Summer Residential Programs Instructor

ABOUT MOSS: MOSS K12 Programs use the outdoor environment as an integrative context for learning. We encourage a hands-on approach to scientific thinking highlighting the relationships between biological, physical, and social systems. Programs focus on building community skills, fostering a sense of place, and developing scientific literacy. Students practice science through hands-on exploration and experimentation, guided and student-directed inquiries, and the opportunity to apply these skills and knowledge to real problems and situations. Summer programs at MOSS are collaboratively developed with visiting groups and are inherently diverse in content, student demographics, and goals and intended outcomes. For example, we will host a program for D/deaf and hard of hearing youth one week, while the next may be a bridge environmental science course for first-generation college students. Please contact us for more specific information about Summer Residential programs or visit https://www.uidaho.edu/cnr/mccall-field-campus/programs-and-services/moss to learn more about MOSS in general.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

80% Assist in delivering MOSS Residential and Outreach Programs by:

• Collaboratively and designing and facilitating student-centered, inclusive, and equitable outdoor science programs and lessons for elementary, middle, and high school students
• Collaboratively and designing and facilitating field experiences that focus on building community skills, a sense of place, and science literacy through exploration and various modes of discussion, rather than sharing “facts” about the environment.
• Facilitating one-day to week-long field experiences for students ages 5-17 (depending on the program) using techniques that present multiple perspectives and ways of knowing, are culturally relevant, and are differentiated according to student needs.
• Managing physical and emotional risk for K12 students in an un-regulated outdoor environment 
• Delivering pre-planned 90-minute Evening Programs (6:30-8pm) to groups of 20-80 students at least once per week.

20% Contribute to Team effort by:

• Participating in planning meetings and debriefs with a willingness to learn from mistakes, address interpersonal conflicts, and improve instruction.
• Participating in Community Care tasks such as tidying classroom spaces for other instructors to use and caring for program equipment.
• Assisting with other programming needs (e.g., maintenance of program equipment, facilities, or food service help) as needed
• Variety of tasks as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent education, training, or experience in environmental science, education, or relevant field
• At least one year of relevant experience facilitating outdoor science or similar programming for K12 students with a focus on exploration and discussion as ways to make meaning from observations.
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering equitable and inclusive communities in facilitation of student groups and in the workplace.
• Willingness to promote a work environment focused on learning while also attending to the needs of students and other McCall Field Campus guests (balance of learning and customer service).
• Willingness to contribute to MOSS Community through participating in shared community chores.
• Willingness to carry out oral and written instructions of direct supervisor.
• Current Wilderness First Aid or ability to obtain certification prior to starting work.
• Ability to follow MOSS risk management practices and protocols and independently address concerns and needs in residential and commercial environments.
• Ability to work variable hours (day and evening) as needed.
• Ability to pass a federal background check and adhere to UI Protecting Minors best practices.
• Must be able to move on packed dirt and paved trails up to 7 miles per day and 100 ft of elevation gain. 
• Must be able to move 20lbs of equipment up to 7 miles per day.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• Spanish and/or American Sign Language fluency.
• Experience implementing the McCall Outdoor Science School education philosophy, outdoor leadership and environmental education curriculum and practices.
• Experience with: the general public/public setting, working in a service related industry, managing small crews, project planning and assessment, working in a university/academic environment.
• Demonstrated dependability: commitment to teamwork, effective communication and using effective human relations skills.

TO APPLY: Submit a resume and brief letter of interest to Beth Kochevar at ekochevar@uidaho.edu