Field Education Instructor

Position Purpose:

The field education instructor is part of a collaborative team engaging and teaching participants in outdoor, place-based education in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and the greater Yellowstone ecosystem. Participants are most typically in grades 5-8, but do range from younger elementary age to older adult learners. Instructors lead groups of 7-13 participants often with a co-educator and facilitate exploration of the local ecosystem through field research projects, BEETLES style inquiry-based learning, and stewardship projects. Instructors also support and promote social-emotional growth through teamwork, communication, and leadership activities, including utilization of our Challenge Course high and low elements. During the winter season (Jan-April), instructors will facilitate lessons on cross-country skis and snowshoes. During the summer, instructors will lead participants on day hikes, short canoe experiences, and facilitate camping overnight trips, primarily front country, with occasional backcountry trips. Programs are typically 3-7 days and include evening work as well as non-traditional days off. Programs are based out of one of our three campuses (Jackson Campus, Kelly Campus, & Historic Murie Ranch), and our classrooms are the trails, forests, and streams of Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks and the Bridger-Teton National Forest.

Responsibilities:

• Establish and manage a positive culture in each participant group that is a safe and respectful learning environment.
• Manage participants’ physical and emotional safety/risk; respond to emergencies as they arise according to TSS policies and support structures.
• Learn about the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and incorporate content into lessons.
• Develop and implement thematic, place-based, hands-on field science curriculum and evening programs for multi-day, outdoor learning experiences.
• Collaborate with co-instructors and support peer mentoring through co-teaching, goal setting, joint lesson planning, and communicating feedback.
• Support daily operations of Field Education by facilitating mealtimes and organizing student cleanup after meals, as well as cleaning and maintaining residential lodges, teaching spaces, dining lodge, equipment, and supplies.
• Safely drive 15-passenger vans or minibuses with trailers.
• Take care of yourself to stay motivated and successful through a long and busy teaching year.

Qualifications:

• One season or more of place-based teaching experience in the outdoors through a combination of fieldwork and professional experience or coursework.
• Experience managing risk, traveling, and/or teaching in the outdoors.
• Strong interpersonal skills working with kids and adults; ability to be friendly, patient, fair, and communicate clearly.
• Desire to work as a collaborative team member and co-instructor; ability to give and receive feedback.
• Ability to remain flexible, creative, and adaptable to environmental conditions, teachable moments, and the needs and interests of participants.
• Desire to contribute to a safe, inclusive workplace and cultivate a sense of belonging for all.
• Ability to spend full days outdoors carrying a backpack in variable weather.
• Valid Wilderness First Responder certification.
• Valid Driver’s License.
• Minimum of 21 years of age.
• Successful applicants must pass a criminal history background check and driving record review prior to the start date.

Benefits:

• Daily rate of $137.5/day for 1st-year Instructors, $144 for 2nd-year instructors, and $150 for 3rd+ year instructors.
• Additional pay for evening work or other auxiliary duties.
  • Evening Program – $40
  • Elk Evening Program (used for Evening Programs that include dinner) – $50
  • Overnight lodge shift – $80
  • Overnight camping shift – $100
• $500 WFR certification contribution; if WFR obtained within 4 months of the start date.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Pro Deals from brand name outdoor companies.
• Limited employee housing available for rent. Pet-free.
• Meals available on campus while working programs.

Note: This job description is not meant to state or imply that these are the only duties performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their manager in compliance with federal and state laws.

Application Deadline: Applications reviewed and instructor positions filled on a rolling basis

Application Requirements: Please submit the online application below, and upload a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three professional references. Position questions can be directed to feemployment@tetonscience.org. Teton Science Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, creed, or sexual orientation in any of its policies or programs.