Program Instructor, Outdoor School, (Seasonal -Temporary)

Position: Program Instructor, Outdoor School (Seasonal)

Department: Instructional Services

Program: Outdoor School

Reports to: Site Supervisor and Program Supervisor

Classification/Range: Seasonal/ Temporary

Schedule: This is a seasonal, exempt position

Deadline for Applications: July 7th, 2025

Initial Phone/Online Interviews: July 16-17, 2025

Interviews: July 18–19, 2025; ongoing as needed.

Job location: Job locations vary and may include the MESD office in Portland, sites throughout Multnomah County, and one coastal location.

Session Dates:

In-Town Training Week: Sept. 8th-11th

Prep Week: Sept. 14th-26th

(Onsite and Portland Office) )

Week 1: Sept. 28th-Oct. 3rd

Week 2: Oct. 5th-10th

Week 3: Oct. 12th-17th

Week 4: Oct. 19th-24th

Week 5: Oct. 26th-31st

Week 6: Nov. 2nd-7th

POSITION PURPOSE:

Outdoor School Staff support a weeklong (Sunday–Friday) residential science and community-based program for sixth-grade students in Multnomah County. The role involves co-teaching science lessons, mentoring high school Student Leaders, and fostering an inclusive, supportive learning environment. Staff model effective instruction, guide student behavior using restorative practices, support social-emotional learning, and collaborate with classroom teachers. Additional responsibilities include leading hikes, arts activities, games, and evening programs. Staff play a vital role in creating a safe, positive, and caring environment for all students.

Regular and reliable attendance is essential to successfully fulfill this role's duties and responsibilities.

NATURE & SCOPE:

The Program Instructor operates within a collaborative and student-centered framework, contributing to a culturally responsive learning environment that supports the diverse needs of all participants. This role requires consistent application of equity-focused practices, strong interpersonal skills, and a commitment to inclusive community building. Instructors are expected to exercise sound judgment, maintain professional boundaries, and uphold MESD policies and program procedures in dynamic, outdoor residential settings. The position involves working closely with peers, supervisors, and partner staff to ensure student well-being and to support the overall integrity and success of the Outdoor School program.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Actively supervise and engage with groups of 6th-grade students in both structured and unstructured settings. This often involves kneeling or sitting, or moving to ground level to connect with students at their physical and developmental level.

Assist with meal supervision and food service responsibilities, ensuring a safe, respectful. And an inclusive dining environment. Supervises and performs food serving functions at meals and at other times as needed.

Collaborate respectfully with site supervisors and partner organizations to maintain a positive and functional living and learning environment.

Communicate appropriately and professionally with students, staff, and partners.

Model professionalism and uphold inclusive, student-centered behavior at all times.

Adhere to MESD policies and Outdoor School Program procedures to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of all participants..

Support the implementation of the full program schedule, including academic instruction, recreational activities, and evening programming.

Supervises and mentors high school Student Leader volunteers by providing clear expectations, support, and feedback to foster leadership development.

Safely lift and move program materials such as science equipment, teaching supplies, and water containers. Participate in physical activity throughout the day across uneven terrain and outdoor environments.

Respond effectively in medical or behavioral emergencies, including administering First Aid/CPR and responding quickly and effectively, in physically demanding or challenging situations.

Support team operations and student safety by assisting staff as needed.

Assist with site operations, supply management, and carry out additional duties that contribute to the effective functioning of the program.

Performs other duties as assigned

ESSENTIAL QUALITIES:

Equity: Lead and support regional equity initiatives

Vision: Lead with vision, follow-through and student focus.

Trust: Develop trust among coworkers and students through honesty and fairness.

Communication: Communicate in an inclusive, effective and collaborative manner.

Personal Qualities: Be respectful, excel in customer service, caring, humble and courageous.

Agency-wide perspective: Be involved in and supportive of continuous overall improvement of MESD programs and services.

Attendance: Daily and consistent attendance and punctuality are paramount as this provides consistency and alignment with students, peers, and programming outcomes.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, ABILITIES:

Completion of required MESD SafeSchools* training and other required trainings provided by MESD within the assigned timeline.

