Earthroots Field School is dedicated to cultivating a sense of care and connection between people and the natural world. We offer outdoor classes and workshops for all ages on ecological gardening, nature awareness, ancestral arts and sustainable living skills.

Earthroots is currently seeking Assistant Instructors for 2 or more days per week at various locations throughout Orange County from 8:30 am – 2:30 pm. The Assistant Instructor will work outdoors with children and the Lead Instructor. We are looking for candidates who are passionate about environmental stewardship, have a background in nature connection/outdoor education and are enthusiastic about learning and growing. Strong preference for applicants with early childhood and/or forest school experience. Classes are held rain or shine, in a variety of weather conditions. 

Assistant Instructor Responsibilities:

• Assist the Lead Instructor in facilitating outdoor, exploration-based nature classes.
• Support group management and conflict resolution.
• Communicate regularly with the Lead Instructor and Earthroots staff.
  
• Represent Earthroots and build relationships with staff, families and community liaisons.
  
• Help facilitate nature-based activities such as songs, games, storytelling, crafts, journaling, hiking, animal tracking, and gardening.

Available Positions:

Forest Kindergarten Assistant

Location: Big Oak Canyon, our private 39-acre property in Silverado Canyon

• Guide small groups of children ages 3-6 with their parents in weekly, exploration-based nature classes.
• Activities may include (but are not limited to) creek exploration, parent/child gardening, or nature-based crafting.

Homeschool Field Class Assistant

Location: Big Oak Canyon & other trails, beaches & wilderness parks in Orange County

• Guide small groups of children ages 6-14 in weekly nature immersion classes. 
• Topics may include (but are not limited to) forest stewardship, knife safety, fire by friction, or crafting with native plants. 

Ecoliteracy Assistant 

Location: Aliso Viejo and other school campuses throughout Orange County

• Help guide groups of elementary school students in grades kindergarten through fifth in weekly Ecoliteracy classes. 
• Topics covered in classes may include (but are not limited to): watershed ecology, natural building, ancestral skills, cooking, gardening, animal tracking, life cycles, and composting

Field Trip Assistant 

Location: Big Oak Canyon and other trails, parks and beaches throughout Orange County

• Help guide groups of children of various ages in occasional, exploration-based nature classes.
• Topics covered in classes may include (but are not limited to): watershed ecology, natural building, ancestral skills, cooking, gardening, animal tracking, life cycles, composting, tidepooling, and forest stewardship

Start Date: August 2025

Shadowing opportunities may be available May – July 2025. Our school year runs from August to June, with optional summer work available. Additional hours and substitute positions may be offered throughout the year. We aim to find a strong fit for long-term employment, continuing through both the school year and summer programs.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Earthroots encourages applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds, including BIPOC, LGBTQIA+SGL, people with disabilities, and those from working-class backgrounds.

Earnings: Based on experience, starting at $18 per hour

Once hired, the Assistant Instructor will be required to:

• Obtain CPR/First Aid Certification
• Provide valid driver’s license or state-issued ID
• Complete LiveScan Fingerprinting verification process
• Shadow an Earthroots class
• Have regular access to a working cell phone
• Have regular access to a computer with internet 
• Have regular access to a reliable vehicle
• Attend staff training and monthly staff meetings

To Apply: Fill out the following online application and send a copy of your cover letter, resume, and CPR/First Aid certification to admin@earthrootsfieldschool.org.