Employment and other Opportunities
Wild Soul, is always seeking apprentices, volunteers, skill-sharers and those trained in eight shields!
We are also hiring instructors for summer camps and school year programs. See full descriptions below.
We are also hiring instructors for summer camps and school year programs. See full descriptions below.
To jump to the position description you are looking for, use these links:
Summer Camp Instructor (ages 7-12)
Wild Tender/Fox Walker Instructor (ages 7-12)
Earth Walkers Instructor (ages 13-15)
Summer Camp Instructor (ages 7-12)
Wild Tender/Fox Walker Instructor (ages 7-12)
Earth Walkers Instructor (ages 13-15)
Summer Camp Instructor (7-12 year-olds)
Location: Durango, CO
Employment Date: June- Early August
Compensation: $25/hr
About Wild Soul
Wild Soul is a nature-based mentoring program rooted in the 8 Shields model and Coyote Mentoring philosophy. We provide immersive outdoor experiences that foster curiosity, resilience, and deep connection to the natural world.
Position Overview
We are hiring a Summer Camp Instructor for our summer camps for 7-12-year-olds. Our camps are run with two instructors who work as co-facilitators and share all roles and responsibilities. We hold high standards and expectations for our staff in order to maintain the quality of the experience for our participants and families.
What we are looking for
Experienced, skilled and passionate mentors, preferably with a background in nature-connection work and familiarity with 8-Shields. This position is ideal for someone who thrives in an outdoor setting, engages deeply with children, and embodies the attributes of connection, curiosity, and enthusiasm for learning.
Key Responsibilities
- Plan, prepare, and deliver engaging outdoor learning experiences.
- Facilitate games, storytelling, tracking, nature crafts, and core routines.
- Ensure physical and emotional safety while fostering a culture of respect and adventure.
- Communicate effectively with students, parents, and staff.
- Model and teach wilderness awareness, survival skills, and nature connection practices.
- Support group dynamics, conflict resolution, and mentoring relationships.
- Participate in weekly planning meetings and a pre-season staff training.
- Contribute to student tracking and parent communication
Schedule & Compensation
- Hours: Monday - Thursday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM during camp, plus one hour planning meeting per week. Additional pre-camp training hours will be required.
- Priority given to those available for all 4 sessions. Session 1: June 22-25, Session 2: June 29-July 2nd, Session 3: July 27-30, Session 4: August 3-6. Must be available for at least 2 sessions to apply.
- Compensation: $25/hr
- Benefits: Mentorship/training in eight-shields, professional development, values-aligned work
Required Qualifications:
- Experience mentoring youth outdoors in a play-based, experiential setting.
- Knowledge in some of our core curriculum areas (e.g., wildlife tracking, edible plants, fire skills, survival techniques, etc.).
- Strong communication and group facilitation skills.
- First Aid & CPR certification (or willingness to obtain).
- Physical ability to run, crawl, carry a 40lb backpack, and be outdoors in all weather conditions.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Training in 8 Shields/Coyote Mentoring.
- Prior experience in a lead instructor role.
- Knowledge of Southwest ecology and Indigenous cultural awareness.
- Additional skills in music, art, storytelling, or crafts.
If you are from out of town, we are happy to support you in finding a temporary local housing/camping situation.
How to Apply
To apply, please send a resume and a brief cover letter detailing your experience and interest in this role, as well as which weeks you are available, to: [email protected]. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
To apply, please send a resume and a brief cover letter detailing your experience and interest in this role, as well as which weeks you are available, to: [email protected]. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Wild Tender/ Fox Walker Instructor
Position: Instructor for ages 7-12
Location: Durango, CO
Dates: September 2026 - June 2027
About Wild Soul
Wild Soul is a nature-based mentoring program rooted in the 8 Shields model and Coyote Mentoring philosophy. We provide immersive outdoor experiences that foster curiosity, resilience, and deep connection to the natural world.
Position Overview
We are hiring 1-2 Nature Connection Instructors to work at our 2 day weekly 7-12 year-old program.
