OMSI Outdoor Science Instructors are a passionate team of educators and learners committed to providing transformative concept-based outdoor science education experiences. Using our curricula, instructors plan and lead lessons that are student-centered and place-based for all ages. This unique residential position offers the opportunity to live, work, and play across the Pacific Northwest. Work schedule depends on the site and programming needs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Teaches concept-based, natural science curriculum, utilizing a mix of outdoor and classroom settings for students K-12, as well as to adult learners;
• Leads students on field study hikes that are 3-5 miles in length;
• Prepares daily lesson plans and cleans/maintains teaching spaces and supplies;
• Assists meal service and clean dining hall, cabins, restrooms and staff housing, during and at the end of each program;
• Recognizes, mitigates, and responds to hazards to ensure a healthy and safe program for all participants;
• Actively integrates diversity, equity, access and inclusion (DEI) in all areas. Integrates participation, compassion, thought, and informed action to build a supportive learning community.

Working Conditions:

• This position is exempt, paid day rate;
• This position is special project, full-time scheduled to work up to 50 hours/week, depending on programming;
  • Requires on-site living from September to November at one of the camp sites, with shared staff quarters;
  • Typical days are 10-14 hours in length; weekend programming can occasionally make for 13 straight days of work without a full day off. American Camp Association time off standards will be met (2 hours daily, and 24 hours or more off each two-week block).
• Physical Demands: 5% sitting, 20% standing, 45% walking, 30% lifting/carrying up to 60 lbs.:
  • Requires hiking and occasional backpacking for extended periods of time, which includes carrying a backpack of up to 30 lbs.
• Vision Demands include:
  • Close vision (clear vision at 20 inches of less)
  • Distance vision (clear vision at 20 feet or more)
  • Color vision (ability to identify and distinguish colors)
  • Depth and perception (three dimensional vision, ability to judge distance and spatial relationships)
  • Ability to adjust focus (ability to adjust the eyes to bring an object into sharp focus)
• Environmental Demands include:
  • Outdoor weather conditions
  • Steep, uneven, sandy, and/or rocky terrain
  • Work near moving mechanical parts
  • Work in high, precarious places
  • Toxic or caustic chemicals
  • Risk of electric shock
• Noise Levels include:
  • Very quiet (examples: forest trail, isolation booth for hearing test)
  • Quiet (examples: library, private office)
  • Moderate (examples: business office with computers and printers, light traffic)
  • Loud (examples: metal can manufacturing department, large earth-moving equipment)

Secondary Responsibilities

Secondary responsibilities include-but are not limited to-the following:

• Intentionally and thoughtfully incorporates adult participants into the program;
• Provides logistics and facility support in rotation with peers, and other tasks deemed necessary for successful site and program operation by the manager;
• Coordinates with others in program planning and implementation;
• Plans and performs songs and skits at campfires;
• Provides first aid care to participants and staff when necessary;
• Drives passenger vans and/or drives with box trailers with children, for up to four hours at a time, as well as driving participants to field locations throughout programming;

Knowledge and Skills:

REQUIREMENTS:

• Demonstrated ability to pivot between individual and team work;
• Comfortable leading groups of students in all weather conditions;
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and Google Suite products;
• Familiarity with technology systems such as audio/visual setup and online conferencing;
• Exercises sound judgment while upholding high integrity and ethical standards;
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and communication skills that adhere to confidentiality, protocol, and community agreements.

PREFERENCES:

• Strong lesson planning, facilitation, and presentation skills;
• Proficient or native fluency in a non-English priority language in Oregon.

Education & Work Experiences:

REQUIREMENTS:

• Combination of experience and education equivalent to Bachelor’s Degree;
• Working knowledge of the concepts in Natural History and Ecology;
• Prior classroom enrichment or youth engagement experience.

PREFERENCES:

• Degree in STEAM or Education fields;
• Experience with youth in the outdoors.

Additional Requirements/Preferences; Including Licenses and Certifications:

REQUIREMENTS:

• Pre-employment checks, such as criminal background checks, reference checks, and American Camp Association (ACA) background checks;
• Current Adult & Pediatric First Aid and CPR/AED certification;
• Oregon Food Handlers Card
  • If not certified, training is available during non-working days at employee’s expense.

PREFERENCES:

• Current Wilderness First Responder certification;
• Emergency Glucagon Administration certification;
• Valid driver’s license, including meeting the requirements in the MVR Policy and passing a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check.

Benefits and Perks at OMSI

• Multiple health plans (OMSI pays 86% of employee premiums)
• 403(b) retirement
• Accrued sick time
• Free annual OMSI Family Membership
• Reciprocal Employee Attractions Pass (REAP)
• Inclusion-centered professional development opportunities
• Employee-led rewards and recognition program
• Discounts on summer programs for employee’s children