OMSI Outdoor Science Instructors are a passionate team of educators and learners committed to providing transformative concept-based outdoor science education experiences. Using OMSI 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;
• Leads summer programs onsite, traveling, or both. This includes driving a passenger van or bus, teaching, dispensing medication, preparing meals, and campsite set up/breakdown;
• Drives passenger vans, drives with box trailers, and/or drives school buses with children, for up to four hours at a time, as well as driving participants to field locations throughout programming.
• 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 seasonal scheduled to work up to 5 days per week, depending on programming.
• Requires on-site living from mid-February to early November at one of the camp sites, with shared staff quarters.
• Requires traveling and staying in Portland a minimum of 5 weekends between June and August; rooms are provided.
• Food provided only during programming.
• Overnight programming makes typical days 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, 50% walking, 25% lifting/carrying up to 60 lbs.:
  • Requires hiking over uneven terrain 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 including wildfire smoke
  • 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
  • Open flames
• 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.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

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;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills 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.

Licenses and Certifications

REQUIREMENTS:

• Pre-employment checks, such as criminal background checks, reference checks, and American Camp Association (ACA) background checks;
  • May require fingerprinting background checks based on school district requirements.
• Current Wilderness First Responder certification:
  • If not certified, training is available in February during non-working days at employee’s expense.
• Current Adult & Pediatric First Aid and CPR/AED certification:
  • If not certified, training is included in the February WFR certification course at employee’s expense.
• Oregon Food Handlers Card:
  • If not certified, cards are issued by completing an online test at employee’s expense.
• Valid driver’s license, including meeting the requirements in the MVR Policy and passing a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check;
• Valid Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with airbrake and passenger endorsements and pass a pre-duty drug screen. Per Oregon law, you must be 21+ years of age with a minimum of 1 year of driving experience.
  • If not licensed, training is available during non-working days. DMV testing and associated fees are at employees expense. Once licensed, OMSI will reimburse select DMV fees.

PREFERENCES:

• Current lifeguard certification.
• Emergency Glucagon Administration certification.

Benefits and Perks at OMSI

• Multiple health plans (OMSI pays 86% of employee premiums)
• 2 weeks of vacation per year
• 2 weeks of sick time per year
• 11 personal / cultural days (PTO) per year
• 403(b) retirement
• 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