SUMMARY: The Outdoor Education Specialist is a key member of the Waskowitz education team, providing mentorship, supervision, and coordination for a variety of overnight and day programs. This position supports and leads programs including Outdoor School, Living History, Middle School Programming, and rental group programming. The Outdoor Education Specialist also provides non-evaluative supervision and coaching to the Outdoor Educator team, supports professional development, and helps uphold a positive, inclusive, and studentcentered staff culture.
The Outdoor Education Specialist is the primary coordinator of the High School Leader Program, including recruitment, training, placement, and weekly development for high school students serving in leadership roles. The Specialist designs and facilitates curriculum, mentors student leaders and trains staff to work effectively with youth in leadership roles. This position works closely with the Program Manager to ensure the success of all Waskowitz programs.

The hours of this position vary by program and may include early mornings, evenings, overnight shifts, and occasional weekends. During non-program times, this is a 6 hour a day position. Additional hours are added as needed during Outdoor School and other programs.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. This list is meant to be representative, not exhaustive. Some incumbents may not perform all the duties listed while in other cases related duties may also be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the
essential functions. 

Leadership and Supervision

• Provide day-to-day, non-evaluative supervision and mentorship to Outdoor Educators.
• Support the professional development, leadership growth, and instructional quality of Outdoor Educator staff.
• Facilitate team meetings, feedback conversations, and community-building practices with the instructional team.
• Serve as on-site support during overnight and evening programming, including supervision of staff and students.

High School Leadership Program

• Lead the recruitment, placement, training, and weekly development of high school student leaders.
• Design and facilitate curriculum focused on leadership, mentorship, equity, and environmental stewardship.
• Build meaningful mentoring relationships with high school leaders; support their personal growth andbleadership.
• Train Outdoor Educators and seasonal staff to work effectively with high school leaders.
• Coordinate schedules, logistics, and placement of high school leaders across programs.

Program Planning & Facilitation

• Deliver culturally responsive, hands-on curriculum for students, high school leaders, and visiting groups.
• Collaborate with the Waskowitz leadership team to plan and implement engaging and inclusive programming.
• Create and facilitate day and evening activities, including lessons, skits, games, and community events.
• Participate in all-staff duties such as trail maintenance, general cleaning of program spaces, and meal supervision and hosting.

Culture Building

• Foster a safe, positive, and inclusive learning environment for all students and staff.
• Promote stewardship, curiosity, and connection to place in every part of the program experience.

Partnership & Collaboration

• Collaborate with district staff, visiting teachers, and partner organizations.
• Contribute to professional development and staff training.
• Support program logistics, scheduling, communication, and emergency response as needed.
• Assist in kitchen, office, or other related roles when needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Natural Science, Environmental Education, Recreation, or other related fields
• Four years of experience as an Outdoor Educator or outdoor work with youth/adolescents
• Experience leading or coordinating others

PREFERRED:

• Master’s Degree in related field
• Bilingual in English and additional language(s) represented in the school community
• Passion for working with youth in an outdoor setting
• Flexibility in scheduling, including early mornings, evenings, overnights, and weekends

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• Standard First Aid and CPR

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Criminal background clearance
• Valid WA State driver’s license and proof of insurance
• Maintain valid certification in CPR and First Aid
• Flexible working hours and shifts
• All certificates, licenses, endorsements, permits, and vaccines (absent exemption) as required for this position by state and local authorities

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Outdoor Environment Education principles, concepts, and practices
• Outdoor Environment Education instructional strategies
• Computers and related software
• School board policies and procedures

ABILITY TO:

• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing
• Maintain effective working relationships with individuals and groups in a multicultural and diverse community
• Work collaboratively with school and central office administrators, parents, community members and clients
• Remain flexible to changes with calendar, assignments or situations
• Organize activities, set priorities, lead and follow instructions
• Lead songs with groups of various sizes
• Prepare and present educational programs to groups of various sizes
• Mentor students; assist with various program demands
• Comply with school board policies and follow administrative procedures