Position Type: Part-Time, Seasonal

Start Date: 9/7/2026

Salary Range: $25.00 - $35.52 /hr, annual step increases

Benefits: 403(b) Retirement Plan with partial matching, QSEHRA health reimbursement arrangement, and cost of living adjustments

Reports To: Executive Director / Education Committee

The Mission

At the Volcan Mountain Foundation, we believe nature is the ultimate classroom. Our goal is to foster deep, sensory connections between children (Grades TK-12) and the natural world. We provide hands-on, inspiring outdoor experiences that turn the ecology of Volcan Mountain into a living textbook.

The Role

As the Lead Educator, you are the primary pedagogical voice of VMF. You aren’t just a teacher; you are a backcountry mentor, a curriculum bridge-builder, and a supervisor of our educational standards. You will ensure every student’s journey is safe, scientifically accurate, and—most importantly—unforgettable.

Key Responsibilities

Instructional Leadership & Management:

● Lead Instruction: Serve as the primary field teacher for all youth programs on VMF properties and occasional offsite locations.

● Team Supervision: Oversee instructional staff and volunteers, delegating activities and ensuring consistency across all programs.

● Logistics & Planning: Coordinate with the Program Coordinator to schedule staff/volunteers and ensure all teaching materials are prepared and maintained.

● Tailored Learning: Act as the point of contact for visiting teachers to modify or individualize lessons based on specific classroom needs.

Curriculum & Outreach:

● Program Design: Partner with the Education Committee to refine courses that highlight the unique habitats and ecology of Volcan Mountain.

● Training: Assist in recruiting and leading training sessions for new outdoor education volunteers.

● Storytelling: Represent VMF at outreach events and showcase the magic of our classes through photography and storytelling on VMF's social media platforms.

Safety & Stewardship:

● Safety First: Take primary responsibility for the well-being of students, visitors, and volunteers.

● Environment Care: Maintain the organization of classroom environments and essential educational materials.

● Compliance: Adhere to youth protection protocols and maintain current organization-provided LiveScan and First Aid/CPR certification.

What You Bring to the Mountain

● Expertise: A strong background in outdoor education with proven experience leading groups in backcountry or outdoor classroom settings.

● Leadership: The ability to manage group dynamics effectively and supervise a diverse team of staff and volunteers.

● Communication: Exceptional verbal skills with the ability to translate complex ecological concepts into age-appropriate, engaging lessons.

● Digital Savvy: Proficiency in photography and social media storytelling, along with basic computer skills for reporting and coordination.

● Physical Readiness: Must be able to hike and work outdoors in varying weather conditions and across uneven terrain.

Why Volcan Mountain?

This is more than a job; it’s an opportunity to shape the next generation of environmental stewards in one of Southern California's most beautiful landscapes. If you are a passionate educator with a love for the wild, we want to hear from you.

To Apply: Eric Jones, President and Executive Director; email resume to eric@volcanmt.org

Volcan Mountain Foundation is an equal opportunity employer.