Outdoor Education Assistant

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate for the Outdoor-Education Assistant position is a responsible, energetic, and student-centered individual who is committed to ensuring a safe and engaging outdoor learning environment. They demonstrate a solid understanding of safety rules, acceptable student behavior standards, and basic first-aid procedures. The candidate excels at supervising students in a variety of settings—including recreational, dining, and other program-based activities—and is able to enforce safety and disciplinary rules calmly and effectively.

This individual possesses strong interpersonal skills and is capable of establishing and maintaining positive relationships with students and staff. They model and promote proper health practices, table manners, and respectful personal behavior. The ideal candidate is also physically capable of participating in and directing strenuous outdoor activities and can safely lift and carry objects weighing up to 30 pounds. Manual dexterity to assemble and dismantle equipment is essential for supporting program operations.

A successful Outdoor-Education Assistant brings enthusiasm, dependability, and a collaborative spirit to every activity, helping create a memorable and enriching experience for all students.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION: Graduation from high school or evidence of equivalent educational proficiency. Training in the fields of outdoor-education and physical or natural science is preferable.  

EXPERIENCE: Experience teaching, coaching, or leading camping, scouting, or other youth group activities is preferable.

SPECIAL:

• A First-Aid Certificate issued by the American Heart Association or American Red Cross must be obtained within 60 days after appointment and must be kept valid during the term of employment.
• A CPR Certificate issued by the American Heart Association or American Red Cross must be obtained within 60 days after appointment and kept valid during the term of employment.
• Water Safety Instructor, and Lifeguarding Certificates issued by an accredited organization are preferable for some positions.
• A valid driver’s license to legally operate a motor vehicle in the State of California and the use of a motor vehicle, or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation.

SPECIAL NOTE:

• Duties may require a variable work schedule, including weekends and evenings.
• Overnight sleeping facilities are provided at the outdoor-education center.

JOB DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

An Outdoor-Education Assistant supervises students during activity periods, meals, and at night in the cabins. Employees in the classes designated as (Female) or (Male) are required to enter cabins, rest rooms, and shower rooms that are restricted to persons of the designated sex.

Typical responsibilities associated with this position may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Supervises students during outdoor-education activities, including recreational and educational learning experiences.
• Supports Naturalist led trail lessons and field studies by providing student supervision, redirecting students to the learning task, and distributing and collecting and storing instructional materials.
• Ensures students perform proper self-care including: brushing teeth, showering, changing clothes, washing for meals and eating properly, drinking enough fluids, putting on sunscreen, preparing for bed, and getting enough rest.
• Assists students with expanded learning activities, including conservation and recreational projects.
• Responds to student needs and concerns during overnight hours. Monitors student behavior in cabins, rest rooms, and shower rooms to prevent rule violations or unsafe activities. Supervises students in packing and unpacking personal belongings.
• Assists in maintaining the outdoor-education center or related venue in a safe, clean and orderly condition.
• Assists in preparing for the opening and closing of programs by setting up and removing tents, activities, supplies, and other related program equipment.
• Assists students in loading and unloading personal belongings in vehicles transporting student to and from camp.
• Provides basic first aid, and seeks medical care for students, when necessary.
• May assist in unloading and storing supplies and equipment.