Instructor of Outdoor School

POSITION SUMMARY

We are hiring 14 lead instructors ranging to work Outdoor School programs March-June between 36-40 hours per week. Lead instructors will have priority consideration for continued employment during Whole Earth Summer Camps (June-August) based on availability and performance. Instructors will lead groups of students and may have the option to stay overnight. Lead instructors will receive curriculum and skills training to fulfill all of their job responsibilities.

LEAD INSTRUCTOR JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead activities, teach curriculum, and manage groups of students with support from volunteers and program leaders. 
• Facilitate culturally-responsive lessons that encourage student voice and choice, curiosity, observation, cooperation, and nature connection.
• Use equitable approaches to engage all students in land-based learning, including youth who are: BIPOC, LGBTQ+, Neurodivergent or English Language Learners; and/or who have behavioral needs.
• Encourage and support students to participate in discussions, activities, stories, games and/or songs.
• Treat participants with kindness and respect while consistently maintaining group agreements.
• Clean the site weekly, organize materials, and assist set up and break down of the dining hall. 
• Use trauma-informed group management strategies to support student needs.
• Ensure safety of all participants at all times and maintain participant confidentiality. 
• Provide support and mentorship to volunteers or assistant instructors to ensure all group needs are met.
• Communicate with program leaders about challenges during programs such as hazards or conflicts.
• Respect and preserve land and facilities for current and future users.

• Adhering to organizational, site, and camp policies at all times. 

Note to potential applicants: Research shows that BIPOC folks, trans and non-binary folks, and women are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe that they meet every qualification listed in a job description. Your skills, experience, and education can come from personal interests, self-directed learning, community roles, and life experiences. We strongly encourage you to apply if you are interested in the position, even if you do not believe that you meet all of the qualifications.

REQUIRED SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

• Interest in youth development and outdoor programming.
• Ability to work with a partner instructor to deliver outdoor education lessons, games and activities, using resources and training.
• Ability and/or experience managing small and large groups, facilitating songs, activities, games, storytelling, wilderness skills, and more.
• Ability to compassionately lead diverse groups of fifth- and sixth-grade students outdoors, meeting students where they are at with sensitivity to students’ life experiences and needs.
• Commitment to creating an inclusive environment for all students, especially students who have been excluded in outdoor education like students with disabilities, BIPOC students, and LGBTQ+ youth.
• Commitment to creating a clean and safe learning environment including site cleaning duties and assessing risks.

OTHER DESIRED SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS (NOT REQUIRED)

• Prior experience working with youth, particularly outdoors.
• Skills or knowledge in ecology, culture, conservation, wilderness skills (fire, journaling, navigation, shelter, archery), music, crafting, teambuilding, or storytelling
• Proficiency or fluency in Spanish.
• Experience or education in childhood development, particularly equity-centered and trauma-informed.
• Must have access to reliable transportation to and from the site, which may include carpooling with other instructors.

POSITION DETAILS

Job Title: Lead Instructor, Outdoor School

To apply: Complete this online form https://bit.ly/3Jd5Tr0 by January 8th for our priority deadline. Applications are accepted after this date on a rolling basis. 

Hiring timeline & process: Whole Earth references equitable hiring practices. Most or all instructor applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and schedule requirements will be interviewed. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis with a priority deadline of January 8th. Remote and outdoor/in-person group interviews are anticipated to be in January for our priority deadline.