Earth Skills Outdoor Educator

Living Earth School (LES) is looking to hire a full-time employee ‘Instructor’ for our Deeper Roots Immersion program for adults for 2023-24 (and hopefully beyond). LES is a respected leader in the outdoor nature connection field that is known for quality teaching and a great sense of community. Founded in 2002, LES changed our structure to become a non-profit (in 2021) so that we can better serve our diverse community.

Deeper Roots Immersion is a 9-month, 3 day a week (with another day for instructor planning) program (plus occasional expeditions) for ages 18 and up. In total it is about 90 days of class time. College credit is available for students. This is not a typical teaching job. You will work in a larger community of outdoor enthusiasts that want to mentor people in outdoor earth skills, natural history, leadership and more. LES is a growth-oriented environment, where we collaborate to make the best learning environment we can for our students as well as our staff. This position involves teaching via lecture, hands-on activities, field trips, scenarios, and guiding the students' learning journey in multiple ways.

For this position, well rounded experience in outdoor wilderness survival skills, natural history (plants, mammals, tracking, bird language, ecology, etc.), and mentoring is very important. We’re looking for somebody with good energy who is a problem solver, is comfortable working in an outdoor environment and gets along with the team. The main goal of the job is to mentor the students to have well rounded outdoor skills, know how to problem solve and leave centered and empowered to be great stewards of their own life. This needs to be your priority as well. We are here to help train, support, and set you up to succeed in the LES culture.

The program starts in September and ends in May. For program staff there is planning time before and after the set program dates, as well as Mondays each week to develop the program curriculum. There are several weeks of holidays throughout the season. Also know that there is optional work in the summer if one wants more work. Or you can take the time to go on your own outdoor adventures to feed your fire.

The work place environment at LES is lively and fun. We’re a small org of 7-10 year-round staff with a variety of outdoor interests. Many of our core staff stick around for years, partly for the fulfilling work of doing something good in the world, but also for the community. We laugh a lot and love to have fun.

Special Benefits

$35,000 -$38,000 yearly salary . Wages above what most outdoor programs pay, with opportunities for increased pay. We also provide a health insurance stipend, matching for retirement savings, professional development stipend and outdoor gear pro-deals (discounts). Plus, you get to work with cool people who love the outdoors.

This job entails an average of 4 days of work for the school year which allows time to take care of yourself, and go on your own adventures so that when you get to work you’re in the mindset to be the best mentor you can be. Can start as early as Jan 2023.

Why work here

Working at a nature connection program means supporting many different experiences outdoors - from weekly homeschool programs, to storytelling events and fundraisers, to week-long canoe trips. This could be your dream job - some office time, and professional skill development on operations, nonprofit management, organizational development and management for growth, time in the field with program participants, and more. This is where you get your foot in the door and have a tremendous opportunity to work with a super team and grow professionally.