Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum (CGDCM)

Field Instructor Job Description

Position: Program Instructor

Department: Department of Education (Learning and Visitor Engagement)

Office location: The Dalles, OR

Reports to: Director of Education

Wage classification: Hourly, Full-time 

Benefits: Flexible schedule, 3 weeks PTO with yearly increases, 8 annual paid holidays, paid professional development, and the ability to work remotely when programs are not in session.

Application process: Applicant reviews and interviews will be held on a rolling basis.

Anticipated start date: January 5, 2026

Summary Description

The Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum (CGDCM) is a non-profit organization based in The Dalles, Oregon. It inspires stewardship of the Columbia River Gorge and Wasco County, encourages active lifelong learning about our shared environment, and preserves, collects, and interprets the region's cultural and natural history. In 2023, CGDCM merged with Gorge Ecology Outdoors (GEO), an esteemed organization formed in 1997 with a strong foundation throughout the Gorge. This merger has strengthened our mission, allowing us to leverage GEO’s strong foundation throughout the Gorge while ensuring that GEO retains its name and continues to be an educational pillar in the community. 

The Program Instructor is a key member of a team of passionate educators dedicated to providing transformative, safe, place-based environmental education experiences to students ranging from grades K-12. This position requires flexibility, creativity, and a commitment to the organization. Because of the diversity of students we serve (and staff we collaborate with), instructors should have the skills to address implicit bias and be culturally responsive in all interactions. We also encourage instructors to take an active role in improving our programs. 

Program Instructors will primarily assist with implementing the SECRETS program curriculum. This program comprises seven lessons presented in 5th-grade classrooms that focus on general ecological concepts as they are found in the local environment. It concludes with a community outreach presentation and a full-day field trip to a nearby natural area. In addition to SECRETS, Instructors will assist with on-site and off-site field trips, Outdoor School, Summer School, and other programs with various community partners.

The work schedule depends on the season's programming requirements. The majority of work hours occur Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.

This role involves significant interaction with the public, necessitating strong interpersonal and communication skills. Above all, the ideal candidate will bring a profound passion for guiding students through enriching experiences that uncover the marvels of the natural world.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Instructors are responsible for facilitating assigned education programs. Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• Educate students in grades K-12 in indoor and outdoor settings.
• Prepare to teach engaging, hands-on science or history curriculum to diverse audiences. 
• Effectively manage logistical challenges and changes. 
• Work collaboratively with community partners and CGDCM coworkers.
• Maintain curriculum materials and supplies. 
• Keep materials organized, clean, and in good working order. 
• Communicate any supply concerns to the supervisor.

• Engage in professional development. 

• Participate in staff development sessions, including staff training, staff meetings, and feedback/evaluation forms. 
• Seek out external professional development opportunities (funds available through CGDCM).
• Prioritize risk management. 
• Ensure the safety of students during all programs. 
• Be sensitive to the health and welfare of all participants by diligently following health protocols to ensure a safe environment for participants. 

Position Requirements

Who Should Apply 

You have experience successfully accomplishing duties similar to those listed above. 

OR 

You have related experience that translates well to the duties in the job description. 

OR 

You feel energized by the thought of participating in educational roles you’ve never done before, and you’re passionate about empowering people to be stewards of the natural and human history of the Eastern Gorge.

Required Qualifications

• Non-Formal/Outdoor Education: Comfort with leading groups of students in non-traditional settings while providing for their safety and comfort.
• Educational Skills: Proficiency in lesson facilitation and presentation.
• Subject Expertise: Working knowledge of Natural History and Ecology concepts.
• Interpersonal and Management Skills: Strong interpersonal, management, and communication abilities.
• Diversity and Inclusion: Demonstrated experience or ability to work effectively with diverse populations.
• Pre-Employment Checks: Requirement for pre-employment checks, such as criminal background and reference verification.
• Valid Driver’s License: Possession of a valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Educational Background: Bachelor's degree, or equivalent work experience in education fields.
• Experience: Prior experience in classroom settings, enrichment programs, or youth engagement with a focus on positive behavior management and environmental education.
• DEI Knowledge: An openness to grow in their understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion principles.
• Language Skills: Proficiency or native fluency in a second language (other than English).

Working Conditions

• Physical Demands: The role involves approximately 40% sitting and 60% standing,  lifting/carrying/pushing objects weighing up to 60 lbs, and maintaining a walking pace on a dirt trail for a total of 5 miles as well as climbing multiple flights of stairs. These physical demands may be required on each day of a work week for multiple weeks in a row.
• Environmental Exposure: Frequently, the entire workday will be spent outdoors in natural areas, which may include navigating uneven terrain and enduring various weather conditions.  Bathroom access is not guaranteed.