Fox Walkers Youth Programs - Earth Skills Instructor 

     1.  Application Deadline:  N/A; applications are processed as received.
     2.  Start Date:  Monday, June 7, 2021 (preferred), or as soon as possible thereafter!
     3.  Location:  Burton Educational Preserve, Nevada City, CA 95959. (Click here for a map.) 
     4.  Hours:  During Training Period*,  approx. 30 hrs/wk, 4 days/wk TBD;
                   After Training Period*, Mon-Fri ~8am-5pm with some summer variation.
     5.  Compensation:  During Training*, $16/hr+, depending on experience;
                                 Full-time salary & benefits package to be negotiated after Training*.
  
 * This position includes an on-the-job paid training period, during which the new hire will shadow different instructors and see how they run 4E programs.  This period will also include at least a half-day each week for new hire training.  By the end of 2, 4, or 6 weeks, the employee should be handling more responsibility and contributing to the team.

4 Elements Earth Education (4E) is looking for enthusiastic Earth Skills Instructors to lead or support our Fox Walkers Youth Programs.  We are 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.  Fox Walkers Youth Programs introduce children to 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 Earth Skills Instructors lead outdoor nature connection activities, earth skills development, and wilderness experience programs for youth and teens, aged 4+.  Applicants with less experience and/or skills may be invited to join our team in a supporting role, provided they exhibit interest in developing individual skills and are personally motivated by our mission.  Specific job duties and compensation shall be negotiated based on experience. 

We are looking for a vibrant, enthusiastic addition 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.  
 
Qualifications

• Genuine love of young children
• Passionate about nature connection
• Knowledge/experience or willingness to learn earth skills
• Experience with Coyote Teaching method w/ 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 required)

 
Key Areas of Responsibility

• Oversee physical and emotional safety and instruction for children during our 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.
• Stay open, aware, and flexible enough to recognize and seize opportunities 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
Please submit at least the following materials in your application packet to info@4eee.org.

1. A brief letter introducing yourself and your interest in the position;
2. Your resume, detailing 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, or even understand it all.  The primary purpose is to determine the baseline, where you are today, so that when you complete the same self-evaluation at annual reviews, we'll have this reference point.  And it may inform where you'll 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.


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.