This position is ideal for someone who thrives in a fully outdoor setting, engages deeply with children, is comfortable with facilitation of groups, brings specific skills or knowledge in our curriculum areas, and embodies the attributes of connection, curiosity, and enthusiasm for learning.
Key Responsibilities
Schedule & Compensation
Required Qualifications:
Preferred Qualifications:
Location: Durango, CO
Dates: September 2026 - June 2027
About Wild Soul
Wild Soul is a nature-based mentoring program rooted in the 8 Shields model and Coyote Mentoring philosophy. We provide immersive outdoor experiences that foster curiosity, resilience, and deep connection to the natural world.
Position Overview
We are hiring 1-2 Nature Connection Instructors to work at our 2 day weekly 7-12 year-old program.
This position is ideal for someone who thrives in a fully outdoor setting, engages deeply with children, is comfortable with facilitation of groups, brings specific skills or knowledge in our curriculum areas, and embodies the attributes of connection, curiosity, and enthusiasm for learning.
Key Responsibilities
- Plan, prepare, and deliver engaging outdoor learning experiences.
- Facilitate games, storytelling, tracking, nature crafts, and core routines (sit spot, bird language, etc.).
- Ensure physical and emotional safety while fostering a culture of respect and adventure.
- Communicate effectively with students, parents, and staff.
- Model and teach wilderness awareness, survival skills, and nature connection practices.
- Support group dynamics, conflict resolution, and mentoring relationships.
- Contribute to student tracking and parent communication
- Help hold community events, seasonal celebrations, campouts and overnight experiences
- Participate in planning meetings, staff meetings, and staff trainings
Schedule & Compensation
- Hours: For Wild Tenders - Mondays & Wednesdays, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM (Sept-June), for Fox Walkers - 1 Saturday/month, 9:30AM - 4:00 PM (Sept-June), for both positions - planning time, staff meetings, and events.
- Compensation:
- $22-$28/hr (commensurate with experience)
- Benefits: Paid sick time accrual, professional development, gear discounts, and a deeply connected learning community.
Required Qualifications:
- Experience mentoring youth outdoors in a play-based, experiential setting.
- Deep knowledge in at least four of our core curriculum areas (e.g., wildlife tracking, edible plants, fire skills, survival techniques, etc.).
- Strong communication and group facilitation skills.
- Wilderness First Aid & CPR certification (or willingness to obtain).
- Physical ability to run, crawl, carry a 40lb backpack, and be outdoors in all weather conditions.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Training/experience in 8 Shields/Coyote Mentoring.
- Knowledge of Southwest ecology and Indigenous cultural awareness.
- Additional skills in music, art, storytelling, or crafts.
How to Apply: Send a resume and a brief cover letter detailing your experience and which program(s) you are interested in to [email protected]. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Earth Walkers Instructor (teen Program)
Position: Instructor for our monthly teen program (13-15)
Location: Durango, CO
Dates: September 2026 - June 2027
About Wild Soul
Wild Soul is a nature-based mentoring program rooted in the 8 Shields model and Coyote Mentoring philosophy. We provide immersive outdoor experiences that foster curiosity, resilience, and deep connection to the natural world.
Position Overview
We are hiring a Nature Connection Instructor to work at our 1 Saturday/month 13-15 year-old program.
This position is ideal for someone who thrives in a fully outdoor setting, engages deeply with teens, is comfortable with facilitation of groups, brings specific skills or knowledge in our curriculum areas, and embodies the attributes of connection, curiosity, and enthusiasm for both learning and meeting teens where they are socially & developmentally.
Key Responsibilities
Schedule & Compensation
Required Qualifications:
Preferred Qualifications:
How to Apply
Send a resume and a brief cover letter detailing your experience and interest in this (or additional) role(s) to [email protected]. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Location: Durango, CO
Dates: September 2026 - June 2027
About Wild Soul
Wild Soul is a nature-based mentoring program rooted in the 8 Shields model and Coyote Mentoring philosophy. We provide immersive outdoor experiences that foster curiosity, resilience, and deep connection to the natural world.
Position Overview
We are hiring a Nature Connection Instructor to work at our 1 Saturday/month 13-15 year-old program.
