Residential Outdoor Science Instructor

~ Sierra Nevada Journeys is built on a simple premise: Science education is a necessity, and nature's classroom is a great place to teach it. ~

Our mission is to deliver innovative outdoor, science-based education programs for youth to develop critical thinking skills and to inspire natural resource stewardship. To achieve our mission, Sierra Nevada Journeys offers a range of programs in northern California and Nevada:

• Our credentialed science teachers deliver innovative curriculum for 1st-6th graders, teaching in the classroom and leading 1-day field science expeditions in the Reno and Sacramento areas
• We host students and teachers for residential outdoor science learning programs at our 200-bed, modern outdoor science Grizzly Creek Ranch Campus
• We train teachers on engaging STEM lessons and outdoor learning for their classrooms
• We engage families to reinforce classroom concepts through our Family Science/STEM Nights
• We use weekends and summers to expand our reach beyond schools, working within our community to deliver campus-based summer camps, special needs camps, leadership development camps, and conference/meeting/team building programs

Position Overview

Dates: February 26 to Mid-November

This is a multi-season position. During the fall and spring seasons, instructors deliver residential,1-5 day Outdoor Science educational programs primarily serving 5th and 6th grades from regional elementary schools. All of our lessons are hands-on science and collaborative problem solving based with a focus on critical thinking, science, and environmental stewardship. Instructors are responsible for leading and educating a group of 12 – 15 students throughout the week, including facilitating large group activities, leading meals and night programs.

During the summer season, Sierra Nevada Journeys delivers both traditional summer camp programs and tailored programs for special needs and leadership development groups. Sierra Nevada Journeys’ traditional, week-long summer camp programs are designed with an educational and experiential focus for our resident campers. Instructors supervise the campers overnight, as well as facilitate activities such as archery, swimming, kayaking, campfires and skits.

For leadership development groups, instructors will use Sierra Nevada Journeys’ challenge course to facilitate leadership experiences and develop collaborative problem solving skills. Instructors also assist our special needs organizations by adapting traditional camp activities to provide an enriching experience for their campers. Many of our community partners also bring participants to campus on the weekends in the fall and spring and instructors work with them to meet their program goals.

Instructors will be directly responsible for ensuring that attending schools’ and campers’ educational outcomes are met. Instructors are supervised by the Program Coordinators. Join a staff that is committed to constantly improving our outstanding outdoor education programs!

Responsibilities

• Facilitate high quality, standards based outdoor education programs (day and evening)
• Facilitate the challenge course to achieve collaborative problem solving goals
• Be proficient in all outdoor school curriculum and teaching methods
• Attend trainings delivered by the Program Director and Professional Development team
• Deliver and organize student assessments and related paperwork
• Be able to deliver programs effectively while working with chaperones, teachers, community group staff members, and other instructors as needed
• Provide overnight supervision to Sierra Nevada Journeys resident campers
• Lead meals and sing camp songs before meals
• Work Support Staff duties when assigned, including but not limited to: creating personalized science notebooks for schools, working on campus projects, revamping curriculum, etc.
• Act as overnight on call staff/evening supervisor as needed
• Clear cabins, inventory program supplies, and participate in debriefs after each program
• Support campus operations as assigned (maintenance, food service and housekeeping)
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Minimum 21-years-old
• A passion for working with students and making a difference through education
• Ability to work irregular hours and days/nights in order to meet group needs
• Bachelor’s Degree in related field or relevant work experience
• Experience teaching and leading outdoor environmental education programs and/or classroom instruction
• The ability to take initiative, work independently and have a positive “can do” attitude
• Ability to live and work positively with other staff members
• Comfortable being 50 feet off the ground on challenge course high elements
• Ability to pass background check
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds and hike up to seven miles
• Current CPR and First Aid certification
• Willingness to obtain lifeguard certification (course conducted by Sierra Nevada Journeys)

Compensation: Salary $72 to $85 per/day DOE (Room & Board provided)