Sienna Ranch provides immersive nature programming, farm education and compelling outdoor experiences for Pre-K to teens. Our program offerings include woodshop, natural building, archery, horseback riding, gardening, science, pottery, survival skills, homesteading skills, naturalist skills and much more. Sienna Ranch is situated on a 21-acre family-owned ranch in Lafayette, CA.
 

ORGANIZATION

Sienna Ranch provides immersive nature programming, farm education and compelling outdoor experiences for youth pre-K to teen. Our program offerings include woodshop, natural building, archery, horseback riding, gardening, science, pottery, survival skills, naturalist skills and much more. Sienna Ranch is situated on a 21-acre family-owned ranch in Lafayette, CA. 
 

POSITION SUMMARY 

The Sienna Ranch Summer Nature Program Instructors are responsible for creatively adapting and delivering dynamic nature-based curriculum to small groups of youth age pre-K to teen. Camp sessions include immersive animal programs (goats, sheep, horses, chickens and ducks), gardening activities, nature-based art and wild crafts, animal tracking, and hiking adventures. Additional activities will include archery, pottery, woodshop, gardening, animal care, and wilderness skills. 

Instructors will cultivate a sense of curiosity and discovery of the natural world through inquiry-based teaching, hands-on lessons, animal interactions, and nature exploration. Instructors will model enthusiasm for all aspects of nature and weather conditions and consistently incorporate themes of stewardship, gratitude, and wonder.  

SCHEDULE SUMMARY

Non-exempt/hourly. Seasonal. Full-time (32-38 hours/week). 

Summer Dates: 

• Duration of employment May 22-August 11th, 2023 with the possibility to transition to year round full time or part time employment.
• Mandatory Training May 23-26
• Week long M-F day camps begin May 29th. 11 weeks in total. Nature Instructors are required to work 10 out of the 11 weeks.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Teach nature camps according to the key program values and curriculum overview
• Maintain prompt and professional email communication with Ranch administration, proactively communicating any issues which may arise
• Lead summer camp activities as designated by Sienna Ranch Directors
• Take responsibility for the safety, education and happiness of all participants in your camp
• Encourage respect between participants, as well as respect for the Ranch animals, equipment, and facilities
• Ensure appropriate and safe behavior for all participants, utilizing the Sienna Ranch Parent/Guardian Report system when necessary
• Demonstrate impeccable time management and reliably arrive to classes on time as well prep before classes, clean up afterwards, and care for equipment, supplies and facilities.
• Confidently hike on uneven or undeveloped terrain with groups of  children, finding and following nature mysteries, and facilitating unstructured nature exploration

REQUIREMENTS

• At least 1 year experience in outdoor education or related field
• Must be 18 years or older
• A sincere passion for connecting children to nature, mentoring young people, and working with youth outside in all weather 
• Ability to improvise, be creative, proactive and flexible, with a strong back pocket of nature games and activities
• Thrive in professional environment with minimal supervision
• Ability to lead curriculum, activities, games and projects as assigned, and to follow a strict daily timetable
• Ability to facilitate unstructured nature exploration
• Ability to patiently and positively mentor youth from a wide variety of cultural backgrounds, ages and experiences
• Ability to patiently and positively communicate with parents 
• Committed to being a solution-oriented, self-motivated community member in a cooperative, team-oriented atmosphere
• Be a model of kindness, flexibility and professionalism
• Able to check and respond to email communications within 24 business hours
• Be able to confidentially hike up to 6 miles per day at a brisk pace on uneven or undeveloped terrain with groups of children, finding and following nature mysteries, and facilitating unstructured nature exploration
• Current First Aid and CPR for Adult and Child certifications, and clear TB test results (or ability to acquire before first day or work), and ability to pass FBI/DOJ background check for working with children
• Certificate of completion for California Child Abuse Mandated Reporter Training
• Able to independently and confidently interact with farm animals, experience with horses a plus
• Able to hold boundaries with students and comfortable upholding consequences when necessary with priority for positive-discipline based approaches. 

COMPENSATION

• Rate Range: $19-21/hour, depending on experience