Summer Outdoor Leadership Adventures Educator

Summer Outdoor Leadership Adventures Educator
2024-25 Job Description

About Cascades Academy

Cascades Academy is an independent PK-12 day school with ~240 students located
in the beautiful mountain town of Bend, Oregon. The school was founded in 2003
and resides on an award-winning 45-acre campus located on the Deschutes River.
The school’s unique mission weaves challenging academics with experiential
learning within an engaged, vibrant community.

Cascades Academy values employees who are committed to our mission, are
prepared to engage fully in a learning community, and are excited to bring their
authentic selves to work. Cascades Academy’s culture is highly collaborative and
puts what is best for students at the center of the work. Regularly named one of the
Best Nonprofits to Work for in Oregon , our faculty and staff see each other as
teammates and feel motivated to do their best work here.

Cascades Academy strives to cultivate and maintain a supportive, inclusive
community for all employees and actively promotes a commitment to diversity,
equity, inclusion, and anti-racism. Studies have shown that women and people of
color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the
qualifications as described in the job description. We are most interested in finding
the best candidate for the job and are eager to consider applications from groups
traditionally underrepresented in independent school communities.

Position Summary

Cascades Academy seeks two experienced outdoor trip leaders and educators to
serve as Summer Outdoor Leadership (SOL) Adventures Instructors for the pilot
year of SOL Adventures. This position reports to the Director of SOL Adventures.

Cascades Academy is led by dedicated educators, working to support students
seeking a different kind of learning experience. A tight-knit community, the culture is
characterized by humility, agility, innovation, and humor as each member wears
multiple hats in a given week. Students benefit from educators who leverage their
unique passions and interests in shaping elements of the experiential education
program.

Responsibilities

Curriculum and Instruction

• Deliver engaging, hands-on outdoor education curriculum integrating

• Facilitate meaningful discussions that connect students to place-based

• Provide instruction in backcountry travel, navigation, risk management, and

• Support students in developing leadership skills through experiential learning.

Leadership and Mentorship

• Serve as a mentor and role model for students, fostering a positive and

• Guide students through the Community Action Project process, helping them

• Facilitate group development, leadership rotations, and decision-making

• Provide individualized support and encouragement to help students step

Safety and Risk Management

• Uphold and enforce all Cascades Academy and SOL Adventures policies,

• Ensure student safety by conducting thorough risk assessments and making

• Administer first aid and emergency response as needed.
• Model and teach situational awareness, hazard identification, and backcountry

safety protocols.

Institutional Responsibilities

• Participate in all pre-season and post-program training, debriefs, and

• Complete all required paperwork, including incident reports, student progress

• Assist in the preparation, maintenance, and organization of program

• Support the overall goals and mission of Cascades Academy through

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of SOL Adventures or the

Qualifications

Required:

• 3-5 years leading outdoor recreation programs, including overnight

• Experience teaching students ages 11-16.
• Experience teaching leadership skills, social-emotional learning, or similar.
• Wilderness First Aid (WFA) or Responder (WFR) certification.
• CPR certification.
• Clean driving record and valid driver’s license.
• Availability on the following dates:

• June 18-20 (training)
• June 23-28 (Explorers program)
• July 7-11 (Navigators program)
• July 14-18 (Changemakers program)

Preferred:

• Teaching Certification.
• Experience teaching science and STEM subjects.
• Knowledge of ecological systems and conservation practices.
• Whitewater paddling experience.
• Climbing experience.
• Caving experience.
• Mountain biking experience.
• Certifications including, but not limited to Swiftwater Rescue certification,

AMGA Single Pitch Instructor certification or higher, ACA Paddlesports
Instructor certification, and LNT Master Educator certification.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Passion for teaching Science, Leadership, Social-Emotional Learning, and

• Commitment to experiential learning, outdoor education, and place-based

• Strong leadership, communication, and facilitation skills.
• Ability to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment.
• Ability to work collaboratively with other educators.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage logistics in dynamic outdoor

Physical Requirements

• Requires mobility to traverse campus and accompany students in rugged

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Must consistently and clearly communicate with children, colleagues, and

families.

Position Details

Title: Summer Outdoor Leadership Adventures Instructor
Reports to: Director of Summer Outdoor Leadership Adventures
Start Date: June 18, 2025
Schedule: Contract Work (Independent Contractor)
Compensation: $225/day
Benefits: All meals are provided on overnights.

Application Instructions

To apply, please complete the application on our website, including your resume,
cover letter, and the contact information for two professional references. No phone
calls, please.

Application Deadline: March 15, 2025

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the position will remain open
until filled. Priority will be given to applications received by March 15, 2025.

Cascades Academy is an equal-opportunity employer. Employment opportunities
are open to all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, sex, age, national origin,
religion, physical or mental impairment, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any
other status protected by applicable law. Hiring decisions are based on experience,
aptitudes, abilities, and training, with advancement opportunities determined by
individual performance, achievement, and potential.