Field Instructor
Posted by Academy at SOAR on 07/09/2021
Job Basics
Industry Sector: Outdoor
Job Categories: Outdoor Education
Company Type: Recreation, Retail
State: NC
City: Waynesville
Country: United States
Required Experience: 1 - 3 years
Contact Name: Jeffrey Grabe
Contact Phone: 8284563315
Job Type: Seasonal Full Time
Salary: $684/week
Required to Relocate: Yes
Required to Travel: Yes
Employee May Telecommute: No
Job Seeker Must Live Within:
Job Description & Requirements
Academy at SOAR is an accredited adventure-based private boarding school located in the mountains of Western North Carolina. We serve youth with ADHD and other learning differences in grades 7-12. We operate on a 4-week cycle: two weeks on campus and two weeks traveling. The Academy at SOAR offers an alternative learning environment that combines academics, adventure, and life skill development to help prepare our students; academically, socially, and emotionally for adulthood.
Academy Field Instructors have the opportunity to work closely with our students as direct care professionals. Field Instructors facilitate student growth by providing them with a positive learning environment and the tools necessary to graduate high school. Field Instructors collaborate with teachers and admin to lead academic trips across the country. Trips consist of travel, front country camping, and short backcountry expeditions. During trips, Field instructors are in charge of logistics, risk management, and facilitation of academic lesson plans. All employees at the Academy at SOAR are role models, facilitators, teachers, guides, mentors, and a source of empowerment for our students to reach their true potential.
Responsibilities:
- Ensure the physical and emotional safety of our participants through direct supervision (24/7) throughout a shift. Shifts generally range from 8-20 days with 6-8 days off in between shifts.
- Support students in developing personal goals, utilize creative thinking and problem solving to assist them in implementing effective strategies, and document their progress throughout the year.
- Implement Field Academic Lessons in a creative and organized manner.
- Facilitate meaningful outdoor experiences and teach adventure skills throughout the academic year.
- Practice sound risk management principles in the field and facilitate expeditions with a high level of autonomy and decision making.
- Manage a course budget and track receipts.
- Be the main line of support for our students in Medication Administration & First Aid.
Qualifications:
- Minimum of 21 years of age.
- Current Wilderness First Aid certification or higher. Lifeguard (or willingness to obtain) and CPR.
- 4 years of college (prefered) or professional experience in the following fields: special and secondary education, counseling, or outdoor and experiential education.
- Minimum of one year of experience working in the industry (prefered).
- Proven dedication and strong desire to work with LD and ADHD youth.
- Experience facilitating a successful learning environment for English, History, Mathematics, and Science education.
- Excellent communication, leadership, and decision making skills are preferred.
- Experience in facilitating outdoor adventure activities while utilizing sound risk management.
- Must be able to lift up to 60 pounds, hike up to 10 miles a day, paddle up to 20 miles a day (flat water, river, or ocean).
Expectations:
- Compliance with all policies and procedures of SOAR.
- Sleeping in dorms & hotel rooms with participants; sleeping in tents or tarps next to participants.
- Understanding that the personal needs of instructors are secondary to the emotional and physical well-being of our clients.
- Utilizing behavior management techniques consistent with the program philosophy at SOAR.
- Acting in a professional manner at all times to promote SOAR and the profession, and providