SCHOOL YEAR/SUMMER POSITION

Position: Forest School Educator, Part-time or Full-time Contract (24-40 hours/week dependent on enrollment)

Organization: Dogwood Forest Ltd, Port Perry, ON

Situated in 57 acres of forested private park in Port Perry, ON, Dogwood Forest offers nature immersion and play-based mentorship opportunities for children, youth, families, and schools within Durham Region. Our learning environment is rooted in kindness and curiosity that encourages exploration, critical thinking, risk assessment, play and healthy active living, problem-solving and reflection, environmental stewardship, and positive community building skills including communication and conflict resolution. We aspire to foster a sense of connection and belonging, confidence and resilience, and the development of life skills that will support their growth as individuals and as community members.

Explore, Learn, Create & Play with Dogwood Forest!

Position Summary

Our vision is to create and support nature connection, community connection, and self-connection through meaningful interactions in the natural environment. We’re looking for dynamic mentors and leaders who enjoy working outdoors, supporting positive child development, have a playful and active attitude, are passionate about stewarding the natural environment, and like working in a collaborative team environment. 

Skills, Experience, and Qualities

• Ontario Certified Teacher (OCT) and/or Forest School Practitioners (FSP) Certification and/or Certified Early Childhood Educator (ECE) and/or related field (social worker, recreation programs, environmental education)

• Experience and understanding of outdoor learning environments and safety, risky play, group management, conflict resolution, and child development

• Experience and comfort with being outdoors for extended periods of time in all weather conditions, various terrain, and ability to perform physical labour and maintenance (splitting and stacking wood, creating shelter, moving moderate to heavy materials, providing stewardship to the forest and land etc.) 

• Outdoor enthusiast, with interests and skills related, but not limited to awareness of plant and tree ID, animal ID and tracking, orienteering, tool usage, crafting, cooking, camping, survival skills, gardening, music, etc.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and ability to work independently and with a team

2025 – 2026 Contract Period, with potential for extension

Immediate opening - 

• Spring Term: Mar 18 to June 18, 2025

• Summer Term: July 2 – August 22, 2025

• School Year: Sept 2025 – June 2026

Note: approx. 8-9 weeks unpaid during this timeframe for holiday season shutdown/term transition unless hired for specific outreach/program responsibilities

Opportunities

• Forest School Educators

• School Outreach Educators

• Land Management and Stewardship

Requirements

• Current Standard First Aid and CPR-C

• Current Police Vulnerable Sector Check (required upon hire)

• Valid driver's license and access to a vehicle

Compensation and Benefits

• Based on experience and certifications

• Health and Medical Benefits available following one year contract completion; Dogwood Forest provides 50% coverage

• Flexible working hours, hybrid environment, and diverse responsibilities on site, at schools

• An inclusive and kind community of nature-connected mentors

• Days are spent outdoors fully immersed in the natural environment, supporting your physical and mental health

• Opportunities for skill development, mindfulness, community connection, and personal growth

Join our team in creating a unique outdoor learning experience through mentorship, exploration, and play! We welcome people of all backgrounds and experiences to consider applying. 

 To apply, please send your completed Job Application and Resume as a single PDF to info@dogwoodforest.ca . For more information, email info@dogwoodforest.ca or visit www.dogwoodforest.ca

 This Job posting will remain active until the position has been filled.