Lead Instructors for School Outreach
Do you love nature? Are you inspired by time spent outdoors? Do you find a deeper connection when in the wilderness? If yes, we are looking for instructors to share that love, inspiration and connection with elementary aged children in an after-school and school outreach program.
Human Nature School is seeking instructors to lead youth in outdoor, hands-on, experientially based programming rooted in deep nature connection. For this program, our student demographic is needing us to find instructors who have experience working with elementary aged children, preferably with 7-11 year olds.
The correct person for the job will be passionate about nature education, thoughtful and responsible with safety and wellbeing, and great at connecting with children. If this sounds like you, please keep reading.
Benefits, hours and application process:
- $20 per hour
- Part Time- 8-16 hours per week (After school on T, W, Th Field Trips on W)
- Work locations: GT Commons and Optimist Club Land near Chums Corners
- Form deeper connections with nature, community and self each workday
- Work with other great folks in service to the community and the natural world!
- Apply by: August 15, 2025
- Position begins Fall of 2025- Mid September
To apply:
Email resume and cover letter to info@humannatureschool.org
Qualifications:
- All program staff at Human Nature School must be physically healthy and able to be active in an outdoor setting, must be of high moral character, and must be emotionally stable and able to negotiate the complex social situations within a group.
- Education: Previous experience with outdoor environmental education and working with children outdoors.
- Age Requirements: 18 years of age or older.
- Certifications: First Aid/CPR that is current. Preferred- Wilderness First Aid and CPR certifications
- Experience: Experience working with younger children aged 7-11, preferably in an outdoor education setting
- Preferred: Knowledge of Great Lakes Bioregion hazards, plant/animal life, tracking, edible/medicinal plants, navigation without map/compass, field ecology, trees, survival techniques, birds/birdsong
Key Responsibilities:
- Oversee safety of students, staff, and wilderness during programs.
- Work outdoors with children ages 5-12 (T & Th, 3-5 W 9-5)
- Paid prep and debrief- meet daily before and after program
- Attend paid meetings with all Human Nature School staff
- Collaborate with Camp Director and other instructors to plan and implement child-led, nature-based instruction
- Liaison with principals, teachers and parents when needed before and after class
- Write Story of the Day to share with the families (Summary of Activities)
- Most importantly, get to know the children. Enjoy your time with them, discover wonderful things together, laugh, play, and help enrich connections!
Expectations
- Creativity and passion for mentoring youth in a natural flow learning environment with an open and flexible structure
- Care about equity and diversity as well as creating a welcoming and inclusive space
- Able to supervise up to 10 kids at a time with minimal support or supervision
- Empathy, compassion, and an open mind
- Dependable, able to show up on time and ready to go each day.
- Able to pass a background check
- 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
- Be a professional adult: operate with responsibility and integrity
- Uphold Human Nature Schools mission and policies
Other Opportunities
We are also looking for instructors to teach our homeschool programs- Forest Kindergarten (4–6-year-olds) and Coyote School (Ages 6-12). If you would like to be considered for additional opportunities, please make note of this in your letter of intention.
How to Apply
Applying is a 3-step process:
- Complete the general application form below
- Email your Resume and Cover Letter to info@humannatureschool.org
- All applicants will receive a follow-up email within 2 weeks with the next steps.