Job Description

Reports to: Director of Classroom of the Earth
FSLA Qualification: Exempt
Position Purpose:  To assist the Director of Classroom of the Earth (COE) with the operations of the Good Shepherd COE outdoor education program.

Position Objective:

Good Shepherd Episcopal School seeks an Assistant Director of Classroom of the Earth to collaborate with the program director to design, plan, prep, and lead all Classroom of the Earth trips for pre-kindergarten through 8th grades. The individual must have extensive outdoor experience and the ability to proactively assess risks in the backcountry to effectively set parameters or adjust plans as needed. Teaching experience with either adults or students preferred; formal degree also preferred, but dependent on candidate.

Essential Functions:

• Maintain (or obtain) Wilderness First Responder certification in addition to continued development of personal outdoor skills

• Train middle school COE student leaders and partner with science and classroom teachers on COE curriculum development

• Collect and manage student permission & medical forms for excursions, as well as maintain COE trip gear and inventory

• Be comfortable in a public-facing role including leading parent meeting presentations; maintain a high level of professionalism with students, families, and colleagues

Special Benefits

Qualifications:

• Training through National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) or Outward Bound type programs

• Professional experience with outdoor education programs for students pre-kindergarten through 8th grades, leading backpacking and/or rock climbing trips

• Highly experienced and comfortable in the backcountry: ability to read a map, excellent spatial orientation, familiar with common topographical patterns, able to confidently trail find in situations with poor or missing signage or in off-trail navigation

• Methodical, strong organizational skills and attention to detail

• Able to think through processes and plans in advance, anticipate organizational and safety issues, and work with others to creatively problem solve at any time prior to or during program

• Proficient in written communication and computer skills

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

• Ability to be away from home for extended periods (up to 2.5 weeks for 8th grade trip); totaling over 60 days a year, with 50+ nights sleeping on the ground in occasionally extreme weather conditions (cold and wet, to hot and dry)

• Adapt at making decisions and performing leadership tasks with small amounts of sleep

• Able to comfortably hike up to 10 miles daily in mountainous terrain on backpacking trips; 16 miles in emergency situations that require walk-out evacuations

• Capable of lifting heavy objects (minimum of 50 lbs.)

Why work here

Join our team and discover our culture of excellence! At Good Shepherd Episcopal School, we believe in creating and sustaining a community where all members feel they belong.

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