Field Education Instructor
Full Time
Jackson, Wyoming, US
 

Pay and Work Schedule: Daily and auxiliary rates; schedule dependent on programming  

Position Dates: February 22, 2022 - Approximately November 18, 2022 

Position Purpose: In Field Education, we use the wild lands of Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone National Park, and the Bridger-Teton National Forest as our classrooms. The Instructor provides customized field science and environmental education programming for youth, adult and family residential and non-residential programs.

Qualifications:

• Commitment to diversity and inclusion in teaching; willingness to be part of a small community.
• At least one season of experience teaching hands-on, inquiry-based field science or environmental science, ideally in a residential, outdoor setting. More than one season is preferred. 
• Experience managing risk and traveling and teaching in the outdoors in variable weather conditions.
• Experience teaching science and natural history in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and/or the willingness to commit to self-directed study in order to be prepared for instruction.
• Experience co-teaching and lesson planning within a teaching team.
• Minimum of Bachelor’s degree in science, education or related field.
• 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 start date.

Responsibilities:

Teaching (80%) 

• Develop and implement thematic, place-based, hands-on field science curriculum and evening programs for multi-day, outdoor learning experiences. Programs may include evenings and overnights in hotels or tents. 
• Incorporate program logistics, student interests, teacher requests, NGSS and state science standards and TSS educational framework into instruction.
• Co-teach with AmeriCorps members and engage in professional development through weekly debriefs, lesson planning support and field observations.
• Facilitate the following while leading field groups of 7-13 people on excursions in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem:

1. Exploration of local natural history
2. Inquiry-based learning 
3. Field research 
4. Stewardship and citizen-science projects
5. Development of teamwork, communication and leadership, including facilitation of high and low elements on the Doug Walker Challenge Course
6. Responsibility for self and care of equipment
7. Hiking, backcountry travel and front- and backcountry camping skill development
8. Travel by foot, snowshoe, ski, and canoe depending on the season
9. Transference of subject matter back to participants’ home communities

• Manage participants’ physical, social, and emotional safety/risk and empower participants to become risk managers during all instructor-led activities.
• Educator Development (embedded within teaching)
• Co-teach weekly with AmeriCorps members.
• Support mentoring of AmeriCorps members through goal setting, program and lesson planning, daily debriefing and end of program reflection. 
• Engage in professional development through weekly debriefs, lesson planning support and field observations.

Program Support (20%)

• Attend all staff trainings and meetings as required and assigned.
• Assist with cleaning and maintaining residential lodges, teaching spaces, dining lodge, equipment and supplies.
• Support all aspects of programming within Field Education and across other program areas of TSS.
• Contribute to inclusive work and learning environments through continually developing cultural competency. Cultural competence is one’s ability to interact effectively across various dimensions of diversity. It lies at the intersection of awareness of others, self-awareness, and applying skills & knowledge to promote inclusion and equity.
• Assist with other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements 

• Programming based out of Jackson Campus, Kelly Campus, and Murie Ranch of Teton Science Schools.  Programming primarily based out of Jackson Campus but may be based out of any campus of TSS; may include outreach programming in other towns or states; or on camping trips in front- or back country settings.
• Stretches of time outdoors in all weather, including extreme temperatures and arid conditions.
• Able to drive 15 passenger vans and mini-buses for extended periods (up to 10 hours per day).
• Able to carry a backpack of 20+ lbs for 8 hours a day over uneven terrain

Benefits: 

Daily rate of $118/day for 1st year Instructors, $124 for 2nd year instructors, and $129 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 - - $50
Overnight camping shift - - $60

Health, dental, and vision insurance
Pro Deals from brand name outdoor companies
Limited employee housing available 
Meals available while groups are on campus to staff who participate in the TSS Food Co-op
Proximity to Jackson, Wyoming and Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks

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.