Outdoor Youth Programs Instructor / Earth Skills Instructor 
   Leading or supporting programs for youth aged 4-6, 7-12, 13-17
   Full-time position (salary TBD), after paid training ($16/hr)
   Burton Educational Preserve, Nevada City, CA

4 Elements Earth Education Inc. (“4E”) is seeking an experienced and enthusiastic Earth Skills Instructor for our Fox Walkers Youth programs.  4E is a 501(c)(3) educational non-profit, founded in 2010 and based in Nevada City, CA.  Our mission is to offer programs that guide children, families, and teens toward a pure connection to the Earth through direct experiences in nature.  Our Fox Walkers Youth Programs introduce children to Earth Skills: the ancient arts of tracking, wilderness survival, and nature awareness.  Click here to view a brief overview video, featuring a few of our instructors, students, and the land.

Our Young Fox Walkers are aged 4-6, so of course these programs focus more on sensory awareness and storytelling than say pl

We are looking for a vibrant and dedicated Earth Skills Instructor to complement our teaching team.  Our ideal candidate:
     - loves working with children and understands their developmental needs;
     - knows what Earth Skills are and has at least practice in some, but preferably proficiency in many, of these skills;
     - has personal experiences of deep nature connection through wilderness immersion/survival living/etc.; and
     - feels personally aligned with and motivated by the 4E mission.

This is a very unique position.  4E holds high standards for Earth Skills experience; respect for nature and community; ability to engage and encourage youth and families; and capacity for teamwork, honesty and integrity.  Please review our teaching philosophy (click HERE) before determining whether to apply.
 
Application Deadline:  n/a - Applications will be reviewed and qualifying candidates contacted ASAP.
Target Start Date:  Monday, May 3rd -June 7th 2021
 
Qualifications

• Genuine love of young children
• Passionate about nature connection
• Knowledge of and experience with earth skills
• Experience with coyote teaching method with youth
• Effective leadership in group dynamics that builds trust
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Current First Aid/CPR certifications
• Clean criminal record (background check required)
• Eligible to work in the U.S. (I-9 verification required)

 
Key Areas of Responsibility

• Oversee physical and emotional safety and instruction for children during our nature programs.
• Guide groups of 6-15 children, with at least one other instructor/intern, through the day's activities.  Young Fox Walkers groups meet for 3 hours, usually in the morning.  Fox Walkers meet for either a half-day (3 hours in the morning or afternoon) or full day (7 hours).
• Work with teaching team to develop lesson plans and related program activities (with ability to facilitate spontaneous teaching in the flow of nature).
• Participate in instructor planning meetings, staff development trainings, promotional events, and other meetings as requested.
• As experience permits, mentor the teen interns and volunteers that serve our programs.

 
Application Submission Requirements
The following materials are required for your application submission to be considered.

1. Introduction, to you and your interest in the position;
2. Resume, detailing your education, employment, and "dirt time" experience;
3. Two non-family references; and
4. Completed 4E Earth Skills Self-Evaluation (click here to download).  PLEASE NOTE:  This is the annual self-evaluation used internally by our most advanced staff to identify areas of strength and opportunities for improvement.  Applicants are not expected to rank highly on this.  (But if you do, we want to meet you!)  It may inform where you would fit best within our team.

All materials must be EITHER sent by email to info@4eee.org OR mailed to 4EEE, P.O. Box 1823, Nevada City, CA 95959.
 
Schedule and Compensation

• First day of work (target): Monday, May 3 /June 7th
• May 3 - May 28 :  4-week training period
  • On-site at the Burton Education Preserve in Nevada City, CA (click for map)
  • Wednesdays (8:30am-5pm), Thursdays (9:30am-6pm), and Fridays (8:30am-5pm)
  • Mondays & Tuesdays  will include meeting with other instructors, planning, and training; hours may vary.
  • ~30-40 hours/week
  • $16 per hour during training period (or as otherwise agreed upon hiring and in line with your experience)
• No later than the week of the week of October 12th, Instructor will meet with the Executive Director for a performance and compensation review.  Post-training pay rate will start at $16-$20 per hour, DOE.
• All employees accrue Paid Sick Leave in accordance with CA state law (1 hour per 30 hours worked, up to 24 hours per year), which may be redeemed after 90 days of employment.
• Employees receive a 25% discount on program registration for immediate family members.
• September through May (school year): 32 hour/week average
• June through August (summer break): 40 hour/week average

Application Deadline:  May 1st / May 15th
Position Start Date:  May 3rd / June 7th

Female applicants are encouraged to apply.
We are an equal opportunity employer and we prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.