Lead Program Instructor

Keystone Science School

About Keystone Science School

With the outdoors as a backdrop for learning, Keystone Science School inspires curiosity and critical thinking through the lens of science to change lives and strengthen communities. KSS offers a variety of adventure and traditional camp activities within a structured environment designed to allow each camper and participant to understand their potential. In all programs, campers and participants will create lifelong friendships, explore and learn about the natural world, and gain leadership and wilderness skills.  For more information go to keystonescienceschool.org

With a staff that cares deeply about social justice and racial justice, we believe that diverse perspectives and backgrounds create a rich work environment and enhance our ability to pursue our mission. We are committed to building an organization with raised consciousness in order to impact how we work with clients, as well as how we work together as a team.

Position Overview & Expected Schedule

This position starts January 3rd, 2024.

Lead Program Instructors will be team leaders and facilitate overnight outdoor education field trips during the school year and camp programs in the summer.

During the school year, Lead Program Instructors are responsible for lesson planning, organizing curriculum, and instructing groups of up to 13 students.  Schedule is typically 5 days per week and includes some nights, weekends, and offsite camping trips. Please review the chart below for an overview of the 3 different summer lead schedule variations.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to creatively develop science and education curricula and lesson plans.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including days, nights, and weekends.
• Have an interest in, respect for, and ability to work with students/campers with diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to create an inclusive learning environment for students/campers with a wide range of learning abilities.
• Growth oriented mindset and willingness to give and receive feedback.
• Ability to be creative, adaptable, and flexible while managing children in a variety of situations.
• Multi-task efficiently while managing a high-volume workload in a fast-paced, changing environment.
• Customer service skills, with the ability to be creative and think 'outside the box'.
• Supervise and maintain high standards of health and safety, and follow risk management policies in all activities.
• Facilitate and provide support for a wide variety of KSS programs and activities.

Required Education, Experience, and Certifications

• Bachelor's or Associate's degree or 2 years of college training + 6 months of teaching experience.
• Minimum of 1 year of experience teaching students in an outdoor or classroom setting.
• Current Wilderness First Aid (WFA) and CPR certifications or the ability to obtain before the first day of training.
• Experience leading overnight trips.
• Age 20+ with a minimum of 4 years driving experience, excellent driving record, and a valid driver's license.
• Must be able to successfully pass a comprehensive background check.
  • Adventure Instructor ONLY - Current Wilderness First Responder (WFR) and CPR certifications or the ability to obtain before the first day of summer training.

Preferred Skills

• Experience in a professional leadership role.
• Ability to communicate verbally and teach in Spanish.
• Experience working in Summer Camp Programming.
• Experience leading backcountry trips.
• Bachelor’s or higher degree in a related field such recreation, education, or a subject in the human services field.
• Proficiency with Google Drive and ability to learn new software systems quickly.
• Previous employment experience at Keystone Science School
  • Adventure Instructor ONLY: Rock Climbing
    • Experience with rock climbing and instructing harness, helmets, and knot safety checks;
    • Able to instruct and demonstrate belaying and rappelling techniques;
    • Experience with building anchors, placing gear, and lead climbing;
    • Experience Instructing rock climbing in an institutional setting and personal experience rock climbing;
    • Ability to climb, at minimum, 5.6 on lead.