Outdoor Adventure: Lead Instructor (Seasonal Contract)

New York City Outward Bound Schools • Queens, NY

11d • Hybrid

About The Position

NYC Outward Bound Schools is a nonprofit organization that partners with over 100 public schools across NYC to provide equitable, immersive, and joyful learning experiences for students. Their approach focuses on adventurous learning, including daring exploration, real-world engagement, and meaningful challenges, both in schools and outdoors. They coach teachers on implementing advisory structures and deeper learning in classrooms. Outdoors, they deliver adventure programming to help students develop leadership skills like collaboration and initiative. They aim to empower students as co-creators of their learning in environments where their voices are heard and valued, proving that transformation can occur within the public school system and that all students can achieve at high levels.

Requirements

• Must be 18 years or older.
• Commitment to educational equity for BIPOC youth and supporting explicit anti-racist work within our organization and partner schools.
• Able to carry, lift, and move a minimum of 50 pounds for up to five miles per day on uneven terrain (backpacking, hiking, moving gear, supporting evacuations in wilderness settings).
• Able to work outdoors in various weather and temperature conditions.
• Capable of physically delivering proficient belaying assistance to climbers by ensuring both physical and emotional safety on a rock climbing wall
• Able to manage multiple priorities in real-time while managing and resolving individual and group behavioral needs with various tools.
• Able to take initiative, carry out tasks individually, and work cooperatively as a team.
• Able to work with staff that have different styles and experiences.
• Able to support the physical and emotional needs of students who have never camped before.
• Ability to obtain and maintain required outdoor adventure certifications upon hire and through ongoing training, including Wilderness Advanced First Aid, CPR, Epi administration, and Mandated Reporter training.
• Able to obtain clearance through a NYC Department of Education Background Check.

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience in outdoor adventure courses and/or climbing is not necessary – what is most important is a strong desire to work with the young people of NYC and expand their view of the world.
• Experience facilitating youth programming in various settings such as overnight multi-day programs with 24 hour supervision of students, preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plan for and Provide High-Quality Direct Instruction and Support to Students on Course
• Participate in course planning, including developing educational and outdoor skill lessons, logistics, and scaffolded activity progressions that build toward clear learning outcomes.
• Serve as a Lead Instructor on course, providing guidance, mentorship, and on-site support to Instructors while modeling best practices in facilitation, safety, and youth engagement.
• Instruct experiential education and overnight programs for NYC students while creating a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment at outdoor sites and in NYC parks and schools.
• Proactively assess risk and adjust programming to ensure participant safety.
• Oversee medical screening and medication management on course in accordance with organizational protocols.
• Attend and actively participate in all required trainings, including seasonal onboarding, safety certifications, and role-specific professional development.
• Manage and submit required program documentation, including daily course reports, youth surveys, incident documentation, and post-course debriefs, and participate in reflective course debriefs.
• Provide support with course admissions and logistical coordination as needed.
• Support students through their outdoor experience by aiding in preparation, ensuring timely meals, supervising sleeping arrangements, and addressing overall needs during overnight programs.
• Instruct students on rock climbing programs in adherence to safety standards and NYC Outward Bound Schools programmatic goals
• Provide clear, effective, and timely communication to students and staff
• Provide solo instruction to a group of students, when necessary
• Effectively resolve conflict with students, when necessary
• Ensuring the physical and emotional safety of all students, including those with diverse learning needs.
• Support student health and safety in accordance with NYC Outward Bound Schools policies, including reviewing pre-course medical and behavioral information, supporting admissions needs, and providing appropriate on-course care.
• Model effective instructional strategies that engage students and promote student engagement and learning outcomes in various modalities.
• Plan, design, and facilitate professional development workshops and training sessions to enhance instructional practices and subject-specific knowledge.
• Step into Site Lead & Lead Instructor role, when required.
• Other duties, as required, may be requested.

Benefits

• Comprehensive training and onboarding, including instruction in experiential facilitation, course structure, youth development, safety protocols, and best practices to prepare instructors to work effectively with students.
• Access to Outward Bound’s Employee Resource Groups, and additional employment opportunities within the network
• Three (3) sick days

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed