Outdoor Education Program Lead

San Francisco Waldorf School • San Francisco, CA

287d • $60,000 - $95,000

About The Position

San Francisco Waldorf High School seeks an enthusiastic and experienced Outdoor Education Program Lead for a position starting with the 2025-2026 school year. This candidate will have a high degree of skill in managing experiential learning environments for adolescents aged 13-19. Deep enthusiasm for transmitting love and respect for nature is a must. While Waldorf teacher training is preferred, we welcome strong candidates who demonstrate a willingness to learn about our approach. Successful candidates will be expected to participate in our in-house teacher development program and attend designated professional development days. Waldorf Education is the fastest growing independent school movement in the world. This dynamic approach to child development and education is continually evolving to meet today's students and prepare them for tomorrow. Waldorf education inspires life-long learning in students and enables them to fully develop their unique capacities. San Francisco Waldorf School (SFWS) was founded in 1979 and currently enrolls 380 students throughout a parent-child program, a preschool program, kindergarten, and Grades 1-12. The high school campus is located in the West Portal neighborhood which is easily accessible via public transportation. Fifty percent of high school students identify as multiracial or people of color.

Requirements

• At least 2 years combined experience teaching, and leading teenagers in front-country and backcountry camping, hiking, backpacking, and navigation
• Strong risk management skills & tolerance for adversity
• Experience driving a 9-passenger van
• Valid Wilderness First Responder certification (or willingness to obtain)
• Leave No Trace practitioner, champion of environmental ethics education
• Able to hold both high level vision of programming and give attention to detail
• Strong organizational skills: including use of Google Suite tools and ability to learn gradebook software

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree or higher
• Mental health first aid training
• Professional risk management certifications
• Waldorf Teacher Training/Knowledge of or interest in Waldorf Education
• Significant experience working with teens

Responsibilities

• Serve as lead faculty for all overnight outdoor education programs (approx 35 nights per year)
• Scout and book locations for all trips (4‐5 day/3‐4 overnight) for grades 9-12 (approx. 6 trips per school year)
• Hold vision for all aspects of on-trip logistics & pre-trip parent and student communications
• Develop, oversee and enforce risk management protocols for all trips
• Manage and maintain outdoor gear
• Plan allergy appropriate menus and purchasing food for all trips
• Work alongside Waldorf faculty to prepare them to chaperone trips
• Hire and train additional Outdoor Education Trip Assistants (1 per trip)
• Work with class teachers to develop curriculum for class trips, demonstrating willingness to work with Waldorf pedagogy
• Lead two blocks of OE activities as part of the PE program; for example: Backpacking 101, Habitat Restoration
• Join a faculty leadership committee of your choice (Example: Community Engagement, Safety, Guidance, Assembly, etc.)
• Attend weekly faculty meetings
• Serve as academic student advisor for 6-8 students, meeting quarterly and as needed
• Serve as a class sponsor
• Participate in all-school service days

Benefits

• Medical
• Dental
• Flexible spending plans
• Retirement plan (employer contributions after one year of employment)
• Tuition remission (prorated by FTE) for eligible dependents in our Preschool – Grade 12 program (staff fees apply)

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Educational Services
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree