Field Instructor

Job Duration: March 31-May 2nd, with potential for extended season. 

Overview: The Applegate Partnership & Watershed Council (APWC), a non-profit organization promoting ecological, economic and community well-being in the Applegate Watershed through on-the-ground projects and strategic collaborations, is seeking Field Instructors for its spring 2025 Applegate Outdoor School Program. Field Instructors will deliver place-based field studies four days per week at Cantrall Buckley County Park, 15 miles SW of Jacksonville, OR. This is a day-only (no overnight) outdoor school program. Field Instructors will be employees of APWC and will receive a mileage stipend at the end of the season. Mandatory training week March 31-April 4; programs April 7-May 2nd. Lunch is provided on all programming days. All curriculum and teaching materials are provided. Housing is not provided. Several Southern Oregon outdoor school providers have agreed to a staff sharing program, so there is potential to lengthen the duration of this position through instructing with another regional provider.

Position Responsibilities:

• Lead groups of 15 6thgrade students in hands-on science/natural history lessons.
• Work collaboratively with fellow instructors and other agency guest instructors.
• Demonstrate proper use of equipment and lesson materials.
• Lead team-building exercises and cultivate a positive learning environment for students.
• Assist students in completing their field journals and other assignments.
• Assist with daily routines, including snack and lunch time.
• Communicate with teachers and chaperones as needed.
• Administer first aid/CPR as needed.

Preferred Skills and Qualifications:

• Experience working with students in an outdoor educational setting.
• Knowledge of the local flora and fauna in southwest Oregon.
• Passion for the great outdoors and helping others understand and appreciate it.
• Background in environmental education, environmental science, teaching, natural history, working in an outdoor setting, or a suitable combination.
• First aid/CPR certification, or willingness to obtain.
• Experience working with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to effectively organize and manage outdoor instruction.
• Strong work ethic, good organizational skills, and team oriented.
• Ability to work safely as part of a team in rural areas. Work includes walking over uneven, steep, and/or slippery terrain, wading in streams, kneeling, bending, stooping, etc. with exposure to all types of weather conditions. Other hazards such as ticks, mosquitos, thorny plants, poison oak, etc. may be encountered.

Other Position Requirements:

• Ability to pass a background check.
• Occasionally lift up to 40+ lbs.
• Applicants must have the ability to travel to/from work locations on their own.
• Candidates must have legal authority to work in the U.S.