Join Our Team
4 Elements Earth Education (4EEE) is looking for enthusiastic Earth Skills Instructors to lead or support our Youth Programs in Outdoor Nature Connection activities, Earth Skills Development and Wilderness Experience Programs for youth, teens and families aged 4+.
Applicants with less experience and/or skills may be invited to join our team in a supporting role (internships or volunteer opportunities), provided they exhibit interest in developing individual skills and are personally motivated by our mission. Specific job duties and compensation shall be negotiated based on experience.
4EEE Employment Opportunities:
Part-time or Full-time depending on your availability and programs current needs.
Seasonal opportunities Spring through Fall.
Typically 24-40 hours/week on average.
Compensation package negotiated based on skills, availability & needs.
* The Earth Skills Instructor role includes an on-the-job paid training period, during which new hires will shadow different instructors and see how they run 4EEE programs. After the training period, the employee would be handling more responsibility and contributing to the team.
We are a 501(c)(3) educational non-profit, founded in 2010 and offers Youth, Teen and Family programs in Nevada City, CA | Philadelphia, PA | New Jersey and South Texas.
Our mission is to offer programs that guide youth, teens and families to a more connected and balanced relationship with Mother Earth through caretaking and Earth Living Skills.
Our Youth Programs introduce children to the ancient arts of tracking, wilderness survival, and nature awareness.
Our ideal candidate:
Genuine passion for working with children and teens and understands their developmental needs
Knows what Earth Skills are and has at practice in some, but preferably proficiency in many of these skills
Has personal experiences of deep nature connection through wilderness immersion/survival living/etc
Experience with Coyote Teaching method w/ youth
Effective leadership in group dynamics that builds trust
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Current First Aid/CPR certifications
Clean criminal record (background check required)
Eligible to work in the U.S. (I-9 required)
Feels personally aligned with and motivated by the 4EEE mission
This is a very unique position and we hold high standards for Earth Skills experience; respect for nature and community; ability to engage and encourage youth and families; and capacity for teamwork, honesty and integrity.Please review our teaching philosophy before determining whether to apply.
Key Areas of Responsibility:
Oversee physical and emotional safety and instruction for children during our programs
Guide groups of 6-15 children, with at least one other instructor/intern, through the day's activities
Work with teaching team to develop lesson plans and related program activities.
Stay open, aware and flexible to recognize and seize opportunities to facilitate spontaneous teaching in the flow of nature
Participate in instructor planning meetings, staff development trainings, promotional events and other meetings as requested
As experience permits, mentor the teen interns and volunteers that serve our programs.
Application Submission Requirements
Please submit ALL the following materials in your application packet to info@4eee.org or
Mail to: 4EEE, P.O. Box 1823, Nevada City, CA 95959:
A brief letter introducing yourself and your interest in the position
Your resume, detailing education, employment and "dirt time" experience
Two non-family references
Completed 4E Earth Skills Self-Evaluation.
PLEASE NOTE: This is the annual self-evaluation used internally by our most advanced staff to identify areas of strength and opportunities for improvement. Applicants are not expected to rank highly on this. The primary purpose is to determine the baseline; where you are today to serve as a reference point of progress and to determine the best place you might fit in our team.
*We are an equal opportunity employer and we prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Specific Duties:
Assist with the sharing of skills, the leading of activities, and implementing of the general program flow
Ensure that all students follow safety guidelines set forth at the beginning of the program.
Recognize any behavior or activity that might need attention from someone of a higher ranking position among the staff.
Follow all rules set for the program.
Assist with a preparation of breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a rotating schedule and assist with the clean up of such meals. (overnight programs only)
Assist with caring for the tools and supplies used during the program to make sure that nothing is mistreated, wasted, or put away incorrectly
Help lead volunteers to accomplish their chores and make sure they are done both correctly safely and efficiently
Communicate clearly with other staff members during meetings about things such as program, scheduling, appropriate activities, weather concerns, health, hazards, morale, deficiencies, or anything in regards to the programs facilitation
Constantly monitor the health, safety, and morale of the participants
Assist with the rotating schedule of activities during siesta times after meals and evening activities. (overnight programs only)
Respect the quiet time rules and assist with implementing them when appropriate.
To tend to one’s well being so much so that they are in a position to not only keep up with the program activities, but to be able to go above and beyond in the case of an emergency or any event requiring a great deal of effort (food, water, rest, etc.)
Compensation:
Discussed and agreed upon on an individual basis.
Avenues of compensation: work trade for 4EEE Programs discounts or full tuition.
Possible monetary compensation may also be discussed after experience is gained and based on the quality of work, time with the organization.
Internships:
Opportunities for Teens aged 14 and up
Interns assist with the sharing of curriculum skills and the leading of activities with the participants, as well as the ‘behind the scenes’ tasks of offering successful programs.
During the program, they are always expected to help maintain the ongoing role modeling that is crucial to these programs' success. In addition, they are partially responsible for the well-being and actions of the students under their care, which may include recognizing potential changes to participants' health, learning and other issues that may be going on.
Interns are also expected to do what they see as appropriate to help students' abilities increase and improve during the time with our organization, without simply handing over every answer or doing a project for a participant.
“ We are all working for the same Vision but do so in our own unique way...”
— 1st Coyote Thunder Gathering | Tom Brown Jr 1978