Outdoor School Instructor

WHO ARE WE?

Siskiyou Field Institute is where people come to learn about and explore the amazing Klamath-Siskiyou bioregion, a land of steep mountains, wild rivers and unusual diversity of species and habitats. SFI is a conduit for scientists and naturalists to share their passion and knowledge with the public each year through adult field courses and youth education programs. We also host researchers and other academic groups during the field season. Our location allows all students, scholars, and guests immediate access to the world-famous serpentinite and old-growth forests of the Klamath-Siskiyous. SFI is headquartered on the 850-acre Deer Creek Center where the Institute’s administrative offices as well as its educational, lodging and event facilities are housed. SFI’s mission is to increase the understanding of, and connection to, the Klamath-Siskiyou ecoregion through education, scientific research and public engagement.

WHO ARE YOU?

You are someone who is passionate about exploring nature, teaching students, or both! You have experience with outdoor science education and program facilitation, and are looking to grow as an environmental educator. Most importantly, you are excited to get paid to play outside!

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Youth Education Program (YEP) Instructor is our in-the-field educator directly responsible for the learning, safety, and fun of our Outdoor School students and summer camp participants. This position is seasonal and runs May through the end of June.

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

• Facilitate high quality, NGSS-based outdoor education programs (day and evening)

• Run challenge course activities ensuring participant safety

• Act as overnight on call staff/evening supervisor as needed

• Deliver programs effectively while working with chaperones, teachers, community groups, staff members, and other instructors as needed

• Attend trainings delivered by the Youth Education Programs Manager 

• Deliver and organize student assessments and related paperwork

• Clean yurts, break down tents, inventory program supplies, and participate in debriefs after each program

• Work Support Staff duties when assigned, including but not limited to: creating personalized science notebooks for schools, revamping curriculum, office projects, etc.

• Help with meal preparation, and other duties as assigned

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• A passion for working with young people and making a difference through education and nature connection

• Bachelor’s Degree in related field OR relevant work experience

• Experience facilitating outdoor environmental education programs and/or classroom teaching experience

• The ability to take initiative, work independently and maintain a positive and flexible attitude

• Ability to maintain professional demeanor with other staff members

• Ability to work irregular hours and days/nights in order to meet group needs

• Ability to pass background check

• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds and hike up to five miles a day

• Must provide and maintain own transportation, a valid driver’s license, and meet minimum insurance requirements.  (Work-related mileage will be reimbursed at 65% of the federal rate.) 

• Current First Aid and CPR certification or willingness to obtain. Wilderness First Aid/Responder highly desirable

• Willingness to obtain food handler’s license

DESIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES:

• Strong desire to understand science of our region and communicate it in a fun way; strong interest in natural history

• Works well with others as a member of a team as well as independently; highly motivated to succeed and to ensure program success.  Resourceful and creative in accomplishing goals  

• Excellent written and oral communications skills and ability to convey complex information to a variety of audiences; public speaking experience

• Awareness of, and sensitivity to, how to craft language and curriculum material to be accessible to students of all ability levels, native languages, and backgrounds

• Strong organizational and logistical skills, with an attention to detail

• Ability to multi-task and stick to deadlines in a busy office and outdoor environment 

• Able to craft engaging experiences for the students and keep them active while learning; experience with writing/editing/customizing curriculum to meet state and national education standards

• We especially encourage members of marginalized communities or from those who have historically lacked access to outdoors and environmental education to apply

• Proficiency with computer programs (GoogleSuite, MS Word, Excel)

• Positive and capable outlook in both calm and challenging situations