Position Overview:

The Middle School Program Instructor’s primary responsibility is to lead groups of middle school aged youth in an exciting and popular environmental leadership programs in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.  Through a rich combination of outdoor excursions, restoration work, fun team builders, hands-on projects, and interactive workshops, participants will gain leadership skills, explore issues relevant to them, and connect to their National Parks.  Participants will work with volunteers to repair trails and habitats in the park, learn about environmental and sustainability problems and build skills to improve their lives, communities, and environment.  The Summer UTB program accepts 66 middle school students.  The Middle School Summer Program Instructor will oversee a team of 11 middle school students and 2 high school assistants the entire session.  The session includes 2 overnight trips (to rob hill camp ground and a 4 day, 3 night trip to Yosemite) and culminates in a final presentation about the environmental, teamwork and leadership skills that the youth have learned.

The Middle School Summer Program Instructor position reports to the Middle School Program Manager.

This is a Seasonal position that runs from June 1, 2020 through August 5, 2020.
 
Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• • Teach, mentor and supervise a team of 11 middle school youth and 2 high school interns. 
• • Works with the Middle School Program Manager in the design, development and implementation of daily team building and education activities based on outlined themes.
• • Responsible for the physical and emotional safety of the youth participating in the program at all times.
• • Coordinate and implement the end of the program celebration with friends and family.
• • Lead restoration projects, field trips, special projects, and 2 overnight trips.
• • Manage youth and high school interns on 2 multi-night overnight trips which includes facilitating activities, supporting time management for staff, youth and self, manage group safety
• • Meet with parents and guardians and provide open door for communication and progress of their child.
• • Perform administrative tasks associated with job and other duties as needed.
• • Mentor one-on-one high school and middle school age students.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• • Multicultural Environmental Education: Knowledge of issues related to the urban communities, ability to make connections between the urban and natural environment, cultural history and current events in order to make education relevant to diverse audiences.
• • Experience working with middle school age youth from under-served communities in San Francisco.
• •  Strong group management skills and ability to build a strong community
• • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• • Basic background knowledge in education, child and adolescent development, recreation, or related field preferred.
• • Experience teaching in an informal setting preferred (after-school, youth leadership, youth development).
• • Ability to organize, prioritize and efficiently complete tasks.
• • Ability to work in a partnership setting with a range of personality types.
• • Commitment to diversity in the workplace.
• Education and Experience:
• • High School diploma and completion of some college coursework preferred.
• • CPR and First Aid certification- will assist upon hire.
• • Ability to speak Spanish or Chinese a plus!
• • Past youth program participants (I-YEL, Project WISE, and LINC) are strongly encouraged to apply.

Computer Skills:   

• • Competent in the use of Microsoft Office, especially Word and Excel.
• • Basic background in Google drive

Certifications or Licenses:

• • Valid CA Driver’s License with 2 years of driving experience with safe driving record.
• • Commercial Class C Driver’s License- can assist in obtaining. Must obtain Commercial Class C permit prior to program start date.

Physical Requirements and Work Environments:

• • Ability to hike 5 miles on uneven terrain.
• • Work is performed mostly in an outdoor setting.
• • Work is primarily performed walking and standing.
• • Frequently lifts, carries and positions objects weighing up to 50 pounds

Supervision:

• • Supervise a team of 11 middle school youth and 2 high school interns. 
• • Mentor high school and middle school age students

 
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All employees may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

The Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Recruitment, placement and promotions are conducted without regard to an individual's race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical handicap, veteran status or sexual orientation, or any other classification protected by Federal, State, and local laws & ordinances. We will consider qualified candidates with criminal history in a manner consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.