ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Forest School Leader Jobs (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsForest School Leader Jobs

Forest School Leader information

See salary details

$9

$19

$30

How much do forest school leader jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for forest school leader in the United States is $19.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $22.60 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a forest school leader?

Forest School Leaders are trained professionals who facilitate outdoor learning experiences for children and young people, typically in woodland or natural settings. They design and lead sessions that encourage exploration, play, and connection with nature, supporting holistic development and building confidence, resilience, and social skills. Forest School Leaders also ensure safety and promote environmental stewardship, adapting activities to meet the needs and interests of participants. They often hold specialized qualifications in Forest School principles, outdoor education, and first aid.

What is the difference between Forest School Leader vs Forest School Assistant?

AspectForest School LeaderForest School Assistant
QualificationsLevel 3 Forest School Practitioner or equivalentSupportive role, often requiring basic outdoor or childcare qualifications
Work EnvironmentLead sessions, plan activities, manage safetyAssist with activities, support the leader, supervise children
ResponsibilitiesDesign and deliver outdoor learning, ensure safety, liaise with parentsSupport the leader, supervise children, help set up activities

The main difference between a Forest School Leader and a Forest School Assistant lies in their responsibilities and qualifications. The Forest School Leader is responsible for planning and leading sessions, requiring specific qualifications like a Level 3 Forest School Practitioner. The Forest School Assistant supports the leader, assisting with activities and supervision, often with less formal certification. Both roles work outdoors in similar environments, but the leader holds more responsibility for session management and safety.

What challenges do forest school leaders face when managing groups outdoors?

Forest School Leaders often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather, varying group dynamics, and maintaining safety while encouraging independence. To address these, leaders typically prepare flexible session plans, conduct thorough risk assessments, and foster open communication and teamwork among children. Building strong relationships with participants and adapting activities to suit the needs and interests of each group are also key strategies for creating a positive and safe learning environment outdoors.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a forest school leader?

To thrive as a Forest School Leader, you need expertise in outdoor education, child development, risk assessment, and typically hold a relevant Forest School Leader qualification. Familiarity with outdoor learning tools, first aid certification, and knowledge of health and safety regulations are commonly required. Strong communication, leadership, and adaptability help build trust and foster a supportive learning environment for children. These skills ensure safe, engaging, and effective outdoor educational experiences that promote children's growth and connection to nature.
More about Forest School Leader jobs
What cities are hiring for Forest School Leader jobs? Cities with the most Forest School Leader job openings:
What job categories do people searching Forest School Leader jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Forest School Leader jobs are:
Forest School Leader jobs near you
Infographic showing various Forest School Leader job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,733 per year, or $19.6 per hour.

Forest Preschool Teacher

Wauhatchie School Inc.

Chattanooga, TN • On-site

$16 - $18/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

Company Description

Wauhatchie Forest School offers families a holistic, nature-based approach to education through programs that foster collaboration, curiosity, creativity, connection, and a profound sense of belonging - empowering learners to become compassionate leaders and active contributors to a vibrant community and a sustainable world. Wauhatchie School is located at four campuses around Chattanooga, TN.

Forest Preschool Description

Pre-K classes for our youngest learners build on the innate sense of wonder children have about the natural world. While immersed in the forest, Pre-K teachers are fierce protectors of childhood. We encourage play, practice kindness, and express ourselves as individuals as we all grow together. This slow, experiential approach to learning through exploration, risk-taking, social & emotional support, and gentle invitations to expand understanding creates a foundation of curiosity, endless resilience, and a joy in learning that our students carry forth into the rest of their educational journey. 

Job Description

Wauhatchie Forest School is seeking part time employees for our half-day nature immersion program for children ages 3-5. We seek nature loving educators who are intentional and reflective in their work with children and who are looking to grow professionally through mentorship and teamwork within a supportive community of outdoor practitioners. The ideal candidate has a background working with young learners, is dedicated to child-directed and play-based learning, practices a growth mindset, and holds a love for nature. The Forest Preschool Teacher will work with a co-teacher to create an optimal learning environment for students and will spend the entire class session outdoors in all weather, including hiking and moderate physical challenges. Employment is 10 months, from August to May with the possibility of summer camp employment available.

Responsibilities

  • Using a variety of activities (songs, stories, art, movement, manipulatives, etc.) to motivate, stimulate, and help grow children's knowledge & abilities
  • Encouraging connection and awareness of nature, others, and self 
  • Meeting the emotional, social, and physical needs of each child
  • Maintaining daily open communication with parents by checking in at dropoff/pickup times, posting photos, and sharing weekly short narratives on our school app
  • Same-day documenting and distributing of accident and incident reports to parents and administration
  • Overseeing a daily site assessment of the outdoor site before each session, making sure all hazards are properly assessed and amended to provide a safe environment for children
  • Documenting and recording children's behaviors, progressions, and development in a nature journals to share with the parents and administration twice per year
  • Working with a teaching team to collaborate on nature immersion activities and best practices in forest school ethos

Expectations

  • Attendance at all planned school events, weekdays and 2-3 weekends per year

  • Attendance at all inservice & professional development days and all staff meetings

  • Demonstrate loyalty and commitment to Wauhatchie School and all staff members as a positive team player

  • Participation in reflective journaling and ongoing education of forest school philosophy and ethos

Qualifications
  • Documented experience working with children aged 3-5 in a school, camp, or other organized setting.

  • Ability and desire to encourage experiences that are play-based and child-centered.

  • Deep appreciation for and connection to nature.

  • A mindset of ongoing growth and learning in your teaching practice.

  • Familiarity with outdoor learning; some familiarity with Reggio Emilia, Waldorf, Montessori, and other early childhood methodologies is preferred.

  • Highly relational and effective collaborator and communicator

  • Associates or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education is preferred, but not required.

  • Physical Ability: Able to teach for extended periods of time outdoors in all weather, with hiking and moderate physical challenges, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Additional Information

Salary & Schedule

  • Pay range is $16-$18 an hour depending on experience. 

  • Paid holidays, including fall, winter, & spring breaks aligning with the Hamilton County School Calendar

  • General daily schedule is from 8:30am - 1:30pm

  • Teachers are expected to attend all inservice & professional development days

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Apply