This position is ideal for someone who thrives in a fully outdoor setting, engages deeply with teens, is comfortable with facilitation of groups, brings specific skills or knowledge in our curriculum areas, and embodies the attributes of connection, curiosity, and enthusiasm for both learning and meeting teens where they are socially & developmentally.
Key Responsibilities
- Plan, prepare, and deliver engaging outdoor learning experiences.
- Facilitate games, storytelling, nature crafts, and core routines (sit spot, bird language, tracking, etc.).
- Hold and appropriately participate in Talking Circles.
- Collaborate in holding Culminating Experiences, major thresholds, and/or Rites of Passage for participants.
- Ensure physical and emotional safety while fostering a culture of respect and adventure.
- Communicate effectively with students, parents, and staff.
- Model and teach wilderness awareness, survival skills, and nature connection practices.
- Support group dynamics, conflict resolution, and mentoring relationships.
- Contribute to student tracking and parent communication
- Help hold community events, seasonal celebrations, campouts and overnight experiences
- Participate in planning meetings, staff meetings, and staff trainings
Schedule & Compensation
- Hours: 1 Saturday/month, 9:30AM - 5:00 PM (Sept-June), plus planning time, staff meetings, and events.
- Compensation:
- $22-$28/hr (commensurate with experience)
- Benefits: Paid sick time accrual, professional development, gear discounts, and a deeply connected learning community.
Required Qualifications:
- Experience mentoring youth, preferably teens, in an outdoor, experiential setting.
- Deep knowledge in at least four of our core curriculum areas (e.g., wildlife tracking, edible plants, fire skills, survival techniques, etc.).
- Strong communication and group facilitation skills.
- Wilderness First Aid & CPR certification (or willingness to obtain).
- Physical ability to run, crawl, carry a 40lb backpack, ascend steep bushwhacking slopes (not ropes climbing), and be outdoors in all weather conditions.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Training/experience in 8 Shields/Coyote Mentoring.
- Knowledge of Southwest ecology and Indigenous cultural awareness.
- Additional skills in music, art, storytelling, or crafts.
How to Apply
Send a resume and a brief cover letter detailing your experience and interest in this (or additional) role(s) to [email protected]. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Part Time Administrative Coordinator
Location: Durango, CO (in-person and remote)
Time Commitment: approx 15 hours/week (flexible, with some required hours that may vary)
Compensation: $26–30/hour, DOE
Reports to: The Executive director and Administrative Team
Start Date: Flexible, full position-ready by September 2026
Wild Soul is a nonprofit nature-connection program currently in its fifth year of operation serving children and teens through immersive, and deeply connective nature-based experiences. Our programs currently include:
Wild Soul is run as a collaborative leadership model. Our small administrative team currently includes an executive director, program director and program coordinator, all deeply dedicated to the vision of our organization and steeped in the philosophy of our programs. The administrative coordinator would be working to support this team, maintain and improve organizational systems and provide administrative stability.
What We Are Looking ForWild Soul is seeking a Part-Time Administrative Coordinator to join our existing administrative team. The Administrative Coordinator’s primary focus is to build and maintain efficient administrative systems, and serve as a cornerstone of coordination and organization while working within the administrative team.
This role is ideal for someone who:
Primary Responsibilities
Responsibilities may depend somewhat on previous experience and tasks will vary throughout the year.
1. Administrative Systems, Marketing and Outreach
Required Qualifications
Preferred Qualifications
Compensation & Growth
How to Apply
Please submit:
Time Commitment: approx 15 hours/week (flexible, with some required hours that may vary)
Compensation: $26–30/hour, DOE
Reports to: The Executive director and Administrative Team
Start Date: Flexible, full position-ready by September 2026
Wild Soul is a nonprofit nature-connection program currently in its fifth year of operation serving children and teens through immersive, and deeply connective nature-based experiences. Our programs currently include:
- A 2-day/week homeschool enrichment program, running Mondays and Wednesdays for ages 7-12
- Monthly weekend programs for public-school children and teens
- Summer camps
- Seasonal events and community offerings
Wild Soul is run as a collaborative leadership model. Our small administrative team currently includes an executive director, program director and program coordinator, all deeply dedicated to the vision of our organization and steeped in the philosophy of our programs. The administrative coordinator would be working to support this team, maintain and improve organizational systems and provide administrative stability.
