Outdoor Educator

Roots 2 Rise Outdoors is a growing organization seeking passionate people to join our team We facilitate year round outdoor exploratory programs for children ages 2 to 12 in Toronto and surrounding areas. If you are passionate about re-connecting kids to the natural world, providing necessary spaces for them to play, explore and connect, this role is for you

**About the Role**

The outdoor educators are responsible for providing and facilitating programming that is aligned with the philosophies and values at Roots 2 Rise Outdoors. Working outdoors in all seasons and all weather with the ability to adapt programming accordingly is a key element to these roles. This position requires previous experience working with children in the outdoors, naturalist knowledge, creativity, flexibility and a positive attitude. The educators are an integral piece to the Roots 2 Rise Outdoors team, role modelling our values of compassion, awareness, curiosity and gratitude throughout all aspects of the job.
- Seasonal Contracts
- Spring Season: Part Time - Evenings & Weekends
- Summer Season: Full Time - Monday to Friday
- Part Time Hours: 8-12hrs per week
- Full Time Hours: 20-30hrs per week
- Compensation: Lead - $20-22 per hr / Assistant - $18-20hr
- Depending on experience and qualifications

**Responsibilities**
- Responsible for the emotional health, physical safety, and welfare of all children.
- Managing risks in outdoor settings.
- Addressing unsafe or unkind behaviour, and kindly diffusing any conflict.
- Follow all health and safety protocols as outlined in the staff handbook.
- Facilitates engaging outdoor, child-led, play-based, developmentally appropriate programming, following the Roots 2 Rise Outdoors approach and training.
- Values and incorporates diverse and inclusive programming.
- Supports children with neurodiversities and adapts the environment according to each child's needs.
- Co-facilitation and collaboration as a team, providing a safe and positive space for feedback and debriefs.
- Uses a strengths-based approach to managing behaviour.
- Conducts ongoing developmental assessment and risk assessment of individuals and groups.
- Collaborate with other staff members and staff from our collaborative partners to support children with varying needs to participate in our programs and work towards their own personal goals. This includes: data collection and reporting as directed by the BCBA.
- Conducts a site assessment check before each program, checking for environmental hazards, picking up garbage, etc.
- Follows Leave No Trace principles.
- Provides program planning, updates and follow-ups.
- Setup and take down of necessary program equipment (tarps, materials, etc.)
- Ambassador for the program within public spaces.
- Mentoring assistant instructors, co-op students and volunteers.
- Attend necessary staff training and meetings.
- Other duties as assigned

**Required Qualifications and Experience**
- Minimum of 1 year experience in education. (Lead Educator - 2 years)
- Diploma or degree in Education, ECE, Environmental Education or related field.
- Experience facilitating children's programs outdoors in all seasons.
- Understanding of risk assessments (site assessments, individual/group assessments and dynamic assessments).
- Familiar with a play-based/inquiry-based approach in education.
- Knowledge of natural history/science, plant/animal identification, knowledge of agricultural practices, primitive skills, music, art, mindfulness.
- Ability to adapt experiences to meet each individual's unique needs/interests.
- Ability to lift 50 lbs, hike comfortably, as well as twist, bend, kneel to interact with young children.
- Must be First Aid/CPR certified, can complete training after hire.
- Access to a car is preferred.
- Vulnerable Sector Screening is required.

**About You**
- Passionate about reconnecting children to nature.
- Comfortable and enjoys working outdoors in all weather.
- Sense of humour.
- Humble.
- Open minded.
- Open to giving and receiving feedback.
- Innovative, flexible and creative in programming.
- Enthusiastic and outgoing.
- Patient and kind.
- Strong communication skills, time management and organizational skills.
- Ability to work on a team or individually.
- Life long learner.
- Be yourself We need more of that in this world.

**Job Types**: Full-time, Part-time, Fixed term contract, Seasonal
Contract length: 2-6 months

Pay: $18.00-$25.00 per hour

Schedule:

- Monday to Friday
- On call
- Weekends only

**Education**:

- DCS / DEC (preferred)

**Experience**:

- teaching: 1 year (preferred)

Work Location: In person