JOB DESCRIPTION:

Sixth-grade students from Multnomah County embark on a transformative journey at Outdoor School. This immersive (Sunday-Friday) residential science program ignites curiosity through hands-on, inquiry-based learning in the natural world, all alongside their class and teacher. What makes it truly special? Dedicated high school student volunteers live and learn alongside these younger students, serving as mentors and stepping into the role of outdoor science teachers. Guiding these young leaders are our Outdoor School staff, fostering their growth in both cabin life and the outdoor classroom. MESD Outdoor School cultivates confidence in the outdoors, sparks a passion for science, and builds lasting relationships. Join our collaborative team and be part of delivering this empowering and inclusive week where both sixth-graders and high schoolers discover their potential.

As an Outdoor School Staff you will: 

• Model teach science lessons for a high school student to help them feel confident in teaching it themselves.
• Resolve conflicts between two students through restorative practice
• Eat meals with students and build a community through care, curiosity, and kindness
• Work with students to foster Social Emotional Skills, like problem solving and relationship building.
• Work with a classroom teacher to support a student who feels homesick
• Mentor a new high school student with feedback and tools for success
• Lead a game or art activity with a group of students
• Participate in a community campfire with students through songs and stories
• Hike in the rain to identify plants and animal signs

At Outdoor School we believe that every individual is equal, valuable, and welcome. We work to acknowledge and celebrate our differences, whatever they may be. Inclusion means everyone and together we will strengthen our skills to work and live with others that are alike and different from ourselves. At Outdoor School we are building a community where everyone is honored for exactly who they are.  

We work to uphold these values by:

• Prioritizing and centering racial equity in all aspects of the program
• Normalizing the use and sharing of pronouns
• Providing relevant and consistent professional development every session
• Commitment to a growth mindset, open to feedback, reflection, and active engagement using trauma-informed, culturally responsive student support strategies
• Utilizing restorative practices to solve conflicts and support community care
• Inviting all students, no one is turned away for academic, behavioral, or physical needs, everyone is welcome at Outdoor School

We focus on your accomplishments and character, not just your job titles. The ideal candidate will bring experience in one or more of the following areas: 

• Is passionate about youth mentorship and education, eager to support and empower students. 
• Thrives in an outdoor environment, valuing hands-on learning and exploration. 
• Communicates openly and honestly, valuing teamwork and collaboration. 
• Demonstrates kindness and altruism in all interactions, building trust and rapport with students and peers. 
• Is adaptable and ready to respond to the needs of students in various situations. 
• Embraces diversity, recognizing the strengths that arise from different backgrounds and experiences. 
• You believe in empowering each child to reach their social, emotional, and academic potential. 
• You are ready to work as part of a team and can succeed individually.  
• Broadly shares both responsibility and accountability. 
• Recognizing and respecting the diverse visible and invisible qualities that make each individual unique – including race, gender, age, sexual orientation, ability, religion, national origin, and gender identity – is crucial. This role requires you to actively contribute to inclusive and equitable learning and working environments through respectful behavior and thoughtful, constructive communication with all.

Additional Skills that are Valued

• Bilingual-pay differential for full fluency (read, write, translate, communicate for agency as needed) in Spanish, Russian, Vietnamese, Chinese, Arabic, Somali, Korean
• Experience in outdoor recreation or working with children/adolescents or experience in a related education/caregiving role.
• Science degree 
• Experience with diverse communities
• Experience with students with special needs
• Diverse life experiences and knowledge
• Experience implementing trauma-informed care and/or supporting youth with mental health needs.
• Experience implementing restorative justice models in an educational setting or a similar setting working with youth.

We have two positions you may be assigned to:

Program Leaders: Support the social-emotional well-being of our 6th-grade students. This role involves facilitating conflict resolution, promoting social-emotional skill development, and providing mentorship and support to high school student teachers.

Field Instructors: Contribute to the implementation of a hands-on, student-centered 6th-grade science curriculum. This role involves training high school student teachers, supporting the delivery of ecology lessons rooted in place-based learning and social-emotional growth, and mentoring and providing feedback to high school volunteers on teaching techniques and behavior management.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, ABILITIES:

• Dependability: Demonstrated reliability and punctuality, with a proven ability to consistently meet scheduling and attendance expectations.
• Commitment to Youth Development: A strong and genuine dedication to mentoring and educating young people, with a clear focus on supporting, guiding, and empowering students from all backgrounds and experiences.
• Outdoor Readiness: Willingness and enthusiasm to work comfortably in diverse outdoor settings and all types of weather conditions, coupled with a genuine appreciation for experiential, hands-on learning in nature.
• Effective Communication: Clear, respectful, and honest communication skills, with the demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively and positively as an integral member of a team.
• Student-Centered Approach: A compassionate and respectful mindset with a genuine ability to build trusting and positive relationships with students, fellow staff members, and classroom teachers within a diverse learning community.
• Adaptability: Demonstrates flexibility and the ability to readily adapt instructional strategies and approaches to meet the diverse needs of individual students.
• Team Player: Collaborates effectively and positively as an integral part of a team while also demonstrating the ability to work independently and contribute to individual success.
• Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Recognizing and respecting the diverse visible and invisible qualities that make each individual unique – including race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, ability, religion, national origin, and gender identity – is essential. This role requires you to actively contribute to fostering inclusive and equitable learning and working environments through respectful behavior and thoughtful, constructive communication with all individuals.