What We Are Looking ForWild Soul is seeking a Part-Time Administrative Coordinator to join our existing administrative team. The Administrative Coordinator’s primary focus is to build and maintain efficient administrative systems, and serve as a cornerstone of coordination and organization while working within the administrative team.
This role is ideal for someone who:
- Understands small, growing nonprofits
- Is efficient and detail-oriented while being values-driven
- Is comfortable with collaborative decision-making
- Wants to participate in building a thriving organization, culture and community
Primary Responsibilities
Responsibilities may depend somewhat on previous experience and tasks will vary throughout the year.
1. Administrative Systems, Marketing and Outreach
- Answer program inquiries, provide information to interested families
- Set up and maintain registration processes, payment plans and tuition assistance programs
- Basic marketing, including creating/distributing/posting flyers, posting on social media, and promoting programs via email
- Payroll support - managing paperwork for new hires and contractors
- Paperwork management and tracking, including staff documents, invoices/receipts, registration paperwork and policies
- Website maintenance/updates
- Support prep for community events, track calendar, acquire supplies and/or send emails for upcoming events
- Program support, which could include being present at events, sign-in/sign-out, providing information, paperwork or supplies or facilitating communication with parents/families
- Maintain positive relationships with our fiscal sponsor and partner organizations, respond to requests promptly and ensure compliance
- Coordinate community events where we can table or booth, serve as a representative of our our organization
- Support with fundraising events and opportunities
- Track and ensure adherence to budget
Required Qualifications
- Experience with administrative work, program management or similar
- Computer, software and tech fluency, ability to learn and work with new systems
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively and collaboratively in self-directed, passion-driven environments
- Excellent communication and writing skills
- Comfort working part-time, flexible/variable hours with high accountability
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience managing multiple tasks and working in dynamic environments
- Experience working within shared leadership or collaborative teams, and navigating interpersonal challenges
- Previous non-profit work, fundraising experience, or program development
- Background in outdoor education, youth work, or nature-based programs
- Interest in self-development/growth, and community
- Interest in a longer-term commitment, locally rooted
- Strong alignment with:
- Naturalist and ancestral skills and values
- Alternative educational, cultural and community models
- Relational, nervous-system protective and somatic-aware approaches
Compensation & Growth
- $26–30/hour, approximately 15 hours/week
- Benefits: sick pay accrual, worker’s comp, discounted tuition for children of employees
- Potential for increased compensation and hours as funding improves, opportunities for growth
- Opportunity to participate in our community and events
- Leadership committed to clear communication, professionalism and a recognition of human value
How to Apply
Please submit:
- A resume
- A brief cover letter describing:
- Your experience with this type of work
- Why Wild Soul’s mission resonates with you
Apprenticeship Program
Wild Soul Nature Instructor Apprenticeship
September 2026 - June 2027 | Durango, Colorado
Program Overview & Logistics
The Wild Soul Instructor Apprenticeship is a 10-month immersive learning journey for adults who want to deepen their nature connection, develop group mentoring skills, and step into the art of holding space for transformative outdoor experiences with children. Apprentices will join our homeschool enrichment program for ages 7-12 in Durango, Colorado, running September 2025 through June 2026. You'll be part of the team, learning through observation, participation, reflection, and direct mentorship.
Hours: Mondays & Wednesdays, 8:30am–4:00pm
Location: Durango, Colorado
Schedule: Program hours as listed on Mondays and/or Wednesdays (includes planning and debrief), plus 1-hour weekly planning/mentoring session
Spots available: 2
Cost: $995 for the year — payment plans may be available.
This breaks down to under $10/hour for over 100 hours of professional mentoring and training (not including program days).
Who This Is For
This apprenticeship is designed for adults (18+) who feel called to work with youth in nature and want to grow as mentors, leaders, and community builders. Ideal candidates are:
We especially welcome applicants with experience or interest in our core curriculum areas and 8 Shields mentoring.
