WORK WITH VILDA
Current Employment Opportunities
Vilda is a small, family-oriented, non-profit organization made up of dedicated, competent and engaged instructors. When you work with us you are contributing to making a positive difference for children in your community and helping ensure earth skills continue into the future generations.
We see mentoring as a foundational aspect of healthy development for youth, and as such, value the relationships formed and nurtured in our programs deeply. Training our staff to enhance your own nature connection and learn or master earth based skills is an important part of our mission as well. If you are excited to learn and teach outdoors and feel alignment with our mission, we want to hear from you.
If you think you'd be a good match for our team, please feel free to contact us and send along a résumé whether or not we have an opening currently listed. We also welcome interested folks to come join us for a day of programming to explore your interest in working with us.
“As a former employee I highly recommend working for Vilda! Such a fun and talented group of people to work with at amazing parks with amazing kids. What more could you want?”
We are looking for a highly competent program director. This is a year-round full-time position.
What does a program director do?:
Program directors design and direct programs. They are responsible for managing program staff and site managers. They work closely with the Executive Director to ensure programs meet deliverables and maintain Vilda values and quality. They are excellent communicators who solve problems with ease and grace when they come up.
What is perhaps unusual is that all of our program related staff also work programs, we find this to be the only effective way to stay in touch with the programs. So this position will be about 50% in the field and 50% in the office. Sometimes more of one than the other depending on season and need.
RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:
Oversee several camps of 15-30 children and 3-6 staff
Lead a group of 12-15 children (with an assistant) in outdoor nature connection programs
Be a main communication person for parents and staff
Take care of administrative tasks related to running programs, maintaining spreadsheets and submitting electronic forms with accuracy and skill
Answer emails and communications with ease and effectiveness
Occasionally represent Vilda at community and outreach events
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
A positive, flexible and heart based outlook on life
7 or more full years of experience working with groups of 4-12 year old children
5 or more full years of experience leading outdoor kids groups
2 or more years of experience in management with at least 5 staff
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, ability to problem solve
Accuracy and skill with spreadsheets, email programs,
Great task management skills and independent workflow
A love of working with people and confidence in doing so
Proven ability to network and enjoyment of spearheading new initiatives
Great organizational skills and ability to handle responsibility with ease and commitment
Comfortable improvising, going with the flow and thinking on ones feet
Ability to set clear boundaries and expectations
Competency in wilderness skills such as fire-by-friction and tracking.
Total comfort in jumping in and teaching a group of 10-15 kids outdoors
A strong interest and background in local plant and animal ID, tracking, wild edible plants, primitive skills and survival skills or willingness to quickly learn these skills and put in some of one's own time to do it (as there is no other way to do it quickly)
A love for working with people of as a team, valuing all opinions and leading with grace
Ability to handle stressful situations with ease, a willingness to have difficult conversations
Current first aid and CPR (WFA or WFR preferred)
Ability to work in Marin every day of the week and occasionally Petaluma
Currently based in the North Bay with intentions to stay in the area
A clean exceptional driving record
OPTIONAL BUT AWESOME:
Some training in the Jon Young 8 Shields lineage, Tom Brown kids programs or other similar program
COMPENSATION:
Based on experience. 75-85K salary. Vacation and sick leave benefits and employer max-contributed HSA.
HOW TO APPLY:
Click HERE to fill out the online application.
If you are not familiar with our work already, please take a look at our website, in particular the programs and team sections so you get an idea of who we are.
We are looking for highly competent site managers for our programs. This is a year-round full-time position that could have potential for growth into a director position for the right candidate.
What do Site Managers Do?:
Site Managers are on-site managers and instructors. They instruct groups of about 12 children (with an assistant) in outdoor nature connection programs and also manage other program staff, work closely with directors and do occasional administrative duties. They are the go to person at any program.
RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:
Oversee camps of 15-30 children and 3-6 staff
Lead a group of 12-15 children (with an assistant) in outdoor nature connection programs
Be main communication person for parents, staff, and Vilda directors, gracefully giving and receiving feedback
Make sure all supplies are organized and ready for each camp week
Take care of basic administrative tasks on a computer such as spreadsheet
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
A positive, flexible and heart based outlook on life
5 or more years of strong experience working with groups of 4-12 year old children in educational fields, 2 or more of those in nature education
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
A love of working with people and confidence in doing so
Proven ability to network and enjoyment of spearheading new initiatives
Great organizational skills and ability to handle responsibility with ease and commitment
Comfortable improvising, going with the flow and thinking on ones feet
Ability to set clear boundaries and expectations
Total comfort in jumping in and teaching a group of 10-15 kids outdoors
A strong interest and background in local plant and animal ID, tracking, wild edible plants, primitive skills and survival skills or willingness to quickly learn these skills and put in some of one's own time to do it (as there is no other way to do it quickly)
A love for working with people of as a team, valuing all opinions and leading with grace
Ability to handle stressful situations with ease and manage ones work-flow independently
Current first aid and CPR (WFA or WFR preferred)
Ability to work in Marin and occasionally Petaluma
Currently based in the North Bay with intentions to stay in the area
OPTIONAL BUT AWESOME:
Some training in the Jon Young 8 Shields lineage, Tom Brown kids programs or other similar program
A clean exceptional driving record
COMPENSATION:
Based on experience. 70-80K salary. Vacation and sick leave benefits and employer max-contributed HSA.
HOW TO APPLY:
Click HERE to fill out the online application.
If you are not familiar with our work already, please take a look at our website, in particular the programs and team sections so you get an idea of who we are.
