Job Summary:
Outdoor Learning Center Instructors are responsible for the care and management of groups while delivering high-quality outdoor programming. They are expected to create a positive atmosphere while establishing opportunities for experiential learning and authentic growth for students and clients. As we consider the outdoors to be a classroom, the instructors are expected to take on a teacher mentality while providing team building and personal development programing, outdoor adventure and guiding, and science and environmental education classes among other programing. As a lead for the Nature Program, the staff is also tasked with the additional work involved in being the lead educator for our nature classes and the cleaning and care of all program supplies for our nature classes. The Nature Program Lead will also be responsible for the care and well-being of all the animals in our nature center which includes but is not limited to turtles, snakes, lizards, rodents, birds, etc. Tasks involving animal care will include maintaining healthy level of food and water in tanks, maintaining healthy temperatures in enclosures, cleaning enclosures and tanks, monitoring health and attending vet visits. The Lead Instructor will also be responsible for basic maintenance and tidying up of the Nature Center and surrounding areas to prepare it for use by groups. Other projects in and around the nature center will be assigned by the OLC Director as well. This position reports directly to the OLC Director and the Associate OLC Director.
Minimum Qualifications:
- 1 year outdoor recreation experience or camp counselor preferred
- 1 year experience in Animal Science, Biology, Ecology or environmental education preferred
- Experience working with children preferred
- Must have completed or be in the process of completing an undergraduate degree (or have commensurate work experience)
- Must have the status to work legally in the United States
- Good driving record and ability to drive a 15-passenger van (training provided)
- Must hold current First Aid and CPR certifications
- Must have experience or comfort with outdoor education, recreation activity, and adventure skills (camping, climbing, paddling, hiking, etc.)
- Documented experience teaching/ working with children with priority given to those who led in an outdoor adventure or environmental education environment
- Must deliver a clean Virginia criminal background check
- Availability for the entirety of a season (Mid-March through mid-June or Mid-March- Mid November) with summer options available
- Must be able to: lift 50 pounds, be continually physically active for up to 8 hours a day, and work outdoors in inclement weather
- Must possess excellent communication and group management skills, and ability to teach
- Desire and willingness to work in a natural camp setting in a variety of weather conditions
- Ability to work irregular hours
- Strong listening skills, detail-oriented, and the ability to multi-task
- Able to maturely play the role of educator and entertainer
Job Duties and Responsibilities:
- Leads activities in caving, canoeing, archery, field games, environmental classes and evening programming; prepares and facilitates on high and low rope courses; inspects equipment throughout use to ensure it meets safety standards
- Supports user groups in all aspects; helps user groups establish and achieve goals for their experience; promotes a safe environment where individuals will feel comfortable challenging themselves; recognizes and responds to opportunities for problem solving with the group; identifies user group needs; helps user group members recognize their potential
- Responsible for keeping user groups on schedule; instructs user groups on proper attire for each day’s activities; monitors behaviors and uses appropriate methods to adjust undesirable behaviors
- Maintains safety at all times; instructs user groups on camp policies and the details of emergency procedures; carries out established role for enforcing camp safety regulations and the supervision of user group health and safety; maintains safety as a primary focus in all activities
- New construction projects as outlined by the Maintenance Manager
- Performs other miscellaneous duties as assigned
- Responsible for basic maintenance and cleanliness of the Nature Center, animal enclosures, and surrounding area to meet the needs of the Outdoor Learning Center (OLC) and Camp Horizons (CH)
- Responsible for the care and well-being of all animals in the nature center including maintaining healthy temperatures and levels of food and water in tanks, cleaning enclosures and tanks, monitoring health, and attending vet visits
- Learn and teach all 1.5 hour Nature Classes to all scheduled programs as assigned by the OLC Director
- Complete other projects in the Nature Center as assigned by the OLC Director
Terms and Compensation:
The spring OLC season is mid-March through early June. The fall season is mid-August through mid-November. Program Instructors should be available for work 5-6 days a week. Base pay is $80/day, with a $5.00 increment added for each previous season of employment at Horizons (OLC or Camp), and with each relevant and current national certification.* The maximum daily base rate is $105/day.
In the event of program changes, cancellations, or open days during the operating season, Program Instructors may be assigned tasks in facility or equipment maintenance, customer service, hospitality, clerical, or program development.
Training:
All Program Instructors participate in mandatory paid training at the start of each season, with food and lodging provided. During the operating season, meals and group gear are provided to Program Instructors when on program with clients.
Housing:
Employees seeking short-term or long-term housing during a season must sign the Employee Housing Agreement in addition to this Employment Agreement and abide by all policies stated within.
