LEAD INSTRUCTOR 

NYC Outward Bound Schools www.nycoutwardbound.org is a nonprofit organization that transforms schools and changes lives by bringing out the best in students, teachers and school leaders throughout New York City. We operate a citywide network of public schools, in partnership with the City’s Department of Education, which primarily target students from underserved neighborhoods. Our schools feature rigorous learning experiences, both in and out of the classroom, and are built upon a culture of high achievement and mutual support. And we provide our students with a robust To & Through College program. To further extend our impact, we also offer Adventure & Team Building programs to young people not enrolled in our schools and professional learning services to NYC public schools interested in adopting specific practices from our schools. Over the past 30 years, we have served over 100,000 students.


ABOUT THE POSITION

Lead Instructors will work a variable schedule in wilderness camp and urban settings in the Fall and Spring, including some weekends.  Paid training will be provided.  Our Fall Season is from August 19th - November 30th.  Out spring season begins in mid March and goes through to June 26th. 

The three course types most common are:

        Crew Expedition Fieldwork programs that include backpacking, high and low ropes challenge courses, and facilitating activities targeting conflict resolution, leadership and community-building. .

        Adventure & Team-Building Programs for students and/or teachers that can involve high and low challenge activities, climbing on our outdoor climbing wall and/or team building activities.

        Urban Expeditions involve facilitating participants in a cultural exploration of NYC.


Essential Functions and Duties:

        Commitment to working with urban youth and improving public education

        Facilitating and supervising students,  with a focus on  adolescents from NYC Public Schools

        Manage all aspects of the course including physical and emotional safety, curriculum design, proper sequencing, mentoring an Assistant Instructor(s). Including:

        Safety Management, practicing all national and local operating procedures and conduct activities according to the policies, procedures and practices that guide the program plan.

        Recognize the inherent risks involved in each activity and continually assess and adjust programming accordingly.

         Facilitate a learning environment that incorporates emotional, physical, social and cultural domains of safety. 

         Provide appropriate opportunities for participants to identify and reflect upon their experiences.

        Understand, recognize and be able to manage common group dynamics.

        Sequence activities that are appropriate for the group based on an assessment of group skills, abilities, development stage, goals, program objectives and social-cultural needs.

        Familiarity with restorative practices


Qualifications:

        1+ years being the Lead Instructor in a backpacking (or similar) course (3-5 days working with students)

        1+ years experience instructing Middle School and High School Students.

        Experience instructing urban youth.

        Experience facilitating team building activities including initiatives and challenge course preferred.

        Medical Certification: Current CPR and Wilderness Advanced First Aid (WAFA) Certification required

        Ability to carry 35-45 lbs on your back while walking on uneven terrain.

        Department of Education Background Check will be required

 

Ideal candidates will share the belief that: (our Core Values)

        All people are capable of doing great things when they are challenged and supported appropriately.

        Learning happens best in a community that actively encourages and practices respect, empathy, safety, inclusion, and diversity.

        Development of character is as important as the development of intellect, and that the two go hand in hand.

 

 Compensation and Benefits

        Per diem- rate commensurate with experience

        Health expense reimbursement program

        All food provided while working, at basecamp

        Paid trainings

        Seasonal housing

        Eligible for Pro Purchase pricing from several outdoor brands

 

NYC Outward Bound Schools is an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination against, and harassment of, any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, gender, pregnancy, genetic information, ethnic or national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, familial status, military or veteran status, qualified individuals with a disability on the basis of the disability, or any other category which may be protected under applicable state or federal law.

No phone calls please. We appreciate all responses, but due to the high volume of resumes received, we can only contact those applicants whose qualifications best match the position requirements.

This position has been filled.