Forest School Practitioner Internship

Dates of Employment: January 6-May 23, 2025

Location: Eagle, Idaho

Position Type: Part-Time Internship

Starting Pay: $16 per hour

We understand that not every candidate will meet every qualification listed in this description. If you’re passionate about this opportunity and believe you can contribute to our team, we encourage you to apply. Your unique experiences and perspectives are valuable to us

About EverWild Forest School:

At EverWild Forest School, we believe in the power of nature to inspire and educate young minds. Our mission is to provide accessible outdoor education programs that connect children to themselves, their communities, and the natural world. We accomplish this through free play, a place-based curriculum, and full immersion in nature. Our programs take place entirely outdoors, regardless of the weather, on public land with city permits, as we do not have a traditional school facility.

Internship Overview:

The Forest School Practitioner Intern plays a foundational role within our organization, delivering high-quality educational experiences to children. This position offers an opportunity to develop and apply skills in environmental education, outdoor education, and early childhood education. Interns assist and lead group activities that complement our unique, place-based curriculum, guide students in the outdoor classroom and engage in an inquiry-based learning process.

Internship Schedule:

  • M/W 12:45-4:15pm, Eagle Greenbelt

  • M/T/W 12:45-4:15pm, Eagle Greenbelt

Key Responsibilities: 

  • Understanding and implementing EverWild Forest School's education model and philosophy, with training provided.

  • Prioritizing the safety and emotional well-being of children.

  • Adhering to and implementing the organization's policies and procedures.

  • Developing and applying skills in environmental education, outdoor education, and early childhood education, including leading group activities aligned with the curriculum, guiding students in outdoor settings, and using inquiry-based teaching methods.

  • Acting as a point of contact for families in assigned classes.

  • Maintaining clear and consistent communication with staff to address updates, issues, and challenges.

  • Collaborating with EverWild educators to support the school's mission and objectives.

  • Working alongside co-teachers to identify and complete projects related to your field of study.

  • Regularly reviewing and revising personal goals in monthly progress meetings.

  • Undertaking additional responsibilities as mutually agreed upon with the Programs Manager

Professional Development Outcomes:

By the end of your internship, you will have:

  • A clear understanding of the forest school model

  • Tools to facilitate evidence-based approaches to early childhood education, positive discipline, and behavior optimization

  • Skills in group management, leadership, collaboration, and communication

  • Experience in risk management and outdoor preparedness

Educational and Experience Requirements:

  • Currently enrolled in one of the following programs of study (or similar):

    • Environmental Education

    • Environmental Science or Studies

    • Early Childhood Development Education

    • Elementary Education

    OR

    • 1+ year experience with children as a caregiver/nanny/babysitter, camp counselor, or similar childcare work

  • CPR and First Aid Certification obtained before the start of employment.

Physical Requirements:

  • Ability to lift a minimum of 40 pounds

  • Capability to hike on uneven terrain.

Equipment Requirements:

  • A cell phone to make occasional calls to EverWild staff and enrolled families; and with ability to download our parent-communication app and be used during class time

  • Access to a laptop/computer with internet for occasional job-related use including possible virtual meetings 

  • An active email address to receive internal communications  

  • Reliable transportation to get to your assigned class location in Eagle, Garden City, and/or Boise on-time and in all types of weather

At the National Outdoor Learning Alliance (NOLA), we believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion are fundamental to fulfilling our mission in making the outdoors an accessible place for all. We are committed to fostering an environment where all individuals, regardless of their background, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or any other dimension of diversity, feel valued, respected, and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work.

We recognize that diversity enriches our perspectives and enhances our ability to understand how to create an inclusive program for all demographics. We are dedicated to building a team that reflects the communities we serve and creating equitable opportunities for all employees to thrive and grow.

We actively seek to attract, retain, and develop talent from diverse backgrounds, and we strive to create inclusive processes and policies that promote fairness and eliminate barriers to success. We are committed to ongoing education, training, and dialogue to deepen our understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion and to continuously improve our practices. We invite individuals who share our commitment to DEI to join us at NOLA.

To apply:

If you're enthusiastic about nature-based education and want to inspire young minds, submit the application form below. Review of applications will begin immediately, and you will be contacted regarding next steps.

Note: Our programs take place outdoors, so please be prepared to work in various weather conditions.