Land Guide
Program Overview
The Field School of Hvar is a family slow travel experience, inviting parents and children to find equilibrium and joy on Hvar, an island off the Adriatic coast of Croatia. Children ages four through seventeen develop academic and socio-emotional skills through immersion in the island’s nautical and artisanal heritage, participating in a full-time, drop-off enrichment program 35 hours per week, Monday through Friday. There is also a part-time “parent-and-me” program for toddlers, ages one through three. Our core values are stewardship, integrity, and gentleness.
Location: Hvar Island, Croatia (in-person)
Dates and Hours: The Guide role is a seasonal position. Guides work part-time and remotely from February through April, then come to island Hvar for a full-time, in-person engagement from May 2 through October 31 (6 months). Finally, Guides offer another month of part-time, remote work in the month of November. The work week runs from Monday through Friday.
Guide Timeline:
February (start date negotiable) - May 2: Curriculum RESEARCH and DESIGN. Part-time, remote.
May 5 - May 30: TRAIN and PREPARE. Full-time, in-person.
June 2 - October 31: IMPLEMENT. Full-time, in-person.
June 2 - August 29: summer sessions
1pm-2pm, faculty hour
2pm-9pm, teaching
September 1 - 5: no students, internal review and preparation. Full-time, in-person.
September 8 - October 31: fall session. Full-time, in-person.
9am-10am, faculty hour
10am-5pm, teaching
November 3 - November 28: REFINE. Part-time, remote.
Reports to: Field School Director
Job Summary
We are seeking a passionate and experienced educator to join our vibrant learning community on Hvar Island, Croatia as the Guide for our Land Track!
The curriculum design portion of this role involves building a robust place-based curriculum inspired by the Land for two separate age groups - the Grammar (7-9 years) and Middle (10-13 years) groups. The curriculum should include nature-based home-craft subjects such as wild ceramics, natural dyes, organic cosmetics, DIY decorations, regenerative gardening, and cooking, with a strong emphasis on social entrepreneurship, life-cycle design, and critical thinking about self and society for the Middle group. The program should result in a meaningful arc of experiential learning.
The Land Guide is responsible for leading one group of 7 children, (either ages 7-9 years OR ages 10-13 years) through experiential learning with the island as your classroom. The Assistant Land Guide will implement the Land Track curriculum for the other group.
An ideal candidate will be passionate about facilitating emergent learning and the authenticity of hands-on experiences. Additionally, experience with leading outdoor youth adventures, gardening, and nature crafting and cooking is highly desirable as these require the implementation of safety protocols. Wilderness first aid certification will be required. Training on the particularities of island Hvar and the School’s policies will be provided..
Key Responsibilities
Ensure the safety and well-being of 7 children in indoor and outdoor environments including the remote hiking trails.
Craft and implement a high-quality place-based curriculum that ties to international learning standards, and reflects the Field School of Hvar’s educational mission.
Guide children to articulate and uphold their own norms, use restorative justice strategies for managing conflict, and maintain clear and consistent communication on behavior management with colleagues and parents.
Mentor and train the Assistant Land Guide as needed.
Collaborate with fellow educators and staff, creating a wholesome, supportive, and positive community for families
Administer first aid and outdoor rescue should the need arise.
Qualifications
Education
Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education, Curriculum and Instruction, Outdoor Education, Environmental Education, or a related field.
Experience
Minimum of 5 years of experience working in education settings is highly desirable.
Minimum of 5 years of experience in curriculum design.
Skills
Ability to create a robust interdisciplinary curriculum that is inspired by the Land and provides experiential learning opportunities
Inquiry-based background or the ability to support children to find answers to their curiosities
Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Outdoor skills such as plant identification, natural dyes, wild ceramics, natural cosmetics, foraging, and/or regenerative gardening are highly preferred.
Preferred Qualifications
Backgrounds in place-based education, design thinking, and nature-based education are preferred.
Restorative Justice, Responsive Classroom, Conscious Discipline, and other social-emotional backgrounds are preferred
Work Environment
This position starts remotely on February 3rd (start date negotiable). The Field School of Hvar is based in the quaint, but vibrant village of Jelsa on Hvar Island, Croatia. The work environment may include exposure to varying weather conditions, such as sun, heat, wind, and occasional rain. The guide should be prepared for outdoor work in diverse conditions and have appropriate attire for both indoor and outdoor activities.
Physical Requirements
Generally strong mobility including the ability to hike long distances and garden.
Capability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds and assist children with physical activities such as simple carpentry and craft projects.
Salary and Benefits:
Total compensation of €18.75/hour or €1,500/month for part-time and €3,000/month for full-time work.
Relocation allowance of up to €1,000 for each month on Hvar, including health insurance, which costs about €100 per month
Assistance in finding comfortable and affordable accommodations
One fresh, locally sourced meal per day when the program is in session
20% tuition discount for children
Life on a safe, family-oriented island with world-class nature and culture
All faculty from outside the EEA will be sponsored for work permits.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Field School of Hvar is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including but not limited to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.