Summer Camp Instructors

Position: Summer Camp Instructor / Nature Mentor
Organization: Soaring Eagle Nature School
Location: Metro Vancouver (Vancouver & North Vancouver, primarily)

• Dates:
  • Training June 22-25
  • Camps June 29-September 4, 2026
• Hours: Full-time when scheduled; hours vary week to week based on enrollment
• Compensation: $23-27/hour + 4% vacation pay + end-of-term impact bonus ($100-$300)

About the Role

Each day brings something different - tracking animals, introducing new skills, or simply slowing down and being present outdoors with a group of curious learners.

This is a summer position for a naturalist and mentor who wants their work to feel meaningful. You’ll be involved in daily programming across Metro Vancouver, working with youth aged 4-16 in small groups that make real connection and mentorship possible.

Hours are full-time when you’re scheduled, and scheduling is based on weekly enrollment across our four locations. The season runs June 29 through September 4.

There may also be opportunities to grow into year-round work beginning in September. Let us know in your application if that interests you.

What You’ll Do

• Lead nature-based programming for youth aged 4-16, grouped by age (4-6, 6-12, 8-14 advanced, 12-16)
• Teach naturalist and wilderness skills: wildlife tracking, plant ID, survival basics, navigation, knife safety, forest ecology, and more
• Run programs rain or shine
• Participate in daily debriefs to reflect on the day, flag incidents, and plan ahead
• Write brief weekly notes to families on Thursdays, and connect with parents at Friday closing circles
• Contribute to a team culture that’s playful, curious, and deeply caring

Weekly rhythm

Monday & Friday: arrive 8:00 am, debrief until 4:00 pm

Tuesday & Wednesday: arrive 8:30 am, debrief until 3:30 pm

Thursday: arrive 8:30 am, includes family card writing, debrief until 4:00 pm

What We’re Looking For

Required

• Minimum 2 years of experience in nature-based mentoring or outdoor education with children
• Genuine passion for naturalist skills. You don’t need to know everything, but you need to love learning
• Experience working with youth aged 4-16
• Strong facilitation and communication skills with kids and with families
• Standard First Aid & CPR C (required by hire date)
• Clear Criminal Record Check (required by hire date)

Nice to Have

• Degree in education, environmental studies, or a related field
• Child development training or expertise
• Wilderness First Aid
• Graduate of the Wilderness Awareness School Immersion Program, RDNA, or a similar program
• Access to a vehicle (camps run across Metro Vancouver)

What You’ll Gain

• Four days of paid staff training before camps begin
• The chance to mentor kids in a meaningful way- small groups, real skills, real time outdoors
• Professional development throughout the year for staff who continue in the fall
• Discounts on educational workshops and outdoor gear for long-term staff
• An end-of-term impact bonus tied to your contribution to the season

Compensation

• $23–27/hour based on experience, knowledge, and certifications
• 4% vacation pay in lieu
• End-of-term impact bonus of $100–$300
• Paid bi-weekly

How to Apply

Send your resume, a letter of interest, and contact info for three professional references to Max at hiring@soaringeaglenatureschool.org .

In your letter, tell us:

• What draws you to this kind of work
• Which age groups you have the most experience with
• Whether you’re interested in summer only, or potentially continuing into the fall

Please mention you saw this at GoodWork.ca.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. We encourage you to apply early – positions fill quickly.

To ensure our team reflects the communities and youth we serve, Soaring Eagle Nature School prioritizes applications from people who identify as Indigenous, Black, People of Colour, 2SLGBTQIA+, living with a disability, or from other equity-deserving communities. We encourage you to self-identify in your application. This information will only be shared with the hiring team.