JOIN OUR TEAM
Love the outdoors? Want to work outside in the fresh air, feel enlivened at the end of the day, work within a community of supportive co-workers, and make a difference in the world? If the answer is yes, you should join the Earth Native Team in our quest to help people build lifelong connections to nature and wild places.
Applying
Please carefully read the description of the job you are interested in and be sure you meet the minimum qualifications before applying. A link to the job application is at the end of each opening description.
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NOW HIRING:​​
Forest Preschool Teacher
Seasonal Summer Camp Instructor (May 12th start date)
Farm & Forest Instructor
Youth Programs Instructor
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INTERESTED IN OTHER POSITIONS FOR FUTURE EMPLOYMENT WITH EARTH NATIVE? CLICK HERE
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Forest Preschool Teacher
Are you passionate about the outdoors and dream of making a difference in the lives of young children? Join Wild Life Forest Preschool, a magical place where adventure and learning go hand in hand. Located in the breathtaking hardwood forests of Bastrop, TX, along the serene Cedar Creek, we’re proud to be Central Texas's first true forest preschool. At Earth Native Wilderness School, we’re on a mission to help children ages 3-5 develop lifelong connections to nature—and we’re looking for dedicated educators to join us.
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As a Forest Preschool Teacher, you’ll guide young learners on their first steps toward discovering the wonders of the natural world. If you love working outdoors (rain or shine!), believe in the transformative power of nature, and thrive in the company of curious, energetic preschoolers, this is the role for you. We’re seeking experienced, adventurous educators who are ready to inspire the next generation while making a meaningful impact.
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What You’ll Do
As a full-time Forest Preschool Teacher, you will:
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Collaborate with the co-instructors and the Lead Preschool Teacher to create engaging, nature-based programs for children ages 3-5.
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Guide children on daily adventures through open water creeks, wooded trails, and outdoor learning spaces on our stunning 80-acre campus.
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Nurture a safe, joyful learning environment in all weather conditions.
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Maintain and enhance our outdoor learning areas, including primitive shelters, swings, and balance elements.
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Build strong connections with families through weekly updates and open communication.
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Inspire curiosity and wonder through hands-on teaching and exploration.
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Position Details
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Location: Wild Life Forest Preschool on Earth Native’s campus in Bastrop, TX.
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Schedule: Year-round, full-time position.
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September-May: Instruct preschool programs (ages 3-5) at Wild Life Forest Preschool Monday through Friday, 8:00am - 3:00pm (Class run 9am - 2pm).
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June-August: Instructor at Earth Native summer camps in Bastrop and/or Southeast Austin.
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What We’re Looking For
We’re searching for someone who shares our love for nature and has:
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At least two years of experience teaching outdoor education programs or similar outdoor-related work.
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At least one year of experience working with preschool-aged children (ages 3-5).
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A positive, adventurous spirit and the ability to adapt to ever-changing outdoor environments.
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Strong communication and organizational skills.
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​Bonus Points For:
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Experience with play-based learning, forest school pedagogy, or place-based mentoring.
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Knowledge of Texas wildlife, flora, and natural hazards.
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Familiarity with programs like Coyote Mentoring, Kamana, or similar environmental education approaches.
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What We Offer
Earth Native believes in taking care of our wonderful staff, offering:
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Full-time work 40 hours per week on average
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Competitive Pay: $19-$24/hour, based on experience.
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Generous Benefits:
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5 weeks of paid vacation (Thanksgiving, Winter Break, Spring Break, and Summer).
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3 additional optional unpaid weeks of vacation
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Health insurance options, including ACA Gold and Silver plans.
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Retirement plan with employer contributions.
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Worker’s compensation insurance
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Paid Maternity/Paternity leave.
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Free or discounted Earth Native adult and youth programs for you and your dependents.
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The Magic of the Outdoors
At Wild Life Forest Preschool, every day is a new adventure. Whether splashing in creeks, building forts, or marveling at the beauty of wildlife, you’ll have the chance to share in the joy of discovery with your students. This isn’t just a job—it’s an opportunity to inspire a lifelong love for nature in the next generation while embracing the beauty and challenges of Texas’s great outdoors.
Hiring for 2 positions. One open now and one for a May 12 start.
For questions, call us at 512-299-8870. We’d love to hear from you!
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How to Apply
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Seasonal Summer Camp Instructor
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Are you passionate about the outdoors and love working with kids? Join Earth Native Wilderness School as a Seasonal Summer Camp Instructor and inspire the next generation to connect deeply with nature. This is an incredible opportunity to spend your summer outdoors, teaching children ages 4–12 and helping them develop lifelong bonds with the natural world.
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Our summer camps take place at three beautiful locations
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McKinney Falls State Park (Southeast Austin)
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Garey Park (between Georgetown and Leander)
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Earth Native Campus (Bastrop)
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Select your preferred location(s) when applying.
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What You’ll Do
As a Seasonal Summer Camp Instructor, you will:
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Collaborate with a team of passionate educators to deliver engaging, nature-based programs.
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Teach essential outdoor skills and guide kids through hands-on activities that spark curiosity and wonder.
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Ensure the safety and functionality of the outdoor learning environment.
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Foster a sense of adventure, teamwork, and appreciation for nature among campers.
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Who You Are
We’re looking for enthusiastic, motivated, and organized individuals who:
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Have at least two years of experience teaching or working with youth, preferably in an outdoor setting.
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Are passionate about nature and enjoy sharing that love with children.
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Possess knowledge in areas like naturalist studies, wildlife tracking, navigation, and Central Texas ecology.
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Are creative, responsible, and capable of working independently or as part of a small team.
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Hold current CPR and First Aid certifications (required before starting).
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What We Offer
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Pay: $18.50–$22/hour (DOE).
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Schedule: Full-time (40 hours/week) during camp weeks, typically Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–3:00 PM (hours may vary).
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Potential for Growth: High-performing seasonal instructors may have the opportunity to transition into year-round, full-time teaching roles with Earth Native.
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Schedule
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Our camps run M-F from May 27 through August 8, with two weeks off (June 30-July 4 & July 7-11)
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Training week for all new hires is from May 12-16
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Camp prep and planning will run from May 19-23 (Seasonal staff should expect to work 2-3 days this week)
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Why Join Us?
Spend some time outside at one of our stunning camp locations, empowering kids to build confidence, resilience, and a love for the outdoors. You’ll be part of a dynamic team of educators dedicated to making a meaningful impact on young lives.
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How to Apply
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Farm & Forest Instructor
Do you dream of working outdoors, sharing your love for nature and animals, and inspiring the next generation to connect deeply with the world around them? At Earth Native Wilderness School, we’re seeking a passionate, skilled, and nature-loving Farm & Forest Instructor to lead our innovative Farm & Forest programs at our Bastrop campus.
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This unique position combines outdoor education, animal care, and hands-on homesteading projects, offering you the opportunity to guide children as they bond with animals, explore the natural world, and develop valuable practical skills. If you’re excited about fostering meaningful connections to the land and mentoring young adventurers, this job is for you!
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What You’ll Do
As a Farm & Forest Instructor, you will:
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Lead engaging, hands-on programs that immerse children (ages 5–12) in farm life, animal care, and outdoor exploration.
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Facilitate meaningful connections between children and animals like horses, goats, miniature donkeys, chickens, ducks, pigs, and more.
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Teach farm and homesteading skills, such as tool use, food preservation, and creative homesteading projects.
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Guide nature exploration activities, including animal tracking, plant identification, and outdoor skills.
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Provide a safe, nurturing, and inspiring outdoor learning environment where kids can thrive.
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Collaborate with a team of instructors to develop innovative and cohesive program experiences.
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Build strong relationships with families by sharing updates and student progress.
What We’re Looking For
We’re seeking someone who is:
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Experienced: At least two years of teaching experience in outdoor education, farm-based programs, or a related field.
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Animal-Savvy: Comfortable working with and teaching about a variety of farm animals.
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Knowledgeable: Skilled in areas including naturalist knowledge, farm and homesteading techniques, outdoor skills, and Central Texas ecology.
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Enthusiastic: Passionate about working with children and creating meaningful outdoor experiences.
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Organized: Able to work independently and as part of a small teaching team with minimal oversight.
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Certified: CPR and First Aid certified (required before starting).
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Bonus Points For:
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Background in farming, homesteading, gardening, permaculture, and care of farm animals.
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Experience with mentoring programs like Art of Mentoring, Coyote Mentoring, or Kamana Naturalist Training Program.
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Experience in environmental education, forest schools, or farm-based education settings.
What We Offer
We believe in supporting our team with competitive pay and comprehensive benefits, including:
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Compensation: $19–$24/hour, based on experience (DOE).
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Paid Vacation: 5 weeks annually (Thanksgiving, Winter Break, Spring Break, and Summer). Two additional weeks of unpaid vacation are available to those who wish to use it.
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Health Benefits: ACA Gold and Silver plan options are available.
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Additional Perks:
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Retirement plan with employer contributions (SIMPLE IRA).
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Paid Maternity/Paternity leave.
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Paid job-related injury/illness coverage.
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Free or discounted Earth Native adult courses and trainings.
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Discounted youth programs for dependent children.
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Schedule
During the school year (Sept-May), Farm and Forest staff will work at the Earth Native Campus in Bastrop, TX, Tuesday-Saturday. During the summer (June-Aug) staff will work summer camps either at the school’s Bastrop Campus or McKinney Falls State Park (Southeast Austin), Monday-Friday. This is a full-time, year-round position averaging 40 hours per week.
