Outdoor and environmental education

Position: Program Leader
Organization: Cheakamus Centre
Location: Cheakamus Centre, Brackendale, BC (near Squamish)

Spring 2026 Season

OVERVIEW

Program Leaders facilitate a range of outdoor and environmental learning experiences for elementary and secondary school students. This includes the facilitation of community building activities, outdoor skill development and environmental education programs. These experiences take place on extensive teaching trails, in forest shelters and alongside spawning channels and ponds. Additionally, we have a teaching salmon hatchery, working farm, challenge course and archery range, all located in beautiful Paradise Valley, just North of Squamish.

We are hiring for multiple contract lengths during the Spring 2026 season. Applicants starting in March or April will spend time supporting our Outdoor School program with grade 4 students from North Vancouver. Outdoor School is a long standing curriculum linked program that runs until mid-May. For May and June, Program Leaders will work in our Field School program, which involves leading programs with students of all ages, on both day and multi-day centre-based programs. There will also be opportunities throughout the season to support Indigenous cultural programs at the Cheakamus Centre teaching Longhouse.

This is a dynamic role that involves facilitating hands-on and highly interactive activities, with the goal of creating meaningful and enjoyable learning experiences for all.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Facilitation of outdoor and environmental learning activities
• Contribute to creating a safe and inclusive learning environment for all
• Prepare for activities and maintain program supplies and equipment
• Maintain safety and well-being of visitors as part of the program staff team
• Support meal service and assist with group management as needed
• Assist in updating program materials and maintenance of program resources
• Other duties as assigned

DESIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• First Aid OFA Level 1 required – OFA Level 2/Wilderness First Aid preferred (or equivalent)
• Willing to submit a current Criminal Record Check, with Vulnerable Sector Check
• Experience working with children and youth in an outdoor education setting
• Strong interest in developing leadership skills
• Knowledge of Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and Coast Salish cultural practices and local history, or willingness to learn
• Work effectively independently and in a collaborative team environment
• Work in a fast-paced environment, while striving to offer high quality programs
• Friendly, positive and enthusiastic demeanor
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Class 4 drivers license a strong asset
• An understanding of Cheakamus Centre, and its mission, vision, values and goals (http://www.cheakamuscentre.ca)

JOB TERM

Hiring for multiple positions and varying contract lengths:

• March 2 – June 19, 2026 (1 position)
• March 31 – June 19, 2026 (1 position)
• May – June 19, 2026 (multiple positions)

Please indicate preferred contract length in your application.

Typical shifts are either day or afternoon + evening. Extended shifts up to 12 hours may be required. Shifts are Monday-Friday, with the possibility of a couple weekend shifts.

JOB LOCATION

Cheakamus Centre, Brackendale, BC (near Squamish)

COMPENSATION

• Pay $21-$23/hr, based on experience (30-40hrs per week, based on bookings)
• Optional Room & Partial Board (rent at $250.00/month)
• Staff discount at Listel Hotels and Listel owned restaurants

ABOUT US

Located on 165 ha of ecological preserve lands in the Cheakamus River Valley near Squamish, BC, Cheakamus Centre is a world-class outdoor learning centre that brings together the values of environmental stewardship and sustainability through place-based learning. We would like to thank the Skwxwú7mesh Nation, upon whose unceded traditional territory Cheakamus Centre resides. We value the opportunity to welcome others to learn, gather and share in nature on this traditional territory. The land Cheakamus Centre is situated on has always been a place of learning for the Chʼiyáḵmesh people, who for millennia have passed on their culture, history, and traditions from one generation to the next on this site.

Cheakamus Centre is committed to supporting and building a diverse and inclusive workplace community. We welcome and respect the diverse backgrounds, experiences and talents of our staff and believe this contributes to programs that are welcoming, relevant and accessible for learners of all ages.

For more information on Cheakamus Centre, visit our website at cheakamuscentre.ca.

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Feb 15th or until filled. Hiring for multiple positions

APPLICATION PROCESS

Email a cover letter stating why you are the best person for this opportunity, along with your résumé to:

jobs@cheakamuscentre.ca

Please include ‘Program Leader’ in the subject line of your email.

Please mention you saw this at GoodWork.ca.

We truly thank you for your interest in employment with Cheakamus Centre! As we unfortunately don’t have unlimited administrative capacity, and spend lots of our time supporting students and staff on the ground, we may not be able to reply to all applicants. We will prioritize connecting with those who are selected for interviews.