The Spring Outdoor Science Instructor teaches concept-based outdoor science education in the field. Instructors will plan one to five-hour lessons to teach to groups of approximately 15 students in an outdoor setting. This position requires living on-site in Newport, Oregon at the Coastal Discovery Center at Camp Gray.   Work schedule depends on the site and programming needs.

Participate in programs/initiatives to enhance corporate culture, such as:

• Working effectively with and supporting volunteers throughout the organization
• Supporting OMSI's Total Guest Experience/Customer Service mission & objectives in daily job performance, including diversity initiatives.
• Professionally represent OMSI with all internal and external contacts with appropriate appearance, action and communication.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Teach concept-based, natural science curriculum, utilizing a mix of outdoor and classroom settings for students K-12, as well as to adult learners.
• Prepare daily lesson plans, and maintain equipment and teaching supplies for the program.
• Recognize, mitigate, and respond to hazards to ensure a healthy and safe program for all participants.
• Clean teaching spaces, cabins, staff housing, and restrooms at the end of each teaching week.
• Fulfill assigned duties in an emergency situation.
• This position is exempt, paid day rate
• This position is special project, scheduled for 40 hours/week.

Working and Living Conditions: 

• The season runs February early June.
• Requires on-site living, including shared staff quarters.
• Room and board provided during days with programming; room only during non-programming days.
• Typical days are 10-12 hours in length.  Weekend programming can occasionally make for 13 straight days of work without a full day off. American Camp Association time off standards will be met (2 hours off daily, and 24 hours or more off each two-week block)).
• Must be physically able to lead students in hikes of up to 10 miles in a day.
• Work environment includes open flames, toxic or caustic chemicals, and all-season outdoor weather conditions.
• Must have visual, perceptual, cognitive and judgment ability to: recognize and respond verbally to health and safety concerns and to deal appropriately with any improper behavior.
• Vision requirements include close vision (clear vision at 20 inches or less), distance vision (clear vision at 20 feet or more), color vision (the ability to recognize the colors of traffic signals and devices showing standard red, green, and amber), peripheral vision (ability to observe an area that can be seen up and down or to the left or right while eyes are fixed on a given point), depth and perception (three dimensional vision, ability to judge distance and spatial relationships), and ability to adjust focus (ability to adjust the eyes to bring an object into sharp focus).
• Noise level is very quiet (examples: forest trail, isolation booth for hearing test) to loud (examples: metal can manufacturing department, large earth-moving equipment).
• Physical Demands: 5% Sitting, 30% Standing, 20% Walking, 45% Lifting/Carrying/Pushing/Pulling Pounds 5 - 80 lbs

Secondary Functions:

"Performing the following may involve driving to various locations outside OMSI's corporate headquarters:"

• Provide logistics and facility support in rotation with peers, which includes driving, food service, invasive species removal, minor site and vehicle maintenance, cleaning and other tasks deemed necessary for successful site operation by the manager.
• Coordinate with other instructors in program planning and implementation.
• Provide first aid care to participants and staff when necessary.
• Incorporate adult chaperones and teachers into the program for multigenerational learning.
• Plan and perform songs and skits at campfires.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

 Requirements:

• Ability to follow basic instructions.
• Ability to communicate and direct small and large groups.
• Flexibility in weekly schedules and daily programming.
• Understanding of confidentiality and protocol.
• Excellent conflict resolution skills.
• Professional communication skills, both written and oral.
• Excellent organizational, analytical and problem solving skills.
• Excellent coordination and project management skills.
• Good attention to detail.
• Strong customer service skills.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Preferences:

• Experience working with Next Generation Science Standards.

Education & Work Experience:

 Requirements:

• Experience working with youth in an educational setting.
• Working knowledge of the concepts in natural history and ecology.
• Combination of experience and education equivalent to Bachelor's Degree.

Preferences:

• 9 months working as an instructor for a residential outdoor education program
• Valid driver's license.
• Bilingual - Spanish/English.
• Documented experience in leading backpacking trips.
• Bachelor's Degree or Master's Degree in Natural Sciences, or Education.
• Teaching Certificate.
• Experience working with volunteers.

Additional Requirements/Preferences; Including Licenses and Certifications:

 Requirements:

• Pre-employment checks, such as criminal background check, reference checks, American Camp Association (ACA) background checks (& on annual basis),
• Oregon Food Handlers Card (training is available during non-working days at employee's expense).
• Current Adult/child CPR/AED certification

Preferences:

• Current Wilderness First Responder (training is available during non-working days at employee's expense).