Sly Park Outdoor Science Teacher

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

 Sly Park is a 24-hour a day residential environmental school located in the El Dorado National Forest at an elevation of 3500 feet. Hours vary to meet program needs and include evening work sessions. The physical environment includes cabin dwellings, activity rooms, cafeteria, offices, mountainous terrain and bodies of water. The physical demands include standing, walking and climbing on uneven terrain for an extended period of time and working outdoors in varying degrees of temperature and weather conditions. The majority of the students served by the program are in fifth and sixth grades, however, the program may serve students in other grades. 

DIRECTLY RESPONSIBLE TO 

Appropriate administrator 

SUPERVISION OVER 

None 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

(Any one position may not include all of the listed duties, nor do all of the listed examples include all tasks which may be found in positions within this classification.) 

Assists in continuing development and evaluation of program curriculum; plans and delivers instruction using appropriate California State Standards; leads study trail hikes with student groups over uneven terrain in all weather conditions; plans and conducts evening programs (videos, films, games, music, talks, etc.); provides direction and support for visiting educators; assists in maintaining a safe and secure facility and the health and safety of students engaged in the activities of the outdoor education program; communicates with personnel, administrators, visiting teachers, faculty, cabin leaders, students and others to exchange information and resolve issues or concerns; performs adjunct duties as assigned. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

Education, Training, and Experience 

Possession of a valid California Single Subject or Multiple Subject teaching credential authorizing instruction in introductory sciences; major or minor preferred in Biology, Geoscience, Environmental Education, Natural Resources, Wildlife Management, Forestry or other related field; residential outdoor education experience desired. 

Knowledge of

Growth and development characteristics for pre-adolescent children; effective instructional strategies including direct instruction, inquiry, inductive teaching, and cooperative learning; concepts of ecological principles including the sciences of biology, geology and astronomy; techniques of conflict resolution; standards of risk management in an outdoor environment including trail and water safety; first aid and emergency response. 

Skill and Ability to

Establish clear learning goals for all students and engage students in the achievement of those goals; utilize effective teaching strategies; evaluate and revise instructional practices and programs to meet student needs; promote and develop student's desire to learn; provide learning opportunities which encourage and support student engagement in desirable ecological practice; learn and incorporate into instruction all available resources, such as climbing wall, global positioning system, planetarium, observatory, etc.; provide effective leadership to students; lead daily hikes up to six miles in length which include extensive standing, walking and climbing on uneven terrain outdoors in all weather conditions at 3500 feet elevation; secure and maintain first- aid certification; provide a safe learning environment, administer first-aid and respond to emergency situations at the school site, on the trail and near bodies of water; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establish, maintain and foster positive working relationships and interact cooperatively and effectively with those contacted in the course of work. 

Other Characteristics 

Physical capability to perform functions of the job; willingness to work flexible hours and some evenings.