Outdoor Education Instructor

Outdoor Education Program Instructors lead groups of up to 13 students through hands-on science curriculum, team building challenges, leadership development, and social-emotional learning experiences. This role blends teaching, facilitation, and outdoor leadership and requires creativity, adaptability, and a love for working with students in the outdoors.

Beyond instruction, Instructors play an essential role in programming by supporting meals, evening programs, and campus operations. Work is completed both independently and collaboratively with supervisors and fellow staff, with opportunities to grow as an educator, outdoor leader, and member of a close-knit community.

Key Responsibilities:

Student Supervision & Program Delivery

• Independently manage and teach a group of up to 13 2nd–12th grade students
• Fill out lesson plans and deliver appropriate environmental science curricula
• Facilitate team building, leadership, and social-emotional learning activities
• Create and maintain an inclusive learning environment for students with diverse backgrounds and learning abilities
• Manage student safety by following all health, safety, and risk management procedures

Program Operations & Logistics

• Run evening programs, meal set-up and clean-up, campus cleaning, and on-call responsibilities
• Participate in staff meetings and trainings as assigned
• Run camping-based programs in at State or National Parks
   

Skills

• Interest in, respect for, and ability to work with students from diverse backgrounds
• Adaptability, creativity, and flexibility while managing children in dynamic environments
• Practiced behavior management of grades 2nd-12th
• Strong work ethic and motivation to contribute positively to the KSS community
• Commitment to upholding all KSS policies and procedures
• Ability to learn how to use Google Suite and Slack
• Interest in honing communication around delivering and receiving feedback
• Preferred: teach science and teambuilders in both Spanish and English

Education, Experience and Certifications

• Minimum of 2 months experience of full-time, or equivalent, working with youth, preferably in an outdoor setting
• Current Wilderness First Aid (WFA) and CPR certifications; WFR preferred
• Must be 20 years of age or older with a minimum of 4 years driving experience, a valid driver’s license, and an excellent driving record
• Ability to pass a comprehensive background check
• Preferred: Bachelor’s degree / Associate’s degree / 6 months of college-equivalent coursework
• Preferred: Experience facilitating overnight camping trips

Physical Requirements

• Able to work a majority of the time outside at high altitude in varying conditions including uneven and slick terrain and unpredictable weather and situations
• Physically able to assist participants with recreation equipment during activities
• Able to lift a minimum of 75 lbs. with assistance
• Dexterity, auditory and visual acuity to operate computers and phones or mobile devices
• Auditory and visual acuity to interact with teachers, chaperones, students, and other clients on a daily basis

Work Schedule and Environment

This is a full-time, seasonal position requiring a flexible schedule including early mornings, evenings, and some weekends. Typical work hours are approximately 40-45 hours per week, where Lead Instructors work either 8:30am–5:30pm or a split shift from 7:30 am–11:30 am and 4:30 pm–9:00pm. For specific programs that don’t have chaperone attendance, staff will stay overnight in the dorms with students.