OUTDOOR SCHOOL

Position Title: Outdoor School Instructor
Organization: The Pine Project
Location: Don Valley/Humber Valley Area, Toronto, Ontario

Position Type: Contract (February 22, 2021 – June 7, 2021)
Hours per Week: 35-40 hours
Compensation: $15.00 - $18.75/hour, depending on experience and qualifications
Reports to: Program Manager

About Us:

The Pine Project is Ontario’s leading nature connection organization! We offer year-round nature connection programs for people of all ages in Toronto and the surrounding area, including Outdoor School, March Break programs, and highly sought-after summer camps. Each year we engage with over 1,500 children, teens, families and adults. Our programs foster confidence, competence, resilience and a deep relationship with nature in a way that is hard to achieve in more conventional learning environments.

By helping children connect to nature and teaching adults to do the same, we inspire children to respect, cherish, and care for the Earth. We are empowering the next generation of environmental stewards, problem solvers and leaders. Check out our website – pineproject.org – for more info.

About the role:

The Instructor will be a core component of our outdoor school staff. This position involves working outside with kids on a daily basis. Naturalist knowledge, experience working with children and working in the outdoors are key elements of the role. Instructors work to embody respect, gratitude, awareness, life-long learning, and resilience, in alignment with our core values.

This position is all about delivering high-quality programs creatively and effectively to advance our mission and vision of a world where healthy people care for themselves, others and the natural environment.

Key Position Responsibilities:

• Lead the planning and delivery of the Pine Project’s nature connection programming;
• Mentor fellow staff and volunteers;
• Learn and abide by all policies and procedures including the staff handbook and emergency plans;
• Attend staff training as required;
• Commit to developing naturalist knowledge, wilderness skills, and personal connection to nature;
• Be prepared to work outdoors in all weather conditions;
• Maintain current first aid and police record check;
• Willingness to continuously learn relevant knowledge and skills related to program content and curriculum.

Requirements

• Up to date Police Vulnerable Sectors Check
• Up to date Standard First Aid and CPR-C or higher
• Valid Class G Driver’s License (preferred)
• Extensive experience working with children in a mentorship role

The Pine Project understands that the cost of certifications can be a barrier to accessing employment in the outdoor industry. If you identify as a member of a disadvantaged or marginalized group, or have faced other systemic barriers to accessing employment, we may be able to subsidize one or all of the required certifications.

About you:

• Enthusiastic, outgoing, and flexible
• Able and willing to work as part of a team
• Have good communication, time management, and organizational skills
• Identify with Pine’s mission statement and core values
• Naturalist knowledge of local ecosystems
• Have a desire to further own naturalist/wilderness skills, mentoring techniques, and/or nature connection through professional development opportunities

It’d be great if you have experience in any of the following areas:

• Outdoor and environmental education
• Naturalist experience and knowledge
• Survival skills, wilderness experience
• Experience with the Pine Project (e.g. volunteering, adult programs)

Application Procedure:

Please send a resume and cover letter in a single PDF to: work@pineproject.org

Subject line: Outdoor School Instructor

Please indicate you saw this posting at GoodWork.

Applications will be assessed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

While we thank all applicants for their interest, only successful candidates will be contacted for an interview. No phone calls please.

The Pine Project is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to promoting equity and diversity within our workplace and greater community. We work proactively to develop a barrier-free selection process and inclusive work environment where team members feel empowered to express authentic ideas and experiences.

We welcome applications from all qualified applicants with an interest in advancing our mission, vision and values. We especially encourage applications from members of disadvantaged and marginalized groups, including those who identify as Black, Indigenous and People of Colour, persons with disabilities, women and/or LGBTQ2S+. If contacted for a job opportunity, please advise us of any accommodation measures required to enable you to be assessed in a fair and equitable manner. Information received will be addressed in confidence.