MESD Outdoor School Hiring for Outdoor School Educator at Portland, Oregon Full Time

At Outdoor School we believe that every individual is equal, valuable and welcome. We work to acknowledge and celebrate our differences, whatever they may be. Inclusion means everyone and together we will strengthen our skills to work and live with others that are alike and different from ourselves. At Outdoor School we are building a community where everyone is honored for exactly who they are. 

 Outdoor School is a 6th grade science program focused on Oregon’s youth becoming active and knowledgeable citizens, teaching the natural wonders and phenomena of Oregon in the out of doors. Outdoor School teaches students how nature works to empower students to become engaged scientists and citizens within their communities.  High school students provide mentorship and community development and are empowered to become teachers themselves, teaching hands-on immersive science in the field. Competent instructional staffs are employed to ensure a rich, 24-hour, living experience where, without interruption, sixth-grade students from the classroom to the outdoors where they can study those things best-studied outdoors; plants, animals, water and soil.  Staff is responsible for facilitating a fun, inclusive, safe and authentic experience for students. You act as a role model, mentor and community leader as they process and experience their week at Outdoor School. We are looking for dedicated, culturally sensitive, patient, student-centered team players.

 Desired Skills:

• Ability to work well with teams with diverse perspectives, values and identities
• Shares core values of program-Equity, Inclusion, Authentic Outdoor experiences for youth, care giving, education and teaching
• Dedicated to learning about our curriculum, learning objectives and student outcomes
• Differentiate and tailor to honor and value the various needs and backgrounds of students
• Understanding of the myriad of relationships youth may have with the outdoors and outdoor program based on class, race and gender
• Ability to take initiative and produce results
• Ability to accept feedback graciously and integrate it
• Dedication to communicate in an inclusive and collaborative manner.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision in a dynamic outdoor environment.
• Experience working with children, high school students and/or adolescents.
• High School Diploma or General Education Diploma

Additional Skills that are Valued

• Bilingual
• Experience with diverse communities
• Experience with students with special needs
• Diverse life experiences and knowledge

 ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:  

Implements the residential Outdoor School schedule and program. Lives on site during the Outdoor School program season.(Sun-Fri)  Participates fully in all aspects of the Outdoor School on-site program, including meals, meetings and events. Typical days are 12-15 hours in length.  Typical weeks run from Sunday to Friday. After prep week/week one, staff can expect one night off a week, as well as additional scheduled time off

• Supporting and leading teams of students and student leaders in duties, activities, and field studies.
• Responsive and sympathetic to students needs to set them up for success. Provides training, support, supervision and evaluations for student leaders.
• Recognize, mitigate and respond to hazards to ensure a healthy and safe program for all participants.
• Fulfills job expectations safely, thoroughly, and in compliance with MESD and program policies and procedures.
• Provides back-up support to other Outdoor School staff as needed.
• Assist in site set-up, weekly cleaning, and closing each session.
• Assist in the inventory, care, and maintenance of program supplies and equipment.
• Valid First Aid/CPR* (AED) Card, Bloodborne Pathogens*, Food handler’s Card, and MESD SafeSchools* Training by first day of employment.
• Performs other duties as assigned
• Ability to secure transportation to and from the Outdoor School site and equip self with appropriate personal gear to stay warm, safe and prepared to work in the Outdoor School environment. Raincoats and some gear is available to borrow.

*trainings provided by MESD during training week upon acceptance of position

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Employment is temporary and subject to school participation schedule. This position works in a residential, Outdoor School setting. This position includes being available 24 hours to the attendees and staff members. Employee works a six-day week and is typically on duty from 7:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m. The environment is rustic with potentially uneven hilly terrain, wooded trails, variable ambient light and weather conditions. The employee must carry out duties regardless of inclement weather, which can include heat, rain, snow, cold, and windy conditions.

This employee supervises groups of children in this environment, often kneeling and sitting on the ground to obtain a child-level view. This employee can be expected to carry odd objects, such as buckets of water, science equipment, saws, and teaching materials. Employee must be able to respond quickly to emergency events any place in the Outdoor School setting and be able to maneuver in outdoors, common areas, rustic buildings and sites.

This position is a first responder in a medical emergency. The employee must be able to administer 1st Aid/CPR, requiring the ability to get to ground level or in awkward positions to administer assistance. Outdoor School sites may have crowded walkway or common spaces. Stairs and walkways are exposed to weather and may be slippery.

Housing and meals are provided. Housing is shared with other employees in assigned rustic cabins or bunk rooms, all sites include showers, electricity, running water, and heat. Meals include a vegetarian option that may include eggs and/or dairy. Employees with special dietary needs should plan to bring food to supplement or replace provided meals.