Join us this coming school year as a Nature Instructor or Site Director at our Monthly Programs! This fun, down-to-earth, all ages nature school is looking for seasonal, part-time Monthly Program Instructors/Site Directors to join our team. Our ideal candidates are creative, inspirational, and are well-versed in (or willing to learn about) our Coyote Mentoring teaching models.
- Make a difference in the lives of kids by helping them connect with the natural world
- Learn to be a “Coyote Mentor” capable of igniting children’s passion for learning
- Join our team of experienced and committed nature instructors in a connective work environment
Our Teaching Philosophy
Coyote Mentoring utilizes a number of teaching styles that mimic how children naturally learn. The end result is what we call an “invisible school” where kids experience having fun and playing games without even realizing how much they’re learning.
Nature Connection
Children’s lives are becoming more and more screen-based and indoors-focused. Wild spaces are shrinking and our impact on the planet is reaching a breaking point. It is more urgent than ever for people of all ages and backgrounds, especially children, to experience and fall in love with the natural world.
Become a Nature Instructor
In the quickly growing industry of Forest Kindergartens and nature-based education, there is an increasing need for skilled, diverse, and experienced instructors. As one of the oldest and most respected nature schools, many of our students and staff have gone on to become leaders in the industry.
Overview
Qualifications and Expectations
- Creativity and passion for mentoring youth in a natural flow learning environment with an open and flexible structure
- Committed to practicing on-the-ground routines that foster equity and inclusion
- Current Wilderness First Aid and CPR certifications (or able to acquire before working).
- Able to supervise up to 10 kids at a time with minimal support or supervision
- Have empathy, compassion, and an open mind
- Able to drive to various camp locations in the Puget Sound area, many of which aren’t accessible by public transportation
- Able to pass a background check
- This is a physically demanding job and instructors must be able to be on their feet for 6+ hours at a time, carry a 20 lb. pack, walk long distances, move over uneven terrain, and be out in the elements all day
- Must demonstrate good judgment and risk assessment
- Strong ability to work as a contributing member of a team, able to bring your unique voice, gifts, and contributions to a relational work setting
- Willing to participate in a healthy feedback culture
- Uphold Wilderness Awareness School’s mission and policies
Preference will be given to applicants who have:
- Ability to work at least two to four Fridays or Saturdays per month
- Experience as a naturalist instructor working with youth ages 4-13 in the outdoors
- Experience with the 8-Shields Model and Coyote Mentoring method, including facilitation through stories, songs, games, observation, and sensory awareness activities
- Knowledge of any of the following: Pacific Northwest natural hazards, wildlife, tracking, edible/medicinal plants, navigation without map/compass, field ecology, trees, survival techniques, birds/birdsong, and local Indigenous Nations
- Experience (lived or otherwise) with diverse populations from various social and economic backgrounds
- Ability to integrate social awareness practices into the mentoring curriculum (such as acknowledgment of indigenous land history, honoring of human diversity, interest in sharing origins of songs/stories/skills, etc.)
- Completed one or more Wilderness Awareness School programs
Programs
We host 6 Monthly Programs on Fridays and Saturdays at beautiful parks across King County! Each program meets 7 times throughout the school year.
Jays (4-6 year olds) 8am-2pm: Cougar Mountain, Seward Park, Saint Edwards Park and Tolt MacDonald Park
Crows (6-13 year olds) 8am-4pm: Cougar Mountain, Seward Park, Saint Edwards Park and Tolt MacDonald Park
Ravens (10-13 year olds) 8am-4pm: Saint Edwards Park and Tolt MacDonald Park
Schedule & Responsibilities
Monthly Program Instructors will be responsible for:
- Working at least 1 Monthly Program (7 classes total per program), or up to 6 Monthly Programs
- Facilitating each program day: 6 hours/day for Jays, 8 hours/day for Crows, and 8 hours/day for Ravens
- Planning for each program day with your team: 1 hour (Jays/Crows), 2 hours (Ravens)
- 4-6 hours for Monthlies Staff Orientation on Friday August 29th
- 1 hour/year for a mentoring meeting with your supervisor
- 4 hours per year for debrief meetings (2 in late Fall, 2 in Spring)
- This is a 7-38 hour per month contract position, paid by the hour
Monthly Program Site Directors will additionally be responsible for:
- 0.5 hours of additional prep and follow-up time per class day
- 3+ hours per year to hold mentoring check-ins for instructors
- Other director-specific meetings paid hourly
- This is a 10.5-43 hour per month contract position, paid by the hour
Compensation/Benefits
- Pay scale starts at $20 per hour
- Discounts on WAS programs and store items
- Be a part of a work culture that fosters peer mentoring and lifelong learning in the context of the 8-shields model and Coyote Mentoring curriculum
- Referrals to instruct at our other school year and summer youth programs
How to apply
Mail or Email a complete application packet including:
1. Employment Application
2. Resume
3. Cover letter to Shivani Gogna, Youth Program Manager
Please include in your cover letter:
- Why you are an excellent candidate for the position
- What relevant experience you have with outdoor education and nature connection, including anything related to Coyote Mentoring or the 8 shields curriculum
First round of applications due by July 3, 2025. After that, applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until all positions are filled.
Shivani Gogna
Wilderness Awareness School
POB 219, PMB 137
Duvall, WA 98019
[email protected]
Questions?
Contact: [email protected] or call 425-788-1301
Wilderness Awareness School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, disability, national or ethnic origin, or sexual orientation. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.