Reliable attendance and punctuality.

Experience in outdoor education or related youth development fields.

Ability to travel between MESD and Outdoor School sites.

Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse populations.

Strong commitment to youth development and student-centered practices.

Clear, respectful communication and effective collaboration skills.

Flexibility and responsiveness to changing student and program needs.

Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

Commitment to equity, inclusion, and creating respectful, culturally responsive learning environments.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, ABILITIES:

Bilingual or multilingual in Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, and Russian

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

Any combination of education and experience that would provide the applicant with the desired skills, knowledge, and ability required to perform the job

Experience teaching or facilitating learning experiences for youth. This may include classroom teaching, summer camp, natural history or environmental education, facilitating outdoor recreation experiences, and other non-formal teaching experiences.

College coursework or experience in the area of science and/or education or a related field.

Preferred experience with social-emotional learning, data collection and/or assessment.

Valid First Aid/CPR* (AED) Card, Bloodborne Pathogens*, Severe Allergic Reaction*and Food Handler’s Card

ADDITIONAL SKILLS THAT ARE VALUED

Previous experience in outdoor education, environmental programs, or working with youth in educational or community-based settings

Demonstrated ability to engage and support diverse communities, including students with special needs and youth from various cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds

Experience implementing trauma-informed practices and/or supporting youth with mental health needs

Familiarity with restorative justice approaches, particularly in educational or youth-centered environments

Strong public speaking, facilitation, and presentation skills

Knowledge of local ecosystems, including native flora and fauna

Proficiency in outdoor recreational activities such as hiking, camping, and kayaking

Certification in wilderness first aid or first responder training

A broad range of life experiences and perspectives contribute to an inclusive, empathetic program delivery.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

This is an in-person, temporary role in an overnight Outdoor School setting. Work is performed primarily outdoors in varying weather conditions and rustic terrain. The environment includes moderate to high noise levels and requires physical mobility across uneven surfaces. Staff stay on-site Sunday through Friday in shared housing with basic amenities. At time, staff may have to sleep in cabins with students. Meals are provided, with vegetarian options available; individuals with specific dietary needs should bring supplemental food. Reasonable accommodations will be made as needed.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this classification. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Mobility: Ability to sit, stand, walk, and move around for extended periods of time.

Lifting: Ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds.

Vision: Visual acuity to read and interpret written and electronic information.

Dexterity: Ability to use hands and fingers to handle, feel, and operate objects, tools, or controls.

Hearing/speaking: Ability to communicate and exchange accurate information so others will understand.

Emotional/Psychological: Ability to maintain composure and professionalism in challenging situations, remain empathetic and understanding towards individuals with diverse backgrounds and needs, handle stress and pressure effectively, and adapt to change in the workplace.

BENEFITS:

Overnight Stipend

Sick Pay

Employee Assistance Program- free mental health counseling and support

Professional development training, professional coaching, and mentoring

Access to EDI and the environmental education library

This position is subject to board policies, administrative rules and procedures, department regulations and applicable state and federal statutes. This position does not carry administrative authority. All commitments outside of authorized programs and services are subject to prior approval by the supervisor of this position.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

MESD recognizes the diversity and worth of all individuals and groups. It is the policy of MESD that there will be no discrimination or harassment of individuals or groups based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, marital status, age, veterans status, genetic information or disability in any educational programs, activities, or employment. If you are unsure of how your experience correlates with our qualifications, please reach out to our HR department as we want to ensure that we are reaching as diverse an applicant pool as possible.

MESD and Outdoor School programs recognize that diverse workplaces offer the richest learning opportunities, and the diversity of races, cultures, backgrounds, and experiences of the communities we serve must be represented in our leadership to welcome and represent all participants. We strongly encourage people of color as well as folks who are LGBTQA+, multilingual, first-generation, or from other traditionally marginalized communities to join us in our efforts to reclaim, build connections, and create authentic relationships with nature and science

Reasonable accommodations for the application and interview process will be provided upon request and as required in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Individuals with disabilities may contact the Human Resources Director for additional information or assistance. Speech/Hearing impaired persons may contact the district for assistance through the Oregon telecommunications Relay Service at .