Position Responsibilities:

Instructors this fall will work a variable schedule in wilderness camp and urban settings from August through the end of November. Paid training will be provided.

Instructors are expected to work Monday through Friday (with occasional weekends) in wilderness, camp and urban settings. Training will be mandatory and paid.

The four course types most common to the spring are: Urban Expeditions, Crew Orientation, School Based Programs, and customized Climbing and Team Building programs

Urban Expeditions are generally 3-4 days and involve facilitating participants in a cultural exploration of NYC
Crew Orientation programs are generally 3-5 days and include backpacking, high and low challenge courses and facilitating activities targeting conflict resolution and communication
School Based Programs take place in NYC Public Schools and involve working with students and teachers

Customized programs are 1 -3 day programs for students and/or teachers that can involve high and low challenge activities, climbing on our outdoor climbing wall and/or team building activities

Instructors should have a commitment to working with urban youth and improving public education.

Essential Functions and Duties:

Teaching, Facilitating and Supervising Students

Sequence activities that are appropriate for the group based on an assessment of group skills, abilities, development stage, goals, program objectives and social cultural needs

Recognize the inherent risks involved in each activity and continually assess and adjust programming accordingly

Understand and recognize common group dynamics

Provide appropriate opportunities for participants to identify and reflect upon their experiences

Facilitate a learning environment that incorporates emotional, physical, social and cultural domains of safety

Logistical and Site Support

Safety Management

Practice all national and local operating procedures and conduct activities according to the policies, procedures and practices that guide the program plan

Knowledge and Skills:

• Medical Certification: Current First Aid / CPR and Wilderness Advanced First Aid or Wilderness First Responder Certification strongly preferred
• Valid Driver’s License and must be 21 to be eligible to drive vehicles
• Department Of Education Background Check will be required
• Instructors must be able to fulfill the Core Competencies (attached)

Education and Work Experience:

Experience leading youth on wilderness or urban expeditions is preferred. Experience with non-profits serving urban youth is strongly desired.

INSTRUCTOR CORE COMPETENCIES

PHILOSOPHY

Instructors will:

Understand and practice Outward Bound (OB) methodology and experiential education.

Articulate Outward Bound philosophy, history and objectives.

TEACHING SKILLS

Instructors will have the ability to:

Design course activities based on the assessment of individual and group needs

Engage in a variety of teaching styles

Present information in coherent and engaging progression
Assist students in transferring OB experiences and lessons

INTERPERSONAL/COMMUNICATION SKILLS

Instructors will have the ability to:

Demonstrate and facilitate effective communication and feedback skills with staff and students.

Assess and address individual and group physical and emotional needs, motivate and counsel to promote individual and interdependent competence.

Show respect and compassion for others and create an emotionally safe environment for students and staff.

RISK MANAGEMENT SKILLS

Instructors will:

Maintain, as a minimum, current Wilderness Advanced First Aid (WAFA) and CPR certifications and training to manage anaphylactic emergencies.

Demonstrate the ability to anticipate and manage potential hazards, both emotional and physical.

Demonstrate proficiency in managing all “risk” activities as demanded by the terrain, the student population and the weather.

Have knowledge of and adhere to all local operating procedures, safety policies and emergency procedures.

Demonstrate sound judgment and the ability to manage a group effectively under stressful conditions and in crisis situations.

Demonstrate proficiency in managing a variety of potentially challenging group behaviors.

GENERAL OUTDOOR SKILLS

Instructors must have personal experience in the activities they will be responsible for students and experience in extended wilderness expeditions.

Instructors will be proficient in:

• Leave No Trace (LNT) practices.
• Navigation, search and rescue.
• Use and maintenance of all applicable equipment.
• Back country sanitation, hygiene and nutritional needs.
• Instructors should have a working knowledge of local natural history, flora and fauna.

GENERAL ABILITIES

Instructors are required to participate in all activities on course and maintain ample energy, strength and focus to assist students with physical and emotional obstacles.

Instructors must know their own strengths, limitations and needs, and can productively manage personal stress.

Instructors must have the ability to assess the needs of co-workers, provide training and evaluate constructively.

Instructors must attend appropriate staff training or equivalent orientations prior to supervising students in the field.