This position will begin in May 2025.
Why This Role Is Special
As a Farm & Forest Instructor, you’ll inspire children to build lifelong connections to nature and develop practical skills that empower them. From raising baby chicks to exploring the woods and making homemade pickles, you’ll create magical, hands-on learning experiences that children will carry with them forever. This role is perfect for someone who loves the outdoors, thrives on adventure, and wants to make a lasting impact in the lives of children.
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How to Apply​​
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Youth Programs Instructor
Are you passionate about connecting kids to the wonders of nature and inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards? At Earth Native Wilderness School, we believe that time spent outdoors can transform lives. We’re seeking an energetic, skilled, and nature-loving Youth Programs Instructor to join our team and lead year-round environmental education programs for youth.
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Based primarily out of McKinney Falls State Park in Southeast Austin, this role offers the incredible opportunity to make a meaningful impact by fostering deep, lifelong connections to nature for children and teens. If you love working with kids, thrive outdoors in all types of weather, and are excited to share the magic of the natural world, this job is for you!
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What You’ll Do
As a Youth Programs Instructor, you will:
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Collaborate with a dynamic team of instructors and directors to create and deliver exciting, cohesive programs for youth ages 5–12, with opportunities to work with preschoolers and teens.
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Lead hands-on outdoor education activities, including wilderness skills, animal tracking, and nature exploration.
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Build strong connections with families by sharing program updates and individual student progress.
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Maintain a safe, engaging outdoor learning environment that fosters creativity, curiosity, and growth.
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What We’re Looking For
We’re seeking someone who is:
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Experienced: At least two years of teaching experience in outdoor education or a related field.
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Enthusiastic: Passionate about working with children and creating meaningful outdoor experiences.
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Knowledgeable: Skilled in areas including naturalist studies, wilderness skills, wildlife tracking, navigation, and Texas flora and fauna.
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Organized: Able to work independently and as part of a small team with minimal oversight.
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Certified: CPR and First Aid certified (required before starting).
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Bonus Points For:
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Experience with mentoring programs like Art of Mentoring, Coyote Mentoring, or Kamana.
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Training from programs like Alderleaf Wilderness College, Wilderness Awareness School, or similar environmental education schools.
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CyberTracker Track and Sign Certification (Level I or above).
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What We Offer
We take care of our team with competitive pay and great benefits, including:
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Compensation: $19–$24/hour, based on experience.
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Paid Vacation: 5 weeks annually (Thanksgiving, Winter Break, Spring Break, and Summer).
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Health Benefits: ACA Gold and Silver plan options are available.
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Additional Perks:
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Free or discounted Earth Native adult courses and trainings.
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Discounted youth programs for dependent children.
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Retirement plan with employer contributions (SIMPLE IRA).
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Paid Maternity/Paternity leave.
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Paid job-related injury/illness coverage.
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Why This Role Is Special
As a Youth Programs Instructor, you’ll get to ignite curiosity, build confidence, and help kids form a lifelong love and connection to the natural world. From exploring the woods to teaching essential wilderness skills, you’ll inspire students to see the outdoors as a place of discovery, wonder, and connection. This role is perfect for someone who loves the outdoors, thrives on adventure, and wants to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children.
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How to Apply​​
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Lead Forest Preschool Teacher (Not Currently Hiring)
Do you dream of leading a team dedicated to sparking joy, curiosity, and lifelong connections to nature in young children? Wild Life Forest Preschool, part of Earth Native Wilderness School, is seeking an experienced and inspiring educator to join our team as a Lead Preschool Teacher
Located in the enchanting hardwood forests of Bastrop, TX, along the picturesque Cedar Creek, our forest preschool provides children ages 3-5 with a one-of-a-kind outdoor learning experience. As Central Texas’s first true forest preschool, we empower children to grow through play, exploration, and connection to the natural world.
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This is more than a teaching job—it’s an opportunity to lead a passionate team, inspire children to love nature, and leave a lasting impact on the next generation.
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What You’ll Do
As the Lead Preschool Teacher, you will:
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Guide and Lead: Oversee a team of two Forest Preschool Teachers to create an enriching, cohesive learning environment for preschoolers.
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Inspire Children: Lead outdoor, nature-based programs that engage children in play, discovery, and connection to the outdoors.
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Build Community: Communicate weekly with families to share program updates, curriculum highlights, and individual student progress.
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Foster Growth: Mentor and provide professional guidance to your teaching team, ensuring alignment with the school’s vision and mission.
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Maintain Excellence: Help manage and enhance outdoor learning areas, including shelters, swings, and exploration zones, ensuring a safe and engaging environment.
