Job Title: Assistant Forest School Teacher

Application Closes: February 7, 2025

Position Start Date: As soon as possible

Pay: $17 an hour

Job type: Part-time, seasonal

Shift & Schedule: Two, 5-hour shifts per week. Availability for shifts is Monday through Thursday. Days can be negotiated with a Program Director.

Expected Hours: 10 hours per week

(Limited weekends and evenings will be needed for community events.)

Work Setting: In-person, camp, outdoor work.

Benefits: Employee Discount

Classification: Hourly Employee

Reports to: Program Directors, Abbi Collier & Michelle Laidler

Position Summary:

Under the direction of Program Directors and supervision of Lead Forest School Teachers, Assistant Forest School Teachers will assist and/or lead activities in a variety of areas including environmental education, team-building, and outdoor recreation. Additionally, they will communicate positively with Program Directors, Forest School Educators, and members of the public, perform basic cleaning and organization tasks, and help learners with basic care tasks such as hand washing, and getting on weather-appropriate gear. The Assistant Forest School Teacher will assist in any projects or tasks that support the goals of Pinewood Trails Forest School.

Dates of Employment:

As soon as possible until May 23, 2025. Limited evenings and weekends as needed for community events during the Spring & Summer 2025. 2025/2026 Forest School starts Monday, September 8, 2025.

Prior to Start Date:

• Pinewood Trails LLC will conduct a State of Michigan Central Registry Check

• Applicant must sign-up for a First Aid/CPR/AED Child & Adult Certification that must be completed within the first 30 days of employment of Pinewood Trails LLC (Program Director will coordinate this course with you)

• Applicant will complete any trainings about environmental education, early-childhood education, or related fields that pertain to Pinewood Trails Forest School.

Essential Functions:

Facilitate Forest School programming to children 3 to 5 years of age, and 6 to 10 years of age.

• Be open to learning! We participate in environmental education such as plant and animal identification, animal track identification, and nature hikes.

• Physical education such as gross motor learning, movement exploration, and cooperative exercises.

• Outdoor recreation such as fire and shelter construction, team-building, and age-appropriate skills/games.

Maintain a culture of safety by predicting, preventing, identifying, and responding to safety concerns appropriately.

• Understand and follow policies regarding program setup and proper storage of program supplies including appropriate documentation.

• Ensure campers and other staff follow safety procedures at all times.

• Follow appropriate procedures during facilitation.

Promote a positive, cooperative, and flexible atmosphere while working with others in a diverse environment.

• Provide high levels of customer service when interacting with members of the public including parents, volunteers, students, and other guests.

• Maintain a professional tone, personal appearance, and behavior at all times.

• Communicate effectively with other staff members regarding setup, schedule changes, and any other needs.

• Be prepared to get messy and bring/wear weather-appropriate gear.

Other Job Duties:

• Assist in other areas of Forest School as assigned, including housekeeping, kitchen, maintenance, and camp.

• Assist in any other projects as assigned that support the goals and mission of the programs department.

Job Specifications and Physical Requirements:

The requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Qualifications:

• At least 18 years of age.

• Preferred 1 year minimum of related teaching experience OR care of minor children between the ages of 3-10.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Desire and ability to work with children and Lead Forest School Educators outdoors in varied conditions.

• Encourage, empower, and embolden children to value themselves and others, and to become a leader and steward of the Earth.

• Ability to observe participant behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate group management techniques.

Physical Aspects of the Position:

• Physical ability to respond appropriately to situations requiring first aid. Must be able to assist children in an emergency and possess the strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of participants.

• Ability to frequently move up to 10 pounds and occasionally move up to 40 pounds, walk several miles on uneven trails and stand for several hours.

• Must be able to be in outside weather conditions for extended periods including rain, snow, and heat.