Nature & Outdoor Learning, Education

Position: Outdoor Facilitator
Employer: Rivers to Ridges
Location: Whitehorse, Yukon

Organization Overview

Rivers to Ridges believes that strong relationships with place provide a foundation for healthy relationships with ourselves and our communities. Rivers to Ridges designs, delivers and supports outdoor and land-based programming for youth and families across the Yukon. Our summer programs include naturalist studies, survival skills and scenarios, sensory awareness activities, storytelling, team and individual challenges, forest songs, and land stewardship.

Our educational philosophy is built on the concept of mentorship, and we encourage learners to develop a deep sense of place through understanding their role in the natural world. Our teaching is guided by the learners' passions, and we work to customize our programming around each unique group of participants. We believe strongly in fostering curiosity, and we strive to hold space for learners to come to answers at their own pace. Our work is based out of Whitehorse, Yukon, on the traditional territory of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation and the Ta'an Kwach'an Council. Learn more about us on our webpage.

Job Overview

This summer, we are looking for an engaging, creative and dynamic individual to fill the role of Outdoor Facilitator. You will be responsible for preparing and implementing a wide range of outdoor modules, activities, lessons and games this summer. You will help with prep work before the start of program, including, but not limited to designing, gathering and creating materials, visiting the site, etc. During program, you will be present and focused on the participants' safety and experience. After program, you may be engaging with parents/guardians, debriefing with other staff, submitting incident reports, and gathering and maintaining materials, as well as other tasks. The ideal candidate will be passionate about outdoor learning with an ability to reach out to children and create a relationship of mutual trust. The goal is to foster curiosity in young people, and to be a dedicated ally in the process of wilderness learning. Unless otherwise noted, all summer programs will take place in Riverdale (Whitehorse), and participants range in age from 5 - 18. Wage to be determined based on experience.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute creative outdoor learning experiences for children and youth
• Support anti-oppression and reconciliation efforts
• Use skills-based instruction, as well an awareness-building approach, to teach topics ranging from shelter-building, wildlife tracking, bird language, storytelling, canoe instruction, wild harvesting, fire-making, sensory training, plant identification and more (Note: Knowledge of all topics is not necessary, however willingness to learn and research is crucial.)
• Provide individualized instruction to learners as needed
• Create educational content as needed (carving, building, photocopying, etc.)
• Liaise respectfully with Elders, Knowledge Holders, trappers, or other visiting specialists
• Participate in daily pre- and post-program staff culture circles
• Use Rivers to Ridges equipment and materials with care; help with maintenance
• Collaborate and work respectfully alongside other facilitators
• Enrich outdoor teaching skills and knowledge through independent and/or collaborative research
• Observe and understand learners’ behaviour and report suspicions of neglect, abuse, etc.
• Listen to and work to honour the needs of parents and families

Requirements

• Proven experience working outdoors with youth with a range of abilities and backgrounds
• Foundation of outdoor knowledge and skills, with specific interests or passions (e.g. plant identification, wildlife tracking, friction fires, etc.)
• Anti-racist and passionate about working to better support inclusion and equity
• Available from June 16th - July 18th 2025
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Well-organized and able to be part of a facilitation team
• Committed to being on time and focused on the participants
• Energetic, creative and engaging
• Knowledge of various teaching approaches, and willingness to learn mentoring-style of education
• Basic CPR-C First Aid Training or willingness to acquire
• Current (within 1 year) clean Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening

Benefits of Employment

• Join a small team of passionate outdoor learning professionals
• Work with a nationally recognized and supported program
• Enjoy significant outdoor time in your job
• Possibility of additional work opportunities with Rivers to Ridges in the future

Please send in your resume, cover letter and availability for the 2025 year to info@riverstoridges.org ASAP. We are hiring starting immediately on a rolling basis. 

Please mention you saw this at GoodWork.ca.

Note: If you would like to submit an alternative application (audio, video, visual, etc.), please contact us to set this up.

Thank you to all applicants. Please be aware that only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.