Program Lead

Wolf Connection Program Lead

Reports to: Director of Programs

Wolf connection® is a unique educational sanctuary and wilderness retreat center that brings people together through direct relationships with rescued wolves for the purpose of empowering the next generation to become authentic leaders and stewards of the earth.

At wolf connection® we believe that the deep understanding of our relationships with animals and the environment is paramount in our development as individuals, productive societies, and a sustainable civilization on this planet. Wolf connection is a program of Spring of Evolution, Inc., a 501c3 for-change organization.

The Program Lead position entails leading and training-to-lead Wolf Therapy® programs and inviting WC clients and guests to experience the magic of the connection between wolves and humans. The Program Lead collaborates with the Program Team to uphold the mission of Wolf Connection and to offer an educational, empowering, and therapeutic experience. This position requires ongoing learning and growth in supporting and facilitating effective programs.

PAY RATE:

$21-25/hour (starting rate)

TIME COMMITMENT: 20 - 40 hours a week.

THIS IS CURRENTLY AN “AS NEEDED” POSITION AND MAY CHANGE IN THE FUTURE.

This position is dependent on influx and consistency of programs.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Previous experience with group facilitation
• Counseling, coaching and/or teaching youth
• Mindfulness awareness and meditation experience
• Experience managing a team and/or staff
• Overall creativity and flexibility
• Must be able to pass a background check to work with youth

DUTIES:

• Lead and train to lead core activities of the Wolf Connection programmatic experience including opening meditation, wolf-compound tours, Medicine Wheel explanation, hikes, and others
• Assess needs and engagement of participant groups as well as wolves/wolfdogs and modify plan/curriculum as needed
• Maintain awareness of and appropriately incorporate Wolf Therapy Philosophy and culture behind wolf connection programming, including the wolf principles and the nine realms of the wolf
• Actively advance training on aspects of programming such as tour delivery and Medicine Wheel facilitation
• Ensure Wolf Connection facility is set up and ready for clients before each program, and that break down and clean-up of facility components used occurs after each program
• Monitor clients’ locations to maintain safety of animals and clients. Directs volunteers to maintain vigilant watch ensuring safety compliance
• Collect and appropriately store client paperwork, both physical and electronic
• Update and maintain the attendance spreadsheet with client attendance information and diary of activities
• Actively contribute to the advancement of Wolf Connection curriculum
• Offers feedback and suggestions to improve the program during team debriefs
• Collaborate with Director of Programs and program team on implementing ongoing follow-up and outreach to program graduates
• Manage and direct program staff and volunteers as appropriate
• Alerts Director of Programs to any concerns regarding clients
• Problem-solve in-the-moment client concerns while maintaining professional demeanor
• Other duties as assigned

STATEMENT OF SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES

• Team player. Welcomes and works harmoniously with other team members, volunteers, interns, and clients
• Exemplifies the Wolf Principles in behavior and expression, and guides conversations back to the way of the wolf as appropriate
• Basic knowledge of Excel, Word, and Podio
• Punctual and reliable
• Attention to detail
• Appropriate sense of urgency when completing tasks
• Is appropriate in appearance (following the WC Attire Guidelines), professional demeanor and verbal expression
• Offers feedback and suggestions to improve the program during post meeting
• Aware of animal’s personality and behavior at all times
• Receives feedback well and is open to learn and course correct
• Excellent listener
• Focused speaker- chooses words wisely when speaking to guests or volunteers
• Practices silence appropriately
• Upholds confidentiality of all clients at the ranch, and maintains professional boundaries
• Available to work weekends and some holidays
• Must have good interpersonal, written and oral communication skills.
• Must possess developed self and group leadership skills with the ability to recognize triggers, manage reactions, and direct emotions effectively and constructively in both self and others.
• Passionate about the mission and vision of the organization
• Excellent time management, including ability to prioritize appropriately, and follow through on agreements made with Director of Programs
• Able to work with teams possessing a variety of skill levels, assigning tasks that are appropriate for each skill level
• Flexible; possessing the ability to wear different, “hats” on short notice.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for long periods of time, outdoors, in varying extreme weather and temperatures
• Ability to walk frequently and continuously stand, bend, twist at the neck and waist
• Possesses the physical strength to safely handle WC animals
• Adequate vision required; depth perception and peripheral vision
• Adequate abilities of speaking/hearing and speaking/listening with comprehension
• Ability to lift up to 50 -100 pounds

** PLEASE SUBMIT COVER LETTER WITH RESUME**

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $21.00 - $25.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Health insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift

COVID-19 considerations:
We value the health and safety of our most important asset - YOU. We follow Covid-19 safety recommendations from CDC, LA County Dept of Public Health and CalOsha.

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Palmdale, CA 93550: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Preferred)

Experience:

• Facilitation or Teaching: 2 years (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $21 - $25