Outdoor School Instructional Assistant

Overview
Do you like nature and working with children? Looking for professional experience to build your resume? Join our seasonal education team and explore a career in teaching!

We're seeking dedicated and passionate individuals to join our education team for the 2025 outdoor school program season. Do you enjoy being outside and creating positive learning environments that foster student engagement and academic success? If so, we'd like to talk with you!

Our outdoor school instructional assistants help our teachers nurture students' intellectual and emotional growth while adhering to curriculum standards and educational best practices through engaging field-study (hands-on) lessons in nature.

Our spring outdoor school sessions are four days/three overnights or three days/two overnights at two scenic locations on the Oregon Coast. Meals and lodging are provided when programs are in session and mileage to and from the program locations is reimbursed for those driving personal vehicles. Non-program days take place at our offices in Salem.

Our spring outdoor school season will begin with a week of paid staff training April 28 - May 2, followed by five weeks of outdoor school sessions May 5 - June 6. Work hours on program days are typically from 7:00 am to 8:30 pm with three meal breaks; hours on non-program days vary and are usually between four and six hours. A typical work week is between 35 and 55 hours.

Responsibilities

• Assisting teachers in implementing lesson plans that align with curriculum objectives and state standards in highlighting the ecosystems, wildlife, native plants and other natural resources of Oregon through the lenses of historic and contemporary Indigenous and immigrant cultures.
• Creating an engaging outdoor classroom environment that encourages student participation and collaboration.
• Organizing and inventorying field-study supplies and educational materials.
• Maintaining open, constructive communication with students, school staff, chaperones, and co-workers to foster a supportive educational community.
• Helping our staff adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet the diverse needs of students and responding to dynamic environmental conditions (like weather).
• Participating in program evaluations and professional development opportunities to build your skills and help improve the quality of our programs.
• Collaborating with co-workers to share resources, strategies, and best practices.

Qualifications & Skills

• A high school diploma or equivalent.
• One or more years' experience as a camp counselor, youth sports coach, childcare worker, instructional assistant, or a related professional role.
• Valid driver's license and a clean driving record.
• Current first aid/CPR/AED certification or the ability to take a certification course prior to employment.
• RRCAN certification (This two-hour online course is free through Portland State University: https://occd.educadium.com/).
• Strong, positive communication skills, both verbal and written, to effectively interact with students, parents, and staff.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Patience and empathy in dealing with students' diverse needs and challenges.
• Familiarity with outdoor recreation and an interest in the natural world.
• Conversational Spanish fluency is beneficial but not required for this position.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive hourly pay starts at $18/hour and is based upon level of education, relevant work experience (1 year required) and Spanish language fluency (preferred but optional).
• Paid professional development and training April 28 - May 2.
• Paid holiday (Memorial Day - 8 hours).
• Mileage reimbursement for travel to program locations when using a personal vehicle.
• Job placement support upon successful completion of spring outdoor school.
• Gear library (rain jackets, fleece, boots, and other outerwear available for staff use while teaching).

We invite qualified candidates who are passionate about education and want to make a difference in students' lives to apply for this rewarding position!

Please note: We are a drug-free, safe-space program provider. Candidates must pass a background check and drug screening for THC, opiates, PCP, cocaine, and amphetamines before being offered employment. Qualified candidates who meet all relevant qualifications and have no detectable levels of these substances will be considered for teaching positions with our organization.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $18.00 - $21.00 per hour

Expected hours: 35 – 55 per week

Benefits:

• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Evening shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

Experience:

• childcare or youth program: 1 year (Required)

Language:

• Spanish (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)
• First Aid Certification (Preferred)

Shift availability:

• Day Shift (Required)
• Night Shift (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Salem, OR 97301 (Required)

Willingness to travel:

• 75% (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $18 - $21