Outdoor Science Instructor

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Oregon Museum of Science and Industry

Fossil, OR

Job Type: Full-Time (Seasonal)

Salary: $155.25 per day, plus housing and meals

Start / End Dates: Mid-Jan 2024 through Nov 2024

OMSI Outdoor Science Instructors are a passionate team of educators and learners committed to providing transformative concept-based outdoor science education experiences. Using our curricula, instructors plan and lead lessons that are student-centered and place-based for all ages. This unique residential position offers the opportunity to live, work, and play across the Pacific Northwest.

 

OMSI Outdoors is currently adapting to the changing conditions of the world. Programming could be a mix of digital, day, or overnight sessions. Work schedule depends on the site and programming needs.

 

Essential Job Responsibilities

  • Teach concept-based, natural science curriculum, utilizing a mix of outdoor, classroom, and online settings for students K-12, as well as to adult learners;
  • Prepare daily lesson plans and clean/maintain teaching spaces and supplies;
  • Assist meal service and clean dining hall, cabins, restrooms and staff housing, during and at the end of each program;
  • Recognize, mitigate, and respond to hazards to ensure a healthy and safe program for all participants;
  • Actively integrate diversity, equity, access and inclusion in all areas.
  • Lead summer programs onsite, traveling, or both. This includes driving a van or bus, teaching, dispensing medication, preparing meals, and campsite set up/breakdown.
  • Drive participants to field locations throughout programming.

 

Working Conditions

  • This position is exempt, paid day rate;
  • This position is seasonal, scheduled for 40 hours/week;
  • Required on-site living, with shared staff quarters:
    • Housing provided. Food also provided when site programming includes commercial food service;
    • Camp season runs February through October, which includes: spring outdoor school, summer camp, and fall outdoor school.
  • Typical days are 10-14 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 daily, and 24 hours or more off each two-week block);
  • Physical Demands: 5% sitting, 30% standing, 20% walking 45% lifting/carrying/pushing 5 – 60 lbs;
  • Vision Demands include:
    • Close vision (clear vision at 20 inches of less)
    • Distance vision (clear vision at 20 feet or more)
    • Color vision (ability to identify and distinguish colors)
    • Depth and perception (three dimensional vision, ability to judge distance and spatial relationships)
    • Ability to adjust focus (ability to adjust the eyes to bring an object into sharp focus)
  • Environmental Demands include:
    • Outdoor weather conditions
    • Work near moving mechanical parts
    • Work in high, precarious places
    • Toxic or caustic chemicals
    • Risk of electric shock
  • Noise Levels include:
    • Very quiet (examples: forest trail, isolation booth for hearing test)
    • Quiet (examples: library, private office)
    • Moderate (examples: business office with computers and printers, light traffic)
    • Loud (examples: metal can manufacturing department, large earth-moving equipment)

 

Secondary Job Responsibilities

Provide support to the site-specific Outdoor Education team. Secondary responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

    • Intentionally and thoughtfully incorporate adult participants into the program;
    • Provide logistics and facility support in rotation with peers, and other tasks deemed necessary for successful site and program operation by the manager;
    • Coordinate with others in program planning and implementation;
    • Plan and perform songs and skits at campfires;
    • Provide first aid care to participants and staff when necessary;
    • Driving 15 passenger vans, driving with box trailers, and driving school buses with children, for up to four hours at a time.
    • Actively integrate participation, compassion, thought and informed action to build a supportive learning community;
    • Additional responsibilities as assigned by the site supervisor.

 

Benefits and Perks at OMSI

  • Multiple health plans (OMSI pays 86% of employee premiums)
  • 403(b) retirement with employer match eligibility
  • 2 weeks of vacation per year
  • 2 weeks of sick time per year
  • 12 personal / cultural days (PTO) per year
  • Free annual OMSI Family Membership
  • Reciprocal Employee Attractions Pass (REAP)
  • Inclusion-centered professional development opportunities
  • Employee-led rewards and recognition program
  • Discounts on summer programs for employee’s children

All are welcome at OMSI: As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to recruiting, hiring, developing, and retaining individuals from a diverse candidate pool regardless of race, age, ethnicity, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, citizenship status, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other legally protected status. Equity, diversity, and inclusion guide our process as we build a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives and skills so that we can better reflect and serve our community. We strongly invite applications from candidates who share our commitment to diversity.

For more information: https://omsi.edu/join-our-team/careers/work-with-omsi-outdoors/ or email talent@omsi.edu

Qualifications / Experience Level Required:

REQUIREMENTS:

Demonstrated ability to pivot between individual and teamwork;

Comfortable leading groups of students in all weather conditions;

Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and Google Suite products;

Familiarity with technology systems such as audio/visual setup and online conferencing;

Exercises sound judgment while upholding high integrity and ethical standards;

Strong interpersonal, verbal, and communication skills that adhere to confidentiality, protocol, and community agreements.

PREFERENCES:

Proficient or native fluency in a second language;

Strong lesson planning, facilitation, and presentation skills;

Developed knowledge of diversity, equity, and inclusion principles;

Education & Work Experience

REQUIREMENTS:

Combination of education and experience equivalent to a Bachelor’s Degree:

Working knowledge of the concepts in Natural History and Ecology;

Prior classroom, enrichment, or youth engagement experience with an emphasis on positive behavior management principles;

PREFERENCES:

Prior supervisor experience;

Degree in STEAM or Education fields;

Experience working with youth in the outdoors.

Additional Requirements/Preferences; Including Licenses and Certifications

REQUIREMENTS:

Pre-employment checks, such as criminal background checks, reference checks, and American Camp Association (ACA) background checks;

Current Adult/Child CPR/AED certification;

Emergency Glucagon Administration certification;
–If not certified, training can be provided at no cost for selected candidates as part of the onboarding process;

Current Wilderness First Responder certification;
–Training is available during non-working days at employee’s expense.

Oregon Food Handlers Card
–Training is available during non-working days at employee’s expense.

Valid Class B Commercial Driver License* w/ air brake & passenger endorsement (training is available during non-working days at employee’s expense):
–Per Oregon state law, CDL holders must be a minimum of 21 years old;
–Must meet the requirements in the MVR Policy including passing a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check and pre-duty drug test for the CDL Driver Policy.

PREFERENCES:

Current lifeguard certification.

Housing: Provided

Contact:

Apply for This Position: https://omsi.applicantpool.com/jobs/1033570

Application Closes: Open until filled

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