We are looking for a positive, playful, patient, experienced, and team oriented Nature Immersion Assistant for the 2024/2025 school year and beyond at our after school program at Armin Jahr Elementary School.

Job duties include:

• Assist with teaching children ages 5 to 10 in a hands-on nature immersion setting.
• Research and learn alongside the children, embracing not knowing as an opportunity.
• Collaborate in creating and implementing activities and games that support daily routines, daily lessons 
• Be responsible for the health, safety, and welfare of all children. This includes helping children stay warm and dry in chilly weather, and assessing risk in an outdoor setting.
• Create an inviting and emotionally safe classroom that encourages empowerment of children and teamwork.  
• Fostering a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere for families to feel connected to our Barnacles & Bees community..
• Step in when necessary to help resolve conflict among children with the intent of finding clarity and strengthening relationships.  Work with the Nature Immersion Educator  as necessary- to address student behavior problems and report problems and progress to parents.

In the event that the Nature Immersion Educator is absent, the Assistant will step into the role and coordinate volunteers and substitutes. 

Professional Qualifications

Barnacles & Bees is seeking candidates with experience working with children and/or enjoy spending time in nature, who also:

• Are dedicated to nurturing young children and their nature-based experience with positive guidance discipline.
• Excited to get dirty and laugh a lot while teaching outside in all types of weather.
• Are capable of moving, playing and carrying weight for 3 hours continuously.  
• Understand the benefits, tangible and intangible, of a deeply felt connection to nature at a young age.
• Are comfortable with not knowing the answer to questions about nature, and provide opportunities for children to  be curious and wonder. 
• Have an understanding of cultural competency in the context of early childhood education.
• A demonstrated ability to collaborate with staff and volunteers.
• Perceptive communicator, willing to listen, speak your mind, practice integrity and transparency, and respect others at all times.
• Have current or are willing to acquire CPR/First Aid Training (employer paid if needed).
• Able to pass a national background check.

Hours: Part time/4 hours per week

Compensation: Starting at $17 per hour; depending on experience