Outdoor Education Instructor

ABOUT BATTLE CREEK OUTDOOR EDUCATION CENTER

The Outdoor Education Center (OEC), commonly called 'Clear Lake Camp', is a division of the Battle Creek Public School System (BCPS). We are located on Clear Lake in Dowling, Michigan.

As the oldest school camp in the nation, we have been offering programs to supplement school curriculum for over 60 years. We currently offer overnight and day programs to schools located across southern Michigan. In addition, we host various rental groups throughout the year.
 

INSTRUCTOR POSITION

Instructors at the OEC serve an essential role in the camp experience for visiting students. Instructors are responsible for providing an engaging, positive experience in the environmental-based learning of students. Instructors oversee groups of students during the day by leading activities, overnight while supervising groups in the dorms, and are involved with the day to day care of OEC resources, such as animal ambassadors, adventure courses, land, and trails. This is a seasonal position that mostly operates in the spring and the fall, with some work opportunities offered in the summer and winter. The Spring 2026 season will begin on March 23, 2026.
 

RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS

• Lead student groups in experiential learning activities in an outdoor setting.
• Teach classes with a science, adventure, and outdoor pursuits focus, includes programs such as Pond Exploration, Canoeing, and Wilderness Survival. Be able to teach programs independently as well as teach with co-instructors.
• Participate in daily meals with students depending on which shift you are working.
• Work with classroom teachers to meet class goals within program framework.
• Provide responsible leadership for student campers.
• Handle and help care for the OEC animals; snakes, frogs, fish, and raptors.
• Upkeep classrooms, equipment, and program areas.
• Attend all staff meetings and training sessions.
• Adhere to all camp policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

• At least 18 years old.
• Current certifications in CPR and First Aid
• Prior experience working with children
• Demonstrated ability to work with co-workers in a team setting.
• Provide overnight supervision of students on a rotating basis.
• Required to work up to 10 hours a day.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including split shift.
• A willingness to be coached and open to performance feedback.
• Ability to work outside in all weather conditions; rain, snow, cold, heat, etc.
• Pass background check, drug screen, and central registry clearance (at own expense).
• Will be employed by EDUStaff; our contract hiring agency.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Natural Science, or related degree.
• At least 21 years of age.
• Certifications in Wilderness First Aid, Wilderness First Responder and/or Lifeguard certification.
• Experience with urban students.
• Experience supervising students overnight.
• Prior experience in residential/environmental education.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Programs are run in all weather conditions, instructors need to be able to work outdoors for long hours in cold, heat, rain, snow, and other weather that arises. Instructors will also need to be able to stand for hours and be able to hike up to 5 miles. Should be able to lift or move up to 25 pounds.