Outdoor Educator

Hidden Villa is a nonprofit educational organization that uses its organic farm, wilderness, and community to teach and  provide opportunities to learn about the environment and social justice. Hidden Villa stretches over 1600 acres of open space in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains, about 40 miles south of San Francisco. 

Our mission is to foster educational experiences that build connections and inspire a deeper appreciation and respect for nature, food, and one another

POSITION DESCRIPTION: 

Outdoor Educators are integral members of our Education Department in providing environmental and hands-on farm, garden, wilderness, and challenge course experiences for students in grades PK-12. Hidden Villa is seeking versatile and collaborative educators who are growth and solutions oriented. Outdoor Educators are hired to work the full school year and report directly to the Senior Manager of Education. The responsibilities for this position primarily center around teaching (80%). Other responsibilities (20%) include lesson planning, program support, and assistance with animal/garden/trail maintenance. The start date for this position is early September 2024.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead day-long, onsite programs for students from a variety of age groups (PreK-12) using the organic garden, wilderness and farm animals and challenge course
• Support educational program logistics
• Collaborate with fellow staff, teachers, managers, volunteers, and parents to create a positive, inclusive environment for our participants
• Assist with garden/animal/trail care and maintenance
• Participate in Hidden Villa meetings, community programs, and donor events
• Contribute to department and organizational strategic efforts around service, access, outreach, impact and program design and delivery
• Occasionally support organization-wide weekend or evening events
• If living on-site, co-create a healthy communal living atmosphere by assisting with household chores and participating in house meetings
• Other tasks and duties as assigned from time to time

DESIRED SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE:

• Experience in working with children or in education (formal or informal) and an affinity for the outdoors
• Excellent communication skills and willingness to facilitate and speak in group settings 
• Growth mindset with the ability to incorporate constructive feedback and guidance
• Experience, skills or willingness to learn about the following areas: farms and gardens, natural history, working with diverse populations, wilderness activities, climbing/ropes courses, and creative expression through music/art
• Organized team player, capable of working with or without supervision
• Must pass a Livescan background check
• Be willing to become certified in CPR and First Aid upon employment
• Candidates must be at least 18 years of age and have the ability to work outside performing manual labor. 

If you are interested in this role and do not meet every requirement listed, please still apply! We are happy to consider applicants who are interested in working with youth and who possess unique lived experiences and skill sets. 

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:

This is a nonexempt, full-time position that begins at the beginning of September and continues to the end of May. Outdoor Educators have the opportunity to continue with the position for one additional school year. Workdays are Monday through Friday. The pay rate for this position is $17.00/hour with an on-site housing option. Occasionally weekend or evening shifts will be required to support organizational events. Hidden Villa provides an excellent benefit package that includes professional development opportunities, vacation and sick leave and health insurance. All applicants will be required to complete live scan fingerprinting before hire. Hidden Villa is a non-smoking environment.