Forest and Nature Project Lead – CELC Outdoors Team

Location:

Peterborough Administrative Hub

Job Type: Contract

Hours:

21–35 hours per week (flexible based on applicant and project needs)

Pay Range: $25–$30 per hour

Anticipated

Start Date:

June 15, 2026

Anticipated End Date:
June 15, 2027

End date may shift based on program needs.

Hiring Declarations

Compass ELC does not use Artificial Intelligence (AI) in our hiring, recruiting, or onboarding processes. We ask that applicants also refrain from using AI during the application process and provide authentic information related to their experience and credentials.

This is a new position within our organization.

Compass Early Learning and Care (CELC) has been in operation since 1981 and is one of the largest not-for-profit childcare organizations serving East-Central Ontario. With over 700 Staff and 80 Home childcare providers, we offer 46 high-quality licensed childcare centers and over 50 licensed homes serving over 4,000 families.

For over forty years, Compass ELC has been dedicated to early learning and childcare. We believe in creating nurturing environments that celebrate children's curiosity and whole selves. Our organization fosters a culture of growth, collaboration, and inclusivity, where every team member has the opportunity to thrive. We are committed to supporting children and families in our community.

Please see our attached Vision Framework for more information.

As a Forest and Nature Project Lead, you will work alongside the Forest and Nature team to champion outdoor play in early childhood classrooms and across the wider community. In collaboration with the Outdoor Coordinator, you will help bring together community partners through an Outdoor Play Community of Practice and an Outdoor Advocate Network, building a shared outdoor play culture that honours the land we learn and play on.

• Lead the Free to Play Project, ensuring goals, timelines, and community commitments are met.
• Collaborate with funded partners and community organizations to develop shared frameworks and evaluation strategies that position Compass ELC as a leader in early years outdoor play.
• Travel to Compass ELC programs and early learning partners to support educators and model outdoor pedagogical practices.
• Convene Free to Play 'community of practice' to collaborate and share wise practices across the community.
• Empower age‑appropriate risk‑taking, deep play, and process‑oriented learning.
• Support reflective practice that leads to richer, child‑led outdoor experiences.
• Co‑create and deliver workshops and ongoing learning opportunities focused on outdoor pedagogy, land‑based and inclusive practices, and reducing adult‑created barriers to play.
• Work alongside children, families, educators, and community partners to nurture meaningful outdoor play rooted in relationships, curiosity, and belonging.
• Create safe, welcoming outdoor environments by learning each child’s unique needs.
• Complete risk assessments and implement safety plans for forest and outdoor spaces.
• Live into Calls to Action 10 & 63, sharing truths about Canada’s history and offering Indigenous perspectives.
• Work collaboratively to purchase or source donated outdoor learning equipment and gear.
• Organize and maintain a community‑wide lending library that is accessible, equitable, and easy for partners to use.
• Be committed to outdoor learning and comfortable working outdoors in all weather.
• Be reliable, flexible, and responsive to program needs.

This role will spend up to five weeks supporting Kawartha Land Trust’s CELC Dance Nature Sanctuary program in Youngs Point. During weeks when CELC Dance is not operating, you will support other Compass ELC programs across the City and County of Peterborough.

Hours will vary based on candidate availability and available funding.

• Familiarity with the Child Care and Early Years Act (CCEYA) and licensing standards.
• Comfort working outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Knowledge of outdoor programming, forest school methodology, Compass pedagogical orientations, and our vision framework.
• 3–5 years of experience working or…