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Collaborate with Leadership: Work closely with the Earth Native Program Director to implement best practices and innovative outdoor education strategies.
Position Details
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Location: Wild Life Forest Preschool on Earth Native’s campus in Bastrop, TX.
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Schedule: Year-round, full-time position.
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September-May: Lead preschool programs (ages 3-5) at Wild Life Forest Preschool Monday through Friday, 8:00am - 4:00pm (Programs run 9am - 2pm).
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June-August: Lead instructor or camp Director at Earth Native summer camps in Bastrop and southeast Austin.
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What We’re Looking For
To thrive in this role, you’ll need:
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At least two years of preschool teaching experience (ages 3-5).
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A passion for nature and working outdoors with children in all types of Central Texas weather conditions.
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Experience in outdoor or nature-based education.
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Strong communication, organizational, and leadership skills.
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CPR and First Aid Certification (required before starting).
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Bonus Points For
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Prior experience managing or mentoring a teaching team.
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Familiarity with forest school pedagogy, play-based learning, or programs like Coyote Mentoring or Kamana.
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Knowledge of Central Texas wildlife, plants, and natural hazards.
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Graduate of Wilderness Awareness School, Alderleaf Wilderness College or similar courses.
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What We Offer
Earth Native believes in taking care of our wonderful staff and program leaders, offering:
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Full time work 40 hours per week on average
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Competitive Pay: $22–$28/hour, based on experience.
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Generous Benefits:
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5 weeks of paid vacation (Thanksgiving, Winter Break, Spring Break, and Summer).
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3 additional optional unpaid weeks of vacation
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Health insurance options, including ACA Gold and Silver plans.
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Retirement plan with employer contributions.
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Worker’s compensation insurance
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Paid Maternity/Paternity leave.
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Free or discounted Earth Native adult and youth programs for you and your dependents.
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Why This Role Is Special
As the Lead Forest Preschool Teacher, you’ll have the unique opportunity to guide both children and educators in creating an outdoor classroom full of wonder, exploration, and learning. From wading in creeks to building forts and discovering wildlife, you’ll inspire a love of nature that lasts a lifetime.
This position is perfect for someone who thrives in leadership, loves working outdoors, and wants to make a meaningful difference in the world—one child (and one team) at a time.
For questions, call us at 512-299-8870. We can’t wait to hear from you!
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How to Apply
Applications are currently closed, but keep an eye out for future openings!
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Seasonal Summer Camp Cook (Not Currently Hiring)
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Are you passionate about creating delicious, nutritious meals and supporting programs that make a difference? Join Earth Native Wilderness School as a Seasonal Summer Camp Cook and play a vital role in helping kids and staff connect with nature through our transformative summer camps. Based at our beautiful Bastrop, TX campus, you’ll provide the fuel that keeps our campers energized for their outdoor adventures.
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What You’ll Do
As a Camp Cook, you’ll ensure that our campers and staff enjoy high-quality, nutritious meals in a clean and welcoming kitchen environment. Your responsibilities include:
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Preparing dinner for 35 people, four nights a week (Monday–Thursday).
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Making basic lunches (Tuesday–Thursday) and setting out cold breakfasts (Tuesday–Friday).
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Shopping locally for ingredients and operating within an established budget.
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Following and refining a camp menu that accommodates a variety of dietary needs, including vegan, gluten-free, and common allergies.
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Managing the camp kitchen, maintaining cleanliness, and ensuring food safety protocols.
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Connecting with parents during Monday sign-ins to confirm dietary preferences and restrictions.
Who You Are
We’re looking for a motivated, detail-oriented individual with:
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Experience cooking for groups of up to 35 people.
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Familiarity with accommodating diverse dietary restrictions and food allergies.
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The ability to manage kitchen operations, including food inventory, safety, and cleanliness.
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Texas Food Service Manager’s Certificate or ServSafe Certification (required before starting).
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Strong organizational skills and a friendly, professional attitude toward campers, staff, and parents.
Physical Requirements
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Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds.
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Frequent walking, bending, and repetitive movements.
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Ability to operate knives, kitchen utensils, and equipment safely.
What We Offer
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Pay: $1,000+ per week (DOE).
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Hours: 35–40 hours per week (flexibility based on efficiency).
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A chance to spend the summer contributing to a mission that connects kids with nature.
2025 Camp Dates
You must be available for all four camp weeks:
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June 2-6
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June 16-20
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June 23-27
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July 14-18
Why Join Us?
This role is perfect for someone who loves cooking and making an impact. You'll have the opportunity to work in a supportive, mission-driven environment while helping create unforgettable summer experiences for kids.
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How to Apply
Applications are currently closed, but keep an eye out for future openings!
For questions, call us at 512-299-8870.
