FOREST SCHOOL & OUTDOOR EDUCATION

Positions: Outdoor Educator/Forest School Facilitator
Forest School: Dogwood Forest Ltd. 
Location: Port Perry, near Whitby/Oshawa, GTA/Durham Region, Ontario

Dogwood Forest, set on 57 acres of private forests, fields, and wetlands, offers unique nature-based mentorship programs throughout the school year. We aspire to promote and facilitate the cognitive, physical, social, and emotional development of children through meaningful interactions in the natural environment. Through exploration, inquiry, reflection and community building we strive to create a positive learning environment that promotes achievement and development of lifelong skills.

Position Summary

Dogwood Forest is looking for outdoor educators/forest school facilitators for full-time or part-time contract work throughout our fall, winter and spring terms. We operate entirely outdoors in rain, shine, or snow from 8am to 4pm Monday to Thursday, with some Friday work and a potential of 25-33 weeks of the school year (excluding holidays). The outdoor educator/forest school facilitator will be responsible for the care and facilitation of learning and child development in-line with organizational values, curriculum, and forest school philosophy. The outdoor educator/forest school facilitator will be required to prepare daily lessons and activities and ensure all necessary supplies are available when needed.

Skills, Experience, and Qualities

• Ontario Certified Teacher (OCT) and/or Forest School Practitioners Certification and/or Certified Early Childhood Educator (ECE) an asset
• Standard First Aid & CPR-C certification required upon hiring
• High 5 Principles Certification an asset
• Teaching experience or experience working with children (ages 4 - 14 years)
• Experience and comfort with being outdoors for extended periods of time in all weather conditions, various terrain, and at times more physical labour (stacking wood, hanging tarps, etc.)
• Ability to work independently and with a team
• Ability to manage multiple, ongoing tasks and oversee employees/volunteers
• Outdoor/environmentalist/naturalist/artisan knowledge/experience, such as plant and tree ID, animal ID and tracking, orienteering, knowledge of local edibles, tool usage and survival skills etc. all considered an asset
• Flexibility and adaptability to changing programs, weather, children’s needs, tasks, etc. and able to act quickly

Requirements

• If successful, must be obtained before first day of work
• Up to date Police Vulnerable Sector Check
• Up to date Standard First Aid and CPR-C or higher

Compensation

• Based on experience; starting wage $16 - $20 per hour
• Health and Medical Benefits available following one term contract completion (approx. 3-4 months) 

Come join our team in creating a unique outdoor learning experience for our students through mentorship and exploration. We welcome people of all backgrounds and experiences to consider applying.

To apply, please send your resume and completed Dogwood Forest job application (dogwoodforest.ca/join-our-team) as a PDF to info@dogwoodforest.ca by July 24, 2022.

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For more information, email info@dogwoodforest.ca or call Brad at (905) 429-1498. dogwoodforest.ca