Outdoor Education Instructor

Explorer West Middle School, a small independent middle school in southwest Seattle, seeks qualified Outdoor Educators for its spring program. The program will support our 6th-8th grade students through backpacking, camping, and other experiences that will take students to locations including the Olympic Peninsula, The North Cascades, and Mount Rainier.

Position Description:

Adventure is inherently risky, but when properly managed, it can open up a world of confidence-building and self-reliance. The top priority for any outdoor adventure educator is always the safety of the participants with risk assessment, management, and prevention. Some of the skills you will have the opportunity to work with students on include communication and teamwork, navigation, the art of camping, decision-making skills, LNT/backcountry ethics, assisting with outdoor service projects, following an itinerary, and implementing brief integrated curriculum lessons with a faculty co-leader. In-depth knowledge of all these skills is optional, but understanding basic camping routines and team/group dynamics is necessary.

Required Qualifications:

• Availability for our trip dates, additional orientation days, and prep days
• Spring trip and prep dates are June 3-7, 2024
• First Aid and CPR certifications (minimum)
• Experience working with youth (preferably middle school)
• Diverse outdoor experience
• Pass Washington State Patrol and OSPI fingerprint background checks

Preferred Qualifications:

• WFA, WFR, or higher medical certification
• Experience teaching LNT and other wilderness outdoor skills
• Experience leading overnight trips in the above regions
• Experience leading overnight trips with middle school-age populationsProvide a driving record (at the school’s expense) and willingness to drive a 7, 12, or 15-passenger van

Compensation:

Pay ranges from $200 – $270 per day (depending on experience and certifications) for three field days, and $150 for orientation/prep day. All outdoor educator positions are open until filled. All outdoor educators are paid immediately upon successful completion of trips or camps.

If interested, please send a resume to Matt Kostle, Outdoor Education Coordinator, employment@explorer-west.org.

Explorer West Middle School does not discriminate on any basis that is protected under federal, state, or municipal law. This policy applies to all areas of student and family concerns (admissions, athletics, educational policies, financial aid, and other school-administered programs) as well as to all areas of employee and volunteer concerns. Explorer West is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).