Job Type: Temporary
Salary Details: $17/hour

Overview 
The South Santiam Watershed Council is seeking an enthusiastic individual to help coordinate this year’s Outdoor School (ODS) and serve as the onsite lead for the ODS session. The ODS Lead will work closely with the SSWC Education Coordinator to assist with planning and implementation of ODS for Sweet Home School District. The  majority of the work will take place at the ODS field campus at Camp Tadmor outside of Lebanon, Oregon. 

Outdoor School is an experiential educational program where 6th grade students attend school 24-hours a day in a beautiful outdoor setting. As an extension of the classroom, ODS offers a hands-on, practical  approach to learning about the natural world. Previous years have included sessions on wildlife biology, fire ecology, fishing, archery, and nature writing. 

Main Duties and Responsibilities 

  • Assist in planning, coordination, set-up and take down of 2023 Outdoor School for Sweet Home School District
  • Attend meetings and assist in trainings with High School chaperones
  • Attend the ODS camp
  • Stay overnight at Camp Tadmor during ODS
  • Serve as the lead and primary point of coordination for:
    • teachers, parent volunteers, learning groups and camp support staff
    • the SSWC ODS Intern 
    • maintaining the event schedule
    • ensuring safety protocols and rules are followed
  • Maintain positive and productive partnerships with local school districts, federal, and state partners
  • Model and uphold a foundation of inclusion and equity

Education and Experience 

  • An Associate’s degree, Bachelor’s degree or higher in the field of education, natural resources or  related; OR working towards a Bachelors or Associates degree; OR five years experience working with youth education programs, volunteer/event coordination, interpretation
  • Preference given for applicants with experience implementing youth education programs or projects, especially for large groups

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

  • Experience with natural resource education, especially related to Outdoor school
  • Excellent verbal, writing and presentation skills
  • Fluency in written and spoken English
  • Ability to convey complex information simply to a variety of audiences
  • Highly organized, efficient and detail oriented
  • Ability to work with a large, diverse group of community members and partners
  • Ability to work independently when needed
  • Comfort working with changing and uncertain conditions
  • Commitment to compassionate communication
  • Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including some evenings
  • Stay overnight during ODS

Timeline and Compensation
The weeks of May 1, May 8, May 15, May 22, and June 5-7: 40 hours/week, flexible hours. Will include some classroom time and evening meetings with parents and school staff.

The week of May 29: May 29 is a paid holiday. May 30 is ODS set-up on site. ODS is May 31-June 2, with students arriving in the morning on May 31 and leaving in the afternoon on June 2. 40+ hours, with hours over 40 compensated at 1.5x. 

Hourly rate is $17/hour. Mileage reimbursement for personal vehicle use is at the current federal rate, calculated from the Sweet Home home office.

Physical Demands and Work Environment 

  • Work will mainly take place at ODS site in Lebanon and at ODS Lead’s remote work location
  • Occasional work may take place at the U.S Forest Service, Sweet Home Ranger District office
  • Job duties will be performed both inside an office environment and outdoors in the field
  • Field work may occur in inclement weather such as cold, rain or snowy conditions
  • Job may require bending, climbing, crawling, kneeling, lifting up to 35 pounds, pulling, sitting,  walking or hiking over rough rocky terrain, over steep slopes and working in cold water
  • Some weekend and evening work will be required, particularly during Outdoor School
  • A valid Oregon driver’s license is required, as well as access to an insured personal vehicle
  • Employee must pass a background check to work with youth

HOW TO APPLY
Interested individuals should submit the following as a single PDF to director.sswc@gmail.com, with a subject line that indicates their last name and the position title (i.e. “Browne_ODS Lead Application Materials.” Application period open until filled. Incomplete applications, or materials submitted that do not follow the application instructions provided here will not be accepted. Applications will be reviewed upon receipt and top candidates will be contacted for interviews.

  • Letter of Interest of no more than 2 pages. Include statements describing the skills and background you have that meet the specific knowledge, skills and abilities sought for this position. 

  • Resume of no more than 2 pages. Please include at least three professional references. 

  • Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement of no more than 1 page. Discuss your experiences, education, and commitment to EDI. Provide a concrete example of your commitment and how you might apply it to your work in this position.