Thank you for your interest in becoming a part of a vibrant, compassionate, and diverse group of individuals focused on providing nature based experiential programs for our local and extended community! Davis Forest School is a non-profit outdoor education and nature play organization located on occupied Patwin and Nisenan land. Our child-led summer programming is geared towards 5-12 year olds and 3-6 year olds (depending on the program), and nurtures a reciprocal relationship between children and the land (you can check out our website at https://davisforestschool.org and our Instagram account @davisforestschool for more information). We have Forest Mentor positions available for our drop-off Summer Program in both Davis and Sacramento, which will be between 2-5 shifts per week (from 5 to 5.5 hours per shift). Forest Mentor positions start at $20/hr, Lead Forest Mentor positions start at $22/hr, and Assistant Forest Mentor positions are $16.50/hr.
We have shifts in two summer programs available:
Drop-Off Summer Camp (Ages 5-12)
Locations: Davis or Sacramento
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:45 AM – 2:15 PM
Dates: June 23 – August 29 (off the week of August 11)
Drop-Off Little Coyotes Summer Camp (Ages 3-6)
Locations: Davis & Sacramento (alternating weeks)
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:45 AM – 1:45 PM
Dates: June 30 – August 8 (6 weeks)
We also have a position in our Kinder program (for 3-6 year olds) this spring on Fridays, from 4/4 until 6/13. The shift is from 8:45am-2:15pm in Davis.
The position of Forest Mentor supports child development, emotional wellbeing, relationships, and deep nature connection. Your job is to be warm, model nature connection, be flexible, and support conflict and connection. You help children use the restroom outdoors and administer First Aid as needed. You are curious learners in the outdoors space, and implement a seasonal curriculum which allows for plenty of free play. You facilitate certain forms of risky play, while also enforcing specific safety guidelines. This position requires the ability to stand, walk on uneven ground, bend, and to carry up to 20 lbs. You must have the ability to communicate clearly and compassionately to children, parents, peers, and other members of our community. You must be comfortable working outdoors in a variety of weather conditions and temperatures. You have a strong sense of personal accountability and are growth-oriented. You have the desire/ability to create a safe and nurturing program experience for children and families, including those who identify as Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC), LGBTQ+, and/or neurodivergent.
Prior experience working in a similar setting with children is preferred, but not required. First Aid/CPR knowledge is also preferred but not required (we can provide an opportunity to become certified). An understanding of, or willingness to learn, the ideas and philosophies behind Forest School programs is requested. Familiarity with books such as Coyote's Guide to Connecting with Nature, Sharing the Joy of Nature, and Last Child in the Woods (among others!) is a good place to start.
Research shows that BIPOC folks, trans and non-binary folks, and women are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe that they meet every qualification listed in a job description. Your skills, experience, and education can come from personal interests, self-directed learning, community roles, and life experiences. We strongly encourage you to apply if you are interested in the position, even if you do not believe that you meet all of the qualifications.
We will be reviewing applications as we receive them. If you have any questions about this application, please email our Director Candice at [email protected].