Field Education Instructor

Participants are most typically in grades 5-8, but do range from younger elementary age to older adult learners. Instructors lead groups of 7-13 participants often with a co-educator and facilitate exploration of the local ecosystem through field research projects, BEETLES style inquiry-based learning and stewardship projects. Instructors also support and promote social emotional growth through teamwork, communication and leadership activities including utilization of our Challenge Course high and low elements. During the winter season (Jan-April) instructors will facilitate lessons on cross country skis and snowshoes. During the summer, instructors will lead participants on day hikes, short canoe experiences, and facilitate camping overnight trips, primarily front country, with occasional backcountry trips. Programs are typically 3-7 days and include evening work as well as non-traditional days off. Programs are based out of one of our three campuses (Jackson Campus, Kelly Campus, & Historic Murie Ranch) and our classrooms are the trails, forests, and streams of Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks and the Bridger-Teton National Forest. 

Responsibilities:

• Establish and manage a positive culture in each participant group that is a safe and respectful learning environment.
• Manage participants’ physical and emotional safety/risk; respond to emergencies as they arise according to TSS policies and support structures.
• Learn about the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and incorporate content into lessons.
• Develop and implement thematic, place-based, hands-on field science curriculum and evening programs for multi-day, outdoor learning experiences.
• Collaborate with co-instructors and support peer mentoring through co-teaching, goal setting, joint lesson planning, and communicating feedback.
• Support daily operations of Field Education by facilitating mealtimes and organizing student cleanup after meals, as well as cleaning and maintaining residential lodges, teaching spaces, dining lodge, equipment, and supplies.
• Safely drive 15-passenger vans or minibuses with trailers.
• Take care of yourself to stay motivated and successful through a long and busy teaching year.
   

Qualifications:

• One season or more of place based teaching experience in the outdoors through a combination of field work and professional experience or course work.
• Experience managing risk, traveling, and/or teaching in the outdoors.
• Strong interpersonal skills working with kids and adults; ability to be friendly, patient, fair, and communicate clearly.
• Desire to work as a collaborative team member and co-instructor; ability to give and receive feedback.

• Ability to remain flexible, creative, and adaptable to environmental conditions, teachable moments, and the needs and interests of participants.
• Desire to contribute to a safe, inclusive workplace and cultivate a sense of belonging for all.
• Ability to spend full days outdoors carrying a backpack in variable weather
• Valid Wilderness First Responder certification.
• Valid Driver's License.
• Minimum of 21 years of age.
• Successful applicants must pass a criminal history background check and driving record review prior to start date.