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Assistant Educator Job Description 

Ventura Land Trust (VLT) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit accredited land trust in Ventura, CA working to protect the land, water, wildlife, and scenic beauty of the Ventura region for current and future generations. The organization strives to create a fun, inspiring, team-oriented environment with flexible work hours. 

Ventura Wild is the outdoor education initiative of Ventura Land Trust, designed to connect children with nature and cultivate a deep sense of belonging in the natural world. Through play, exploration, and guided experiences, we nurture awareness, curiosity, and care for the environment. 

The Assistant Educator position is an entry-level role, ideal for someone interested in beginning their career in outdoor education. Assistant Educators work closely with a team of passionate mentors to support the daily flow of outdoor programs. With support from Senior Educators, they help facilitate nature-based activities, contribute to group safety and cohesion, and bring creativity, playfulness, and care to each day in the field. 

Responsibilities 

  • Support a positive, safe, and inclusive experience for children in outdoor setting
  • Assist in guiding nature-based activities, games, and group routines alongside Senior Educators 
  • Help maintain group safety and follow emergency protocols when needed 
  • Communicate regularly with team members in person and via email, including sharing observations and concerns in a timely and supportive way 
  • Participate in team check-ins, trainings, and staff meetings 
  • Contribute to a collaborative and caring team culture 

Minimum Qualifications 

  • A passion for connecting children to nature and a deep respect for the natural world
  • Enthusiasm for working outdoors in all weather conditions for up to 8 hours, with regular breaks 
  • Ability to hike on uneven terrain and occasionally lift up to 30 pounds 
  • A collaborative spirit, openness to feedback, and a willingness to grow as an educator Interest in being part of a team, working together, supporting one another, and contributing to a shared purpose 
  • Comfort supporting groups of children with curiosity, playfulness, and patience 
  • Ability to foster connection and build trusting relationships with children through empathy, kindness, and presence 
  • Reliable transportation to and from program sites 
  • Consistent access to a cell phone and a computer with internet connection 
  • Current CPR / First Aid certification, or willingness to obtain before the start of the program 

Preferred Qualifications 

  • Experience working with children in outdoor, educational, or experiential settings (paid, volunteer, or personal) 
  • Passion for naturalist and ancestral skills such as wildcrafting, birding, medicinal plants, wildlife tracking, survival skills, etc. 
  • Interest in storytelling, music, art, or other creative expressions that enhance nature-based learning 
  • Knowledge of or curiosity about local plants, wildlife, and natural systems
  • Spanish-English bilingual 

Hours vary from 17 - 20 hours per week. Hourly compensation $18 - $20 per hour, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Assistant Educator qualifies as a part-time hourly/non-exempt employee and is eligible for sick time. 

To apply, please complete an application and send your resume and cover letter to venturawild@venturalandtrust.org with “Assistant Educator” in the subject line. Applications are due by August 1, 2025.