ORGANIZATION

Sienna Ranch provides immersive nature programming, farm education and compelling outdoor experiences for youth 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. 

POSITION SUMMARY 

This position is responsible for creatively adapting and delivering dynamic, nature-based pottery curriculum to small groups of youth ages pre-K to teens, using handbuilding methods such as slab, score and slip, pinch pot, coils, multi-piece projects, wedging, and impressions, with shared use of the Pottery Program's tools, materials, and equipment. 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. Pottery instructors work as part of a dynamic and collaborative team, as well as teach classes independently. This position reports to the Education Coordinator and Education Director. While this is a pottery-specific position, applicants who may be interested in pursuing teaching opportunities in our naturalist programs are encouraged to apply. 

SCHEDULE SUMMARY

Non-exempt. Part-Time.

• School Year Schedule: Thursdays, plus one additional day to be determined, approximately 10-15 hours per week, dependent on class registration, September-May 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Deliver engaging, innovative, and fun Pottery Program curriculum for classes

• During the school year teach two specialty Pottery classes per week

• Manage the kiln, including loading, firing, unloading, and troubleshooting basic issues to ensure pottery pieces are completed safely and on schedule 

• Report to the Education Coordinator and Education Director on Pottery projects for our Nature Program classes and camps

• Maintain prompt and professional email communication with Ranch administration, proactively communicating any issues which may arise

• Take responsibility for the safety, education and happiness of all participants in your classes and camps

• 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 as 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 teaching pottery preferred, especially hand building techniques with school-age children. 

• A sincere passion for connecting children to nature, mentoring young people, and working with youth outside in all weather 

• Ability to lead curriculum, activities, and projects as assigned, and to follow a strict daily timetable

• Ability to improvise, be creative, proactive and flexible

• Ability to patiently and positively mentor youth from a wide variety of cultural backgrounds, ages and experiences

• Ability to patiently, professionally 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), Proof of Covid Vaccination, 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

• Able to hold boundaries with students and comfortable upholding consequences when necessary with priority for positive-discipline based approaches. 

COMPENSATION

• Hourly Rate: $22 - $25.00 depending on experience

APPLICATION

Email cover letter, resume, and answers to the application questions below to education@siennaranch.net. Please make sure to include your name, phone number and email address. Applications will be considered as they are received in order to fill this position as quickly as possible. 

Application Questions:

Please reflect on and respond to the following questions:

1. How did you hear about this position?

2. What motivates you most to work as a Pottery Instructor at Sienna Ranch? 

3. Our program emphasizes connecting art to nature, stewardship, and wonder. What does that connection look like to you, and how might you bring it into a pottery lesson? 

4. SCENARIO: You are out hiking with a group and you notice a red tail hawk soaring above. No one in your group has noticed it because they are distracted by a conversation about video games. How would you use this opportunity to best facilitate nature connection?

5. Please list at least one question you have for us about Sienna Ranch, or the Pottery Instructor position.

Sienna Ranch is dedicated to building a culturally diverse and pluralistic team committed to teaching and working in a multicultural environment. We strongly encourage applications from people of color and other groups traditionally underrepresented in outdoor education. 

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.