EarthWalk Forest Mentor
 We are currently seeking a Forest Mentor!  If you think this would be a good fit for you, please email a letter of interest, resume, and 3 references to admin@earthwalktogethervt.org

Compensation: Hourly, based on experience starting $18 - $24/hour
 
Reports to: EarthWalk Director and Mentor (Ange Gibbons)
 
Job Summary 
Forest Mentors facilitate rich, authentic, hands-on learning experiences rooted in nature and community-building, guiding children towards healthy and meaningful lives and active community and land stewardship. Mentors guide and inspire each learner’s curiosity through nature exploration, playing games, making crafts, sharing outdoor skills, stories, and songs, Mentors model and guide campers with the 3-cares: caring for yourself, caring for others, and caring for the Earth----all the while—-having FUN!
Mentors work closely with one another to form a teaching team and to innovate and collaborate to make sure it is a safe, meaningful, and joyful learning experience for all! Mentors interface regularly with families and the larger community and therefore carry a lot of responsibility in promoting and demonstrating the caring values and culture expressed with EarthWalk.
 
Schedule: The Forest School daily schedule is Tuesdays and Wednesdays: 8am to 4pm, with up to 4 hours weekly planning, preparation and debriefing (max. 20 hrs./week). Additionally, there is 8 hours of planning/training & preparations before each season. After each season, there will be 2 hours to debrief the Forest School session, clean-up, as well as time for program and staff self-evaluation/reflection. Staff hours can also include parent/student meetings; supporting student learning, and maintaining open, clear communication to co-create an amazing Forest School experience for all involved!  Fall Forest School will start September 7th.
 
Job Responsibilities

Education & Field Work

• Participate in weekly pre-Forest Camp staff preparations/planning at the EarthWalk Forest School site.

• Mentor children in meaningful learning experiences based on the EarthWalk Learning Model; including naturalist knowledge, outdoor living skills, community building, and stewardship* (see Overview of EarthWalk Learning). 

• Uphold clear physical and behavioral safety guidelines empowering children to care for themselves, one another, and the Earth.

• Be responsible for overall safety and adhering to safety protocols.

• Participate in daily prep/logistics meetings and debrief/assessment sessions before and after each Forest Camp day.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Work as part of a collaborative staff that is committed to using conscious/respectful communication and participating in regular feedback sessions.

• Be available to parents/guardians for check-ins regarding programs and student experience.

• Learn, collaborate, and practice shared leadership with other Mentors.

• Manage risk throughout programs by identifying and resolving hazards related to an outdoor learning environment. 

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years mentoring groups of children outdoors, or, completion of EarthWalk (or equivalent) Mentor-in-Training or Apprenticeship program.

• Love of children and the Earth with a commitment to the mission of growing caring communities rooted in nature.

• Curiosity, playfulness, humor and a positive attitude

• Bachelor's degree in related field OR equivalent life experience 

• Foundation in naturalist knowledge (local ecology, relationships); outdoor living skills (fire, shelter, foraging, cooking etc..) and earth crafts (carving/whittling, cordage, basketry etc..)

• Strong interpersonal skills with creativity and flexibility

• Willingness to work collaboratively with a skilled staff team, families, community members, and grow personally and professionally.

• Current Wilderness First Aid and CPR certification 

 
Physical Requirements

• Able to move about to meet the needs of outdoor groups of children.

• Comfortable spending extended amounts of time outdoors (appropriately and safely dressed) in all weather conditions, including rain, humidity, high heat and very cold, windy and snowy conditions!

• Willing to be regularly exposed to outdoor risks, including ticks, stinging insects, poison ivy, steep terrain, smoke/fire (cooking), hazardous weather (all seasons!).

• Ability to advocate for personal and group accessibility needs for staff, students, families and elders.