Earthroots Field School is dedicated to cultivating a sense of care and connection between
people and the natural world. We offer outdoor classes and workshops for all ages on ecological
gardening, nature awareness, ancestral arts and sustainable living skills.
Position Overview
Earthroots is currently seeking an Assistant Instructor to support our Ecoliteracy in Schools
Program at public schools throughout Orange County. Hours are approximately 8:15 AM – 2:15
PM (varies by site). Assistant Instructors work alongside a Lead Instructor with students in
grades K-5, both in classrooms and outdoors.
We are looking for candidates who are:
- Passionate about environmental stewardship
- Experienced in working with groups of children
- Enthusiastic about learning, growing, and teaching outdoors in all weather conditions
Responsibilities:
- Assist the Lead Instructor in facilitating outdoor, exploration-based classes on public school campuses
- Support group management and conflict resolution
- Communicate regularly with the Lead Instructor and Earthroots staff
- Arrive 30 min before the first class to help unload and set up materials and stay 30 minutes after the last class to clean up and reload materials
- Independently lead small groups of up to 15 students at a time
- Support the Lead Instructor with larger groups of up to 35 students
- Lead nature-based games or activities with small groups
- Assist with topics including (but are not limited to): gardening, watershed ecology, natural building, ancestral skills, cooking, animal tracking, life cycles, and composting
Physical Requirements of this Position:
- Comfortably lifting up to 50 lbs (bags of soil, EZ ups, bins of materials, etc)
- Use hand tools (hand saws, pruning shears, and loppers) – training provided
- Bend, weed garden beds, kneel, and sit on the ground
- Walk on uneven surfaces and hike steep trails
- Stand for extended periods of time
- Work outdoors, year-round, in all weather conditions
- Manage quick transitions in a fast-paced environment, including set-up and clean-up
Position Details
- Start Date: Fall 2026, with training beforehand
- Hours: 8:15 AM – 2:15 PM (approx., varies by site)
- Pay: Starting at $20/hour, based on experience
- Additional Work: Substitute and extra hours may be available throughout the year
- Applicants may be invited to observe a class as part of the hiring process
Equal Opportunity Employer:
Earthroots encourages applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds, including BIPOC, LGBTQIA+SGL, people with disabilities, and those from working-class backgrounds.
Earnings: Based on experience, starting at $20 per hour
Once hired, the Assistant Instructor will be required to:
- Obtain CPR/First Aid Certification
- Provide valid driver’s license or state-issued ID
- Complete LiveScan Fingerprinting verification process
- Shadow an Earthroots class
- Have regular access to a working cell phone
- Have regular access to a computer with internet
- Have regular access to a reliable vehicle
- Attend staff training and monthly staff meetings
To Apply: Fill out the following online application and send a copy of your cover letter, resume, and CPR/First Aid certification to [email protected].