Community Experience Guide

Part-Time | $20-$25/hour | minimum of 8-10 hours per week | Barrington, NJ

When a parent walks through the doors of River & Root, they're often carrying more than a diaper bag. They're carrying the weight of their day, the nap schedules, the snacks, the transitions, and the hope that this morning's outing might include a few minutes of adult conversation and connection.

And that's where you come in.

As a Community Experience Guide, you are one of the first people families meet when they arrive at River & Root. You're the smiling face that greets families by name and helps them feel at home. You remember the toddler who is about to take their first steps and check in on their progress. You connect the family that just moved to Cherry Hill with another family who lives there too. You notice a little one who loves playing our campfire banjos and suggest an upcoming music class.

You make it your mission to connect those dots, introduce families to one another, and help bring the River & Root experience to life.

A key part of this role is leading our Community Gathering Circle during open play sessions. This is a short, simple moment during each play block where families are invited to gather, introduce themselves, share where they're from, and connect with the people around them. Whether there are three families in the room or ten, we're looking for someone who feels comfortable warmly leading a group, speaking in front of parents and children, and creating a welcoming moment of connection.

As play unfolds, you're both the gentle guide and the quiet keeper of calm. You notice when a toy needs a quick wipe, when a shelf could use a reset, when a child might need a new invitation to play, or when a parent might appreciate a friendly check-in. You help keep our space clean, beautiful, and thoughtfully prepared so every family experiences River & Root at its best.

During smaller or quieter play sessions, you'll help support the behind-the-scenes work that keeps River & Root feeling thoughtful, organized, and ready for families. This may include preparing event materials, setting up classes, refreshing play areas, organizing supplies, supporting sensory activities, tidying shared spaces, assisting with light cleaning, and helping with other day-to-day needs as they arise. We're looking for someone who is flexible, proactive, and energized by a role where each day may look a little different.

For applicants with weekend availability, Community Experience Guides may also help with some of the biggest moments our families celebrate here: birthdays. You may help set up and break down parties, assist with food and drinks, support children during simple activities, keep the space running smoothly, and help parents enjoy a stress-free celebration. We want River & Root to be a go-to spot for these special milestones, and our team plays a big part in making those days feel joyful, easy, and memorable.

River & Root is more than a play space. It's a community gathering place where little ones grow and families take root. You'll help ensure each family feels that sense of belonging from the moment they walk through the door and that every family leaves our space having felt welcomed, supported, and connected.

Who You Are

• You're warm, outgoing, and genuinely enjoy getting to know people.
• You have an eye for beauty, order, and detail, and you believe that tidy, thoughtfully prepared spaces help little minds flourish.
• You feel comfortable speaking in front of a group and can confidently gather families for a short community circle, even if the room is busy, quiet, or full of toddlers doing toddler things.
• You enjoy children and you're willing to sit and read a story with them occasionally, engage in pretend play, and help create a joyful environment for families.
• You're energized by connection and love helping others find it too.
• You're proactive and notice what needs to be done without always waiting to be asked.
• You're flexible and willing to jump into different kinds of tasks, from greeting families and leading circle time to wiping toys, prepping activities, setting up classes, organizing supplies, or helping at events.
• You might be a stay-at-home parent with flexible kid-free time, a retired teacher or educator, a parent with newfound availability now that your children are off to school, a college student studying education or child development, or simply someone who is inspired by our mission and wants to be part of it.
• Bonus points if you're curious about Montessori philosophy, child development, early childhood education, music, art, nature-based play, or community building, but passion, confidence, warmth, and heart matter most.

Details

• Hours: We're looking for our staff to commit to a minimum of 8-10 hours per week. Additional hours may be available depending on availability, experience, and business needs. Weekday and weekend shifts may be available, and we encourage you to apply even if your availability is limited to certain days. We're building our team schedule around the right people.
• Compensation: Starting at $20/hour, with opportunities to grow to $25/hour based on experience, responsibilities, and time in the role.
• Start Date: We're looking for candidates who can begin training immediately and start ASAP.
• Applications Due: Applications are due by Friday, May 22, 2026. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis as applications are submitted, so the sooner you apply, the better.
• Perks: Complimentary open play passes for your children, opportunities to grow with our team, and a fun, connected work culture with team meetings and outings.
• Location: River & Root, 600 Clements Bridge Road, Barrington, NJ.

• Additional Requirements: All candidates will be required to complete a background check prior to employment, as this role involves working closely with young children and families.