Backcountry Wild Roots Nature Preschool Teacher

JOB TITLE: Backcountry Wilderness Area Wild Roots Preschool Teacher FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

(Part Time Position)

General Statement of Duties: Responsible for supporting and guiding a group of up to sixteen preschool students in an outdoor, nature-based setting, which includes, but is not limited to, communication with parents, observing and following children's natural curiosity to inform emergent learning experiences, supporting social-emotional development, and practicing active supervision during child-led play.

Supervision Received: Reports to the Backcountry Wilderness Area Early Childhood Programs Manager.

Supervision Exercised: None

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Examples of Duties: The following examples of competencies are intended to be illustrative only and are not intended to be all inclusive.

• Care for and maintain the health and safety of up to sixteen preschool-aged children in a mostly outdoor, nature-based environment.
• Observe children's play and interests closely, following their natural curiosity to support emergent inquiry and exploration around topics including, but not limited to, animals, birds, insects, plants, habitats, rocks & minerals, snow, ice, & water, life cycles, and seasonal cycles.
• Enrich the play environment with loose parts and open-ended materials that invite creativity, imagination, and child-led discovery.
• Actively supervise and engage with children throughout the duration of the program each day.
• Model and support social-emotional development through thoughtful interactions, language, and presence.
• Closely supervise children during outdoor play, including, but not limited to, tree climbing, campfires, sledding, and tool use.
• Observe and document children's learning experiences and development through photos and written observation, submitting regularly to support program documentation and family communication.
• Set up, clean up, and maintenance all program supplies and play spaces.
• Communicate regularly with the Wild Roots Nature Preschool Directors.
• Attend staff meetings and trainings as required.
• Work collaboratively with the Backcountry Wilderness Area team to achieve program goals.
• Respond promptly and appropriately to emergency situations.
• Follow established policies and procedures.

Physical and Environmental Standards:

• Ability to work outdoors in varied and sometimes extreme weather conditions including heat, humidity, sun, wind, rain, cold, and snow.
• Must be able to walk, hike, sit, crouch, bend, kneel, stoop, and reach; lift, push, pull, and lift up to 40 pounds unassisted.
• Vision requirements include near and far acuity; must be able to hear, speak, and communicate effectively.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Minimum age requirement: 21 years.
• Genuine enthusiasm for working with young children and a deep respect for child-led play.
• Prior experience working with young children in a childcare center, preschool, or outdoor education setting.
• Basic science and nature knowledge, with a genuine curiosity and willingness to continually learn alongside children.
• Passion for nature and the outdoors.
• Comfort with following an emergent curriculum— including the ability to observe, follow, and support children's interests rather than teach pre-planned lessons.
• Ability to adapt to the needs of a variety of learners in a dynamic, ever-changing outdoor environment.
• Ability to supervise and ensure the safety of up to 16 children.
• Strong work ethic and motivation to contribute positively to the Backcountry Wilderness Area team.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to effectively interact with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to work effectively in a busy, dynamic outdoor environment.
• Dedication to completing tasks thoroughly and efficiently.
• Excellent customer service skills with a professional demeanor.
• Ability to think quickly and respond to ever-changing outdoor conditions.
• Current First Aid, AED, and CPR certifications, or the ability to obtain them before the first day of employment.

Must pass a pre-employment background check and drug screening.

Benefits: Benefits for part time employees include Paid Sick Leave, EAP (Employee Assistance Program), Tuition Reimbursement, Employee Discounts (30%) for Programs and Events, Referral Program, Recreation Center usage.

401k plus company match and Health Insurance, Telehealth and Flex Plans after one year if the minimum hours requirement is determined.

Education: A Bachelor's, Master’s, or Doctorate degree from an accredited college or

university with a major area of study in one of the following areas is preferred: Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Child Psychology, Special Education, Educational Leadership and Administration, Elementary Education, Family and Human Development, Family Studies, Recreation, Outdoor Education, Environmental Science, Forestry, Botany, Zoology, Ecology, Biology, Sustainability Education, Humane Education, or Regenerative Learning Ecology.

Experience: Prior experience teaching in a childcare center, elementary school, or outdoor education setting preferred.

Ability to achieve at least Level II on the Colorado Shines PDIS Early Childhood Professional Credential (3.0) is required.

Application Submittal Deadline: 4/24/2026

EOE