POSITION OVERVIEW: 

IslandWood’s mission is to provide exceptional learning experiences and inspire lifelong environmental and community stewardship. Our innovative outdoor learning experiences foster three main goals: 

• Provide a foundation of stewardship for our students through their experience on campus 

• Create equitable access to and culturally responsive instruction for all students in science education 

• Develop meaningful and sustainable relationships with the community 

The Staff Instructor is a seasonal contract, full-time member of the professional education team for IslandWood. During the school year, the Staff Instructor will work to support Islandwood’s education programs including the School Overnight Program, Summer Camp, various day programs, Community Education, and Event programs through instruction and support. 

Job Title: Staff Instructor

Job Type: Full-time/Contract Seasonal September 1, 2026 through August 9 2027.

Work Schedule: During school year:  Monday through Friday varied schedule between 7:00am to 9:30pm

Work Hours: 40 hours per week

Pay Rate: $24.72/HR

Location: Bainbridge Island, WA

Benefit Package: 

Full-time Employee benefit package includes:

• 100% IslandWood paid Medical, or a low employee contribution option offered

• 100% IslandWood paid Dental and Vision option

• HSA with IslandWood contribution (based on qualifying medical plan)

• Life/AD&D, Short and Long-term Disability Insurance paid by IslandWood

• Voluntary Employee Benefits: Life/Hospital/Critical Care Insurance, and Pet Insurance.

• Employee Assistance program, Flexible spending accounts and 401k with employer match (after 6 months of employment)

• Variety of Employee Discounts

• Employee Discount for IW Summer Camps
  
  

Paid Time off annual benefit:  

IslandWood offers  paid vacation which is accrued at 5 hours per pay period, 8 hours of floating holiday, 3 annual IslandWood paid holidays (that are applicable during contract period) and 80 hours of paid annual sick leave. Prorated based on date of hire and length of service.

PRIMARY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY 

• Provide high quality, culturally responsive instruction in natural and cultural history, ecology, and stewardship to elementary-aged students from diverse backgrounds for School Overnight, Summer Camp, various day, community education, and events 

• Provide program support beyond instruction for School Overnight Program, including but not limited to curriculum development, community education, modeling lessons for graduate student instructors, school orientation, supply inventorying/space stewardship, leading and supporting meals, and leading and supporting evening programs 

• Work evenings on a rotating basis (approximately one week/month) to complete lodge checks, running meals, etc. 

• Partner with the Garden Manager in the use of the garden as a teaching tool 

• Attend relevant Education Team meetings and/or training as schedule allows 

• Develop a professional growth plan for the season 

• Assist in the upkeep of program areas such as the gear library, garden, and art studio 

• Opportunity to be on call overnight on a rotating basis for additional pay 

• Other duties as assigned by supervisor 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:  

• Ability to contribute to a positive culture 

• Must be able to participate in all key weeks of SOP as designated by Supervisor (busiest months are September, October, April and May) 

• Must be able to participate in all six weeks of Summer Camp  

• Required to schedule at least two weeks of vacation during breaks in programming (Nov-Jan) 

• Commitment to support IslandWood's work towards justice, equity, diversity and inclusion in the workplace 

• At least two years of direct teaching experience in formal or non-formal settings 

• Bachelor's degree in environmental education, education, natural sciences, environmental studies, related field or equivalent experience. 

• Understanding of and first-hand experience in multicultural and culturally responsive education 

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills 

• Wilderness First Aid and CPR certification (we can provide this training) 

• Must pass child safety screening procedure, post-offer 

• Must be able to comply with and maintain a smoke-free, drug-free, and fragrance-free work environment 

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Completion of IslandWood’s graduate program in Education, Environment and Community 

• Experience teaching outdoors 

• Master’s degree in education or related field or equivalent experience 

• Classroom teaching experience