Outdoor Program Instructor

OUR MISSION: Oregon Episcopal School educates students to realize their power for good as engaged citizens of the world.

ABOUT US: Founded in 1869, Oregon Episcopal School today occupies a wooded 59-acre campus where 880 students in Pre-K through 12th Grade share an excellent faculty, an inquiry-based curriculum, and a strong sense of community. The Upper School also includes a small boarding program of international and domestic students who live and learn together, enhancing the vibrancy of the school community.

OES seeks and values employees who continually grow in their work practices. Teaching faculty engage in the Characteristics of Effective Teaching for their ongoing learning in service of students. All other employees engage in professional growth specific to their responsibilities. Together, faculty and staff create a vibrant and diverse community of lifelong learners.

As an Episcopal school, we are rooted in a rhythm of gathering and reflection that values and respects all beliefs and cultures. As such, we educate toward a larger purpose – toward inclusion and respect, service and justice, and commitment beyond ourselves.

JOB SUMMARY: The OES Outdoor Program Instructor position works part time at OES throughout the year to work on and off campus to support and lead trips and Experiential Education Programs for Lower, Middle, and Upper School at Oregon Episcopal School. The work on campus could include leading lessons outside in the woods and wetlands, leading and supervising rock wall programs, assisting with programs out on OES challenge course, and delivering preparation and training lessons for trips inside and outside. The work off campus could include supervising students in cabins or hotel rooms while on a class trip, in tents while on a grade level camping trip, or out in the wilderness while on a river or backpacking trip with Upper School students. The ability to account for the whereabouts of students at all times is essential. Working and collaborating with salaried teachers on these experiences is common. Building cohesion with students, and developing an appreciation of stepping out of individual comfort zones, taking care of others and understanding how to respect the environments in which we travel to and visit are cornerstone responsibilities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES: 

• Report to campus at the agreed time, and contact Experiential Education Director or Assistant Exp. Ed. Director if there is any delay.
• Carry out lessons, regular routines, and supervision duties according to the Experiential Education Director or Assistant Exp. Ed. Director, and school policies around, on and off campus programming.
• Provide a written or verbal reflection at the end of the experience to communicate with the Experiential Education Director or Assistant Exp. Ed. Director about the positives, near misses, and negative outcomes of these experiences.
• Account for the whereabouts of all participants throughout the entire experience.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• BA or equivalent in education or related field
• Experience leading students in the outdoor locales in which the experience is to happen
• Intercultural competency, ability to engage appropriately with a diverse community and to teach diverse groups of students effectively, demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusion
• Digital literacy; intermediate MS Office suite, Google Docs/Drive, and other web-based applications, video conferencing, and other applications as appropriate to job duties, ability to adapt as digital tools evolve and change

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Experience with teaching students outdoor education or a related field
• Experience leading students in the locales in which the experience is to happen
• Wilderness First Responder Certification

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• A passion for teaching, ability to maintain a warm, productive teaching environment
• Interpersonal skills, ability to maintain collegial relations with students, parents, and colleagues
• Some knowledge of educational technology, and openness to learning new applications
• Familiarity with long and varied daily and overnight programs
• Verbal and written communication skills, ability to manage confidential information in compliance with the law and best practice
• Ability to consistently apply principles of equity, inclusion, and anti-racism in day-to-day work and in the broader workplace community.
• Organizational skills, ability to work well on teams

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Primarily outdoor and classroom environments; ability to communicate clearly with students, parents, and groups of individuals
• Ability to move about the classroom and a variety of Pacific Northwest environments (Coast, Cascades, and High Desert), school, and the OES campus
• Mobility sufficient to ensure the safety of young children
• Ability to life and carry, with or without assistance, up to 20 pounds on an occasional basis

Contact Information