STEM Instructor

The Science Adventure School is a 4-day, 3-night outdoor science program that is serving 6th grade students in West Virginia. Our goal is to integrate high quality, engaging, adventure sports-driven science and environmental curriculum with experiential education and student development. The STEM Instructors will play a crucial role in meeting that goal by delivering “Science Behind the Sport” educational lessons that relate fundamental principles of STEM to adventure sports.

Responsibilities and Duties:

STEM Instructors will be expected to:

• Deliver Science Behind the Sport educational curriculum and hands-on activities, placing special emphasis on the practical application of STEM
• Manage classroom procedures and student behavior to establish an environment of group learning
• Instruct groups of up to 16 sixth grade students, plus two field staff and a teacher chaperone
• Engage students in a variety of outdoor adventures, which may include climbing, cycling, archery, zip lining, and paddling. STEM Instructors monitor student safety, coach and encourage students, and in some cases, help other staff run these activities (all relevant training will be provided).
• Be responsible for organization and maintenance of science displays, demos, and activity aids
• Manage time, risk, and travel around the site
• Maintain a positive attitude, willingness to take initiative, and professional language, appearance, and behavior
• Collaborate with Outdoor Education Guides, helping to orient students and facilitate teambuilding activities
• Assist field staff and teachers with other camp duties as needed, to ensure success of the program as a whole

Minimum Qualifications and Requirements:

The applicant must, at a minimum, have the following experience/qualifications:

• Post-secondary education and/or equivalent contemporary knowledge in STEM
• Ability to pass a federal background check
• Friendly personality with the ability to connect and communicate effectively with youth
• Be comfortable living and working in an outdoor setting that requires moderate physical activity
• Excellent organizational skills and effective problem-solving skills
• Passion for science, education, and creative thinking

Preferred Qualifications:

The following qualifications are preferred, but are not mandatory:

• Prior experience working with youth (ages 10-14)
• Experience/familiarity with rock climbing, archery, cycling, zip lining, paddling, and other outdoor activities
• Knowledge of modern teaching strategies and techniques

Time Commitment:

The Science Adventure School will begin staff training on August 7th. We expect that you will be available to work with us through and including November 8th with minimal time off throughout those twelve weeks, except for a mandatory week off near the middle of the programming season. Staff will be expected to work Monday-Friday with weekends off. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday will be “on-duty” nights where staff are expected to remain on-site at camp to assist with evening programming. Although sufficient breaks will be scheduled throughout the week, expect to be working long days with students Tuesday morning through Friday afternoon. Hours vary, but while students are on-site, days frequently start around 7:00AM and end around 10:00PM.

How to apply:

If you are interested in working for SAS, you can fill out our application form on our website: https://scienceadventureschool.wvu.edu/get-involved/jobs/stem-instructor