Outdoor School staff members will be a part of a collaborative educational team implementing an immersive overnight learning experience for 6th-grade students. High school students provide mentorship and community development and are empowered to become teachers themselves, teaching hands-on immersive science in the field. Outdoor School employees will work collaboratively and responsibly with their team and the Outdoor School leadership staff. Staff should be receptive to different outcomes, accept and incorporate feedback, and be positive team players through honest communication, altruism, and respectful actions. As an Outdoor School employee, you are expected to work the hours assigned, communicate and engage with your supervisor, and uphold the mission and values of the Outdoor School program.

Are you ready for the hardest job you’ll ever love? Join us in an inspiring role where you will lead, mentor, and create lasting memories with middle school students in the beautiful Oregon landscape. This is an opportunity to make a significant impact while working in a rewarding, outdoor setting that fosters growth, inquiry, and community.

How You Will Make an Impact:

Lead and Inspire: Support and guide teams of sixth-grade students and high school volunteers through engaging activities and science field studies, fostering a spirit of inquiry and positive social-emotional development. MESD Outdoor School is one of the largest Outdoor Schools in the state, serving about 7000 6th graders and 1000 high school students in Multnomah County.

Mentor and Role Model: Serve as a mentor and coach to high school leaders, encouraging students to thrive both academically and personally while building confidence and resilience. High School Student Leaders take on teh role of cabin leaders and teachers, as a staff member you support their successes and development. MESD Outdoor School is recognized as a leader in the state for their high school mentoring program. 

Collaborative Community: Work alongside a dedicated staff who share your passion for mentorship and education, living on-site and creating a close-knit community focused on shared goals.

Celebrate Diversity: Actively contribute to our mission as an Anti-Racist organization, creating an inclusive and respectful environment for all participants.

Nature Engagement: Spend your days outdoors, interacting with the natural world, and facilitating students' connections to their environment and local ecosystems.

Skill Development: Gain invaluable skills in teaching, leadership, and mentorship, including conflict resolution and effective communication, while working with diverse groups of people.

Emotional and Physical Safety:  Collaborate with students to ensure their well-being and safety, fostering an environment where everyone feels secure and supported.

Cultural Respect: Honor and respect the Indigenous lands of the Chinook and Kalapuya nations, integrating their perspectives into your work.

Community Engagement: You will play a vital role in fostering a strong sense of community within the 6th-grade program. You will engage with various stakeholders, including engage with all level of the 6th grade community, families, principals teachers, counselors, cooks, and site managers. By actively engaging with all levels of the 6th-grade community, you will contribute to creating a positive and supportive learning environment for all students.