Skyriver Outdoor Schools is a nature-based education program dedicated to “re-wilding” children’s learning experiences. We deliver a 100% outdoor, year-round curriculum for ages 0–16, and our Teen Forest Program immerses students (10–18) in hands-on bushcraft, survival, and nature-learning every week.
We are seeking a Field Guide Lead & Educator / Site Administrator Trainee for our Forest Programs. This person will run full-day outdoor classes (primarily Thu/Fri), guide experiential learning projects, supervise staff and students, and gradually assume site-administration duties. They will foster a child-led, play-based learning environment that builds confidence and resilience in our students.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead Forest Teen Sessions. Following our curriculum, Plan and facilitate engaging full-day outdoor classes (Thursdays & Fridays) teaching bushcraft and wilderness skills. Lessons focus on survival skills such as shelter-building, firecraft, knot-tying, navigation, water-purification, animal and plant ecology, and other project-based activities. (Curriculum aligns with Skyriver’s “re-wilding” philosophy of interest-driven, skill-building play.)
- Supervise & Delegate. Lead and supervise up to 24 students (two concurrent groups) outdoors. Delegate tasks to co-educators or volunteers (e.g. leading activities, gear prep, logistics) to ensure smooth group management. Ensure every child is within established boundaries while allowing freedom for “risky play” (thrilling, developmentally appropriate challenges).
- Safety & Emergency Response. Oversee all aspects of group safety. Conduct on-site risk assessments, enforce safety protocols, and maintain high standards of supervision. Be prepared to administer first aid or CPR, call emergency services, and triage incidents as needed. Maintain clear communication among staff and with families during any emergency.
- Parent & Staff Communication. Serve as the primary on-site contact for parents/guardians (drop-off/pick-up times, questions, incident reports). Communicate regularly with parents about student progress, behavior, or concerns. Collaborate with co-educators and Skyriver leadership: attend staff meetings, share observations, and support a positive team culture. Model and teach healthy physical/emotional boundaries and respect – creating a nurturing, inclusive environment for kids.
- Administrative Support & Program Growth. Assist in day-to-day site administration as part of your training. Tasks may include: preparing lesson plans, packing equipment, managing attendance records and incident reports, and helping schedule programs. As Skyriver rapidly grows, contribute ideas for new activities or logistics improvements. Help train new guides/assistants in program methods and safety procedures.
- Additional programs: Lead approximately one Saturday day-camp per month (about 9 hours) under the same outdoor education model.
Qualifications & Skills
- Outdoor Education Experience: Proven experience leading or teaching youth (preferably ages 10–15) in outdoor, nature-based, or adventure programs. Backgrounds in forest schools, summer camps, scouting, wilderness therapy, or river/wilderness guiding are highly valued. Homeschool, treatment-center, or alternative-education experience is a plus.
- Bushcraft & Wilderness Skills: Strong proficiency with campcraft and survival skills. You should be comfortable teaching or demonstrating shelter-building, fire-starting (with friction or flint/steel), wildcraft, navigation (map/compass/GPS), and outdoor tool use. Knowledge of local flora/fauna, ecology, and Leave-No-Trace principles is required. We are more concerned about your desire to learn these skills rather than if you are already an expert or not.
- First Aid & Safety Training: Current Wilderness First Aid (WFA), Wilderness First Responder (WFR), or equivalent certification (minimum CPR/Standard First Aid) is required. You must be able to administer emergency care, including CPR, and confidently manage wilderness medical situations.
- Leadership & Communication: Excellent leadership and team-building skills. Strong verbal communication and interpersonal skills; you will communicate clearly with teens, families, and colleagues. Experience delegating and supervising other staff or volunteers is ideal. Comfortable working independently and in a small-team environment.
- Risk Management: Demonstrated ability to assess and manage risk in an outdoor setting. You remain calm under pressure, think clearly in emergencies, and enforce safety rules. We value guides who can balance adventurous, “risky play” opportunities with mature judgment.
- Personal Qualities: Passion for nature-based learning and for mentoring youth. Patient, empathetic, and respectful; you maintain healthy professional boundaries with students and staff. Physically fit and comfortable working outdoors in all weather. Creative, curious, and committed to continued learning (both of outdoor skills and teen development).
- Must be able to pack 40-60 lbs comfortably
- Must be at least 21 years old (for insurance reasons) and have a valid driver’s license and clean driving record (program vehicles may be driven by instructors on occasion).
- Other: Reliable transportation. Willingness to undergo a background check. Flexible availability (see Schedule below).
- Background check required
Schedule & Commitment
- Regular Program: September–May (with optional extension into summer). Currently we run Thursdays and Fridays each week. Thursday: 9:30am–3:30pm (with potential second class 3:45pm–6:15pm). Friday: 9:30am–3:30pm (potential second class 3:45pm–6:15pm). You must be present for both morning and afternoon sessions on days with two classes.
- Monthly Camp: Approximately one Saturday per month (around 9:00am–6:00pm) as a day-camp facilitator. These are planned in advance.
- Summer: A similar Thursday/Friday schedule is available in summer, though spring/fall hours are guaranteed first. This position is part-time to start, with roughly 14–20 hours per week; however, as Skyriver’s programs continue expanding, there will be opportunity to increase hours and responsibilities over time.
About Skyriver Outdoor Schools
Skyriver is a small, growing organization. We launched as a part-time forest school three years ago, and have tripled our offerings in the last six months. Our mission is to help children build resilience and confidence through nature. We value creativity, adventure, and a playful, child-led approach – and we seek team members who want to grow with us. You will join a passionate team of educators who care deeply about student safety, emotional well-being, and fostering independence. Skyriver Outdoor Schools is based in Provo, Utah (mostly Provo Canyon locations).
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $22.00 - $26.00 per hour
Experience:
- job related: 2 years (Required)
Work Location: In person
