Whole Earth Nature School Program Assistant Director

Whole Earth Nature School is about more than developing outdoor skills, we are about developing thriving human beings. Through the pathway of nature connection and wilderness skills, our students are given the support they need to flourish. Our outstanding staff ensure lots of personal support and attention goes to each and every student. Through fire making, students learn patience, resilience, and safety. Through hiding, they learn stillness, observation and awareness. Through wildcrafting, they learn caretaking, pattern recognition, and self-sufficiency. Through group play and challenges, they learn leadership, respect, and confidence. Whole Earth Nature School is a place where each student is given the right balance of freedom and support to be their best self.

Job Overview

The Programs Assistant Director works in collaboration with the Program Directors to support active season programs– Outdoor School (ODS) from January to early June, Summer Camps from June to early September, and Coyote Kids (CK) from September through January. The Programs Assistant Director will be responsible for: assisting with administrative functions in preparation for the active ODS season; managing ODS programs on-site from March – early June, including many overnight programs; managing Summer Camp day programs on-site from June – August; managing supplies and logistics; and assisting as needed with various program needs throughout the winter months including: curriculum development, program policies, partner communications, and hiring and training staff.

Special Benefits

• Paid leave: Sick Leave accrued at .033 hours for every hour worked
• Stipends and discounts: Prorated monthly stipend for mobile phone and home internet use during remote work. Funding for any required training for the season, such as first aid/CPR. Discounts on outdoor gear through “pro-deal” programs.
• Program discounts: Dependents eligible for up to $2,000 in discounted programming each year, as per our Dependents Policy
• Continuing Education: Basic First Aid/CPR/AED, Food Handlers & Wilderness First Aid trainings provided at no cost to employee
• Meals: Meal service at camps while working overnight programs during the outdoor school season
• Overnight Lodging: Ability to stay overnight at camp in furnished dormitory cabins, personal tent/hammock, camper van, 2-3 nights per week (M-F) during Outdoor School Season 
• Other: Access to environmental education library and Whole Earth workshops

Minimum Requirements

• Experience working with youth in formal or informal learning environments 
• Experience or transferable skills to lead overnight outdoor youth programs, and deliver engaging curriculum and activities
• Ability to support staff and volunteers to lead outdoor learning and community building experiences, using leadership skills like compassion, trust-building, flexibility, patience, and problem-solving 
• Adaptability to meet students, teachers, chaperones, volunteers, and staff where they are at with sensitivity to life experiences and needs; Commitment to creating an equitable and inclusive environment for all
• Strong skills in self-awareness and self-motivation to achieve work goals while meeting personal needs; ability to practice active listening and critical self-reflection to make personal and program improvements 
• Ability and interest to work on multiple administrative projects simultaneously to meet deadlines, including resource development; materials management; and staff hiring, training, and support
• Ability to work outdoors in all non-hazardous weather conditions 
• Must have access to personal vehicle to and from the site that can be used to transport and store program supplies