This is a full-time position that starts in June and can become salaried for the right candidate.
Are you passionate about creating deeper connections between children and nature? Do you love being outside in nature and have experience leading groups of pre-school to kindergarten age kids? Vilda is looking for highly skilled early childhood educators to join our team. We have all outdoor, nature immersion programs in Fairfax, San Rafael, Novato, and Petaluma.
For more information on our programs, check out our program page.
WHAT DO INSTRUCTORS DO?:
Instructors plan and lead nature connection education (often with the help of a program assistant) in groups of 11 children or less, maintaining group safety, facilitating positive group dynamics, deepening children's knowledge and connection to the local environment through games, exploration, nature themed crafts, stories and songs, and free play.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
A positive, flexible and heart based outlook on life.
2 or more years of experience working with young children in a group setting. Knowledge of local plants and animals and a desire to be outdoors in any weather.
Total comfort in jumping in and teaching a group of 10-12 kids outdoors and great student management skills.
Responsible, enjoy working with a small team.
Current first aid and CPR (WFA or WFR preferred) or ability to attend certification courses before starting position.
Reliable transportation and ability to work at our San Rafael, Fairfax, Novato or Petaluma sites.
Excellent communication skills and ability to respond to emails within a week and texts within 24 hours during the work week
OPTIONAL BUT AWESOME:
Some training in the Jon Young 8 Shields lineage, Tom Brown kids programs or other similar program.
Training in Early Childhood education and/or Waldorf eduction.
Craft skills such as basketry, felting, herbalism.
Currently based in the North Bay with intentions to stay in the area
COMPENSATION:
Two options are available:
Hourly: $27-35 per hour depending on experience.
Hourly positions may be a little more flexible in terms of part time / full time scheduling.
GROWTH OPPORTUNITY:
Possibility of training to become a director available for good candidates.
HOW TO APPLY:
Click HERE to fill out the online application.
If you are not familiar with our work already, please take a look at our website, in particular the programs and team sections so you get an idea of who we are.
We are currently looking for instructors who can work full time June 16-Aug 15 with maximum 2 weeks off. If that doesn't match your schedule you can apply as a substitute instructor.
Are you passionate about creating deeper connections between children and nature? Do you love being outside in nature and have experience leading groups of kids? Vilda is looking for highly skilled instructors to join our team. We have all outdoor, nature immersion programs in Fairfax, San Rafael, Novato, Petaluma, Truckee & Tahoe City.
For more information on our programs, check out our program page.
What Do Instructors Do?:
Instructors plan and lead nature connection education (often with the help of a program assistant) in groups of about 12 children or less, maintaining group safety, facilitating positive group dynamics, deepening children's knowledge and connection to the local environment through leading games. storytelling, exploration and the art of questioning, and teaching earth based skills.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
A positive, flexible and heart based outlook on life
4 or more years of experience working with children in group settings
Experience in naturalist and wilderness skills or strong willingness and ability to learn these skills
Knowledge of local plants and animals and a desire to be outdoors in any weather
Total comfort in jumping in and teaching a group of 10-15 kids outdoors and student management skills
Responsible, enjoy working with a small team
Current first aid and CPR (WFA or WFR preferred) or ability to take those classes before start of position
Reliable transportation and ability to work at our San Rafael, Fairfax, Novato or Petaluma sites
Excellent communication skills and ability to respond to emails within a week and texts within 24 hours during the work week
OPTIONAL BUT AWESOME:
Training in the Jon Young or Tom Brown lineage or similar
Currently based in the North Bay with intentions to stay in the area
Some life guard experience and kayaking skills
Current first aid and CPR
COMPENSATION:
Hourly: $27-35 per hour depending on experience
Position could lead to a full-time year-round position for the right candidate.
GROWTH OPPORTUNITY:
Possibility of training to become a director available for good candidates.
HOW TO APPLY:
Click HERE to fill out the online application.
If you are not familiar with our work already, please take a look at our website, in particular the programs and team sections so you get an idea of who we are.
Are you passionate about creating deeper connections between children and nature? Do you love being outside in nature and have experience leading groups of kids? Vilda is looking for assistant instructors to join our dynamic teaching team. We have all outdoor, nature immersion programs in Fairfax, San Rafael, Novato, Petaluma, Truckee & Tahoe City..
We are currently looking for assistant instructors who can work full or part time beginning in January and full time during the summer camp months (June-Aug). For more information on our camps and programs, check out our program page.
What do Assistants do?
Assistants help support instructors in leading nature connection education in groups of about 10-12 children, helping the children have fun and be safe, leading games and telling stories, and mentoring the children in nature connection.
Basic qualifications:
A strong interest in working with children outdoors
A strong interest and commitment to expanding naturalist and wilderness skills
A desire and physical ability to be outdoors in any weather, run around playing games and hike in uneven terrain
Responsible, timely, and with good follow-through
Enjoy working with a team of people
Optional but awesome:
Training in the Jon Young or Tom Brown lineage
Currently based in the North Bay with intentions to stay in the area
Some life-guard experience and kayaking skills
Current first aid and CPR
Compensation:
Pay: $16-24 per hour depending on experience.
GROWTH OPPORTUNITY:
Possibility of training to become an instructor available for good candidates.
HOW TO APPLY:
Click HERE to fill out the online application.
If you are not familiar with our work already, please take a look at our website, in particular the programs and team sections so you get an idea of who we are.
Do you have a strong interest in the work we do and want to learn more? Come volunteer with us as a program assistant. Send us an e-mail telling us a bit about yourself and availability.