Outdoor Science Instructor

Job type: Full-time or part-time (seasonal), variable hours up to 40 hours per week

Compensation: $20/hour

Start date: April 16, 2025

Reports to: Executive Director and Program Coordinator

Klamath Outdoor Science School is a non-profit organization based near Klamath Falls, OR offering field trips, residential Outdoor School, and summer camp programs to schools, families, and youth in Southern Oregon. 

Outdoor Science Instructors will be the primary instructors for lessons throughout our spring and summer 2025 programs, and will be responsible for small and large group instruction in field studies for students in grades 2-8. All curriculum and teaching materials are provided.

Outdoor Science Instructors may be scheduled for onsite residential or off-site day programs. Residential programs are held at our camp facility in Chiloquin, Oregon. Instructors may choose to reside onsite or travel to and from camp each day. Instructors may be scheduled for day shifts (typically 8 AM – 4 PM), evening shifts (typically 3 PM – 9 PM), or full day shifts (8:30 AM – 8:30 PM). Administrative staff will work with instructors to determine the best schedule for them.

All staff will be required to attend staff training from April 16-18. Training locations will include the KOSS Camp, Moore Park, and the Tulelake National Wildlife Refuge in Tulelake, CA. Programs begin the week of April 21, and additional training will be provided as needed.

Off-site day programs take place at locations in Klamath County, Tulelake (California), and occasionally Jackson County. When these programs are scheduled, staff can typically plan to be on site from 8 AM – 3 PM.

Schedule is variable and subject to change based on registration. Renewal for summer and fall is contingent on enrollment.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead small and large groups in hands-on science/natural history lessons;
• Prepare for lessons by reviewing lesson plans and gathering materials;
• Demonstrate proper use of equipment;
• Supervise students to ensure safety;
• Assist students in completing their field journals and other assignments;
• Foster an inclusive and welcoming learning environment;
• Promote the development of social emotional learning (SEL);
• Use best teaching practices to ensure all students are included;
• Collaborate with other Instructors, Activity Leaders and administrative staff;
• Occasionally plan and lead evening activities, including a campfire;
• Assist with daily routines, including meal times and cleaning;
• Assist with camp setup and cleanup before and after programs;
• Communicate with and engage teachers and chaperones to ensure they have a positive experience;
• Administer first aid/CPR to participants and staff as needed;
• Complete incident reports when necessary and submit them in a timely manner;
• Provide feedback on programs through debrief meetings, surveys, and one-on-one meetings with administrators to consistently improve programs;
• Other duties as assigned by the Executive Director and/or Program Coordinator.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Required

• Knowledge of basic natural history and ecological concepts;
• Ability to effectively organize and manage instruction;
• Ability to tailor instruction to meet student needs;
• Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communications skills;
• Ability to work with a diverse range of people and groups;
• Ability to work within a timeframe and stay on schedule;
• Ability to work independently or collaboratively.

Preferred

• Advanced knowledge of forestry, geology, ecology, ornithology, dendrology, herpetology, mammalogy, botany, or another field of study;
• Knowledge of natural and cultural resources of Southern Oregon;
• Familiarity with local species of plants and animals;
• Familiarity with Next Generation Science Standards;
• Familiarity with and understanding of the learning cycle;
• Proficiency in a second language;
• Understanding and knowledge of Trauma Informed Care and its applications;
• Knowledge of equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (EDAI) principles;
• Ability to engage with students in a culturally responsive manner.

Education and Work Experience

Required:

• Education, volunteer, or work experience in environmental science, education, or related field
• At least 1 year of formal teaching experience or 2 seasons of informal teaching experience

Preferred:

• Experience working in an outdoor education program, summer camp, and/or residential Outdoor School program
• Associate’s degree or higher in environmental science, education, or related field
• Experience leading field trips or interpretive hikes
• Experience working with people from diverse backgrounds
• Experience working with neurodivergent youth or adults
• Experience working with people with disabilities

Note: we encourage you to apply even if you don’t think you meet all of the requirements. The most important qualifications are loving kids and the outdoors! You might also consider applying to be an Activity Leader, a role which does not require as much science knowledge.

Living and Working Conditions:

• Programs take place outside in all weather conditions, unless conditions are deemed unsafe.
• This position requires long periods of standing, walking, and hiking. Certain activities may require bending, crouching, kneeling, etc.
• The residential camp is rustic, with some uneven terrain, wooded trails, and variable weather conditions. The bathrooms and dining areas are enclosed and heated. Other park locations have variable conditions and amenities.
• Housing and most meals are provided when residential programs are scheduled. Housing is available on weekends, and the kitchen will remain open for staff use. Housing is not provided during day program weeks unless special arrangements are made. Instructors stay in shared staff yurts (2 people per yurt) and are not responsible for supervising students overnight. During the summer, staff may be assigned as cabin counselors and stay in yurts with students.
• Pets are not permitted on-site. Individuals with service animals may request an accommodation.
• Housing is limited. Staff without a permanent residence within 1 hour of camp will receive priority for housing.
• Instructors are guaranteed one hour of break/rest time each day during student free and quiet times.
• Staff training focuses on guiding instructors in lesson content knowledge and best teaching practices, including social emotional learning, cultural responsiveness, and trauma-informed care.

Additional Requirements:

• First Aid/CPR certification
• Ability to pass a background check
• Ability to attend all virtual and in-person trainings
• Up-to-date Covid-19 vaccinations and boosters preferred

The board and staff of Klamath Outdoor Science School believe in including and serving diverse populations in an equitable manner.  We tailor our programs to serve diverse needs and to be inclusive of other cultures, and strive to develop empathy and strong interpersonal relationships between people of all backgrounds and experiences. Klamath Outdoor Science School does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), age, national origin (ancestry), gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, disability, marital or any other status or condition, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, recruitment, hiring and termination of staff, compensation, selection of volunteers and vendors, and services to and treatment of clientele.  We are committed to providing a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, volunteers, vendors, students, teachers, and families.