What You’ll Learn
Through direct experience, mentoring, and weekly integration, apprentices will develop both hard and soft skills essential to nature-based leadership. Training includes:
Apprentices will work closely with experienced mentors and be given increasing levels of leadership responsibility over the course of the program.
Weekly Program Schedule & Time Commitment
Apprentices will serve as assistant instructors in a Wild Soul Kids Program 1–2 days per week, gaining hands-on experience and receiving regular mentorship. Commitment to the program includes:
Apprenticeship Trainings
In addition to hands-on mentoring during program days, apprentices will participate in apprentice-only trainings and be invited to all-staff meetings:
September 2026 - June 2027 | Durango, Colorado
Program Overview & Logistics
The Wild Soul Instructor Apprenticeship is a 10-month immersive learning journey for adults who want to deepen their nature connection, develop group mentoring skills, and step into the art of holding space for transformative outdoor experiences with children. Apprentices will join our homeschool enrichment program for ages 7-12 in Durango, Colorado, running September 2025 through June 2026. You'll be part of the team, learning through observation, participation, reflection, and direct mentorship.
Hours: Mondays & Wednesdays, 8:30am–4:00pm
Location: Durango, Colorado
Schedule: Program hours as listed on Mondays and/or Wednesdays (includes planning and debrief), plus 1-hour weekly planning/mentoring session
Spots available: 2
Cost: $995 for the year — payment plans may be available.
This breaks down to under $10/hour for over 100 hours of professional mentoring and training (not including program days).
Who This Is For
This apprenticeship is designed for adults (18+) who feel called to work with youth in nature and want to grow as mentors, leaders, and community builders. Ideal candidates are:
- Curious, reliable, and open-hearted
- Actively on their own nature connection journey
- Excited to learn in a hands-on, experiential environment
- Interested in outdoor education, group facilitation, and regenerative living
- Familiar with—or eager to learn—naturalist skills, storytelling, animal tracking, bushcraft, and singing
We especially welcome applicants with experience or interest in our core curriculum areas and 8 Shields mentoring.
What You’ll Learn
Through direct experience, mentoring, and weekly integration, apprentices will develop both hard and soft skills essential to nature-based leadership. Training includes:
- 8 Shields/Coyote Mentoring and nature-based programming
- Facilitating connective, collaborative learning spaces
- Designing and leading seasonal curriculum
- Bird language, tracking, survival skills, nature-based games and songs
- Supporting physical and emotional needs through somatic integration
- Supporting healthy risk-taking and safety awareness
- Rites of passage and creating culture and community
Apprentices will work closely with experienced mentors and be given increasing levels of leadership responsibility over the course of the program.
Weekly Program Schedule & Time Commitment
Apprentices will serve as assistant instructors in a Wild Soul Kids Program 1–2 days per week, gaining hands-on experience and receiving regular mentorship. Commitment to the program includes:
- One or two program days per week (Mondays and/or Wednesdays) — includes program time, pre-program planning, and post-program debrief meetings
- Weekly planning/mentoring meeting: 1 hour per week (time TBD)
- Participation in community events and seasonal celebrations as part of the broader Wild Soul community
- Supporting end-of-year Rites of Passage
Apprenticeship Trainings
In addition to hands-on mentoring during program days, apprentices will participate in apprentice-only trainings and be invited to all-staff meetings:
- Pre-Program Training: A 2-day immersion in early September to ground in group culture, mentoring principles, and foundational skills
- Monthly All-Staff Meetings: Regular gatherings with the full Wild Soul team that include ongoing training in 8 Shields/Coyote Mentoring, team culture building, and collaborative planning
- Quarterly 1-Day Trainings: Seasonal deep dives into topics such as group facilitation, nature-based curriculum design, and personal leadership
To apply
Please send a letter of interest with some information about your background and what draws you to this program, as well as a resume to us at: [email protected]
Please send a letter of interest with some information about your background and what draws you to this program, as well as a resume to us at: [email protected]
Skill-sharers and elders
If you have a skill or something to share with our community please let us know! We are always interested in connecting with community members who can enrich our program. You can send us an email here and let us know how you're interested in becoming involved.
