Outdoor Adventure Instructor (Seasonal)

New York City Outward Bound Schools • Queens, NY

12d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Outdoor Adventure Instructor position at NYC Outward Bound Schools leads students on outdoor adventure courses including hiking, low ropes courses, belaying support on rock climbing walls, and team-building programs at a remote location in Fishkill, NY and various locations across the five boroughs in NYC. During overnight and single day programs, Instructors plan components of outdoor adventure courses, facilitate adventurous learning experiences, adapt activities based on students’ needs, and ensure a safe and exciting learning environment for all participating youth. This position requires both remote, overnight work on outdoor courses in NY State and urban adventures in NYC as well as work in the NYC Outward Bound Schools’ headquarters office in Long Island City (Queens). Transportation from our headquarters in Long Island City (Queens) to the Fishkill, NY site is provided, and limited staff housing is available at the Fishkill, NY location for those who need it. This role is designed as a per diem employee role and does not guarantee a set amount of work or time.

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.
• Able to successfully obtain and maintain necessary certifications for outdoor adventure, upon start of employment and after completing required 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, but is beneficial – 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
• Support course planning efforts, including the development of educational and outdoor skill lessons and course logistics, in collaboration with the Lead Instructor.
• Structure a safe, inclusive, and fun learning environment
• Sequence activities that build on one another and progress toward specific learning outcomes, using appropriate scaffolding to support varying skill levels, learning styles, and group needs.
• Recognize any potential risks involved in activities and proactively/continually assess and adjust programming accordingly
• Facilitate various experiential education and overnight programs for NYC students, including leading hiking and low ropes courses at our outdoor adventure facility
• Provide belaying support for rock climbers on indoor and/or outdoor climbing walls and structures
• Co-lead team-building programs in New York City parks and/or schools
• Attend all required seasonal training and professional development sessions.
• Participate in course debriefs to reflect on program delivery, student experience, and areas for improvement.
• Provide support with course admissions and logistical coordination as needed.
• Providing Students with Experiences in a Positive and Inclusive Culture
• Support students throughout 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
• Effectively resolve conflict with students, when necessary
• Ensuring the physical and emotional safety of all students, including those with diverse learning needs.
• Comply with NYC Outward Bound Schools health and safety policies and procedures
• 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

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed