledge of agricultural practices, primitive skills, music, art, mindfulness.
• Ability to adapt experiences to meet each individual's unique needs/interests.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs, hike comfortably, as well as twist, bend, kneel to interact with young children.
• Must be First Aid/CPR certified, can complete training after hire.
• Access to a car is preferred.
• Vulnerable sector screening is required.

About You

• Passionate about reconnecting children to nature.
• Comfortable working outdoors in all weather.
• Sense of humour.
• Innovative, flexible and creative in programming.
• Enthusiastic and outgoing.
• Patient and kind.
• Strong communication skills, time management and organizational skills.
• Ability to work on a team or individually.
• Life long learner.
• Be yourself! We need more of that in this world.

Application process

To apply, please check out our website to access the application form or you can send your resume and cover letter to info@roots2riseoutdoors.com . Please note, this position requires a Police vulnerable sector screening and up to date First Aid/CPR certification (can obtain after hire).

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While we thank all applicants for their interest, only successful candidates will be contacted for an interview.

We encourage you to apply if you connect with our mission and our values. We welcome people from all different races, creed, ethnicity, national origin, sex, marital status, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, or ability.

If contacted for an interview please inform us of any accommodation measures that you may require. This information will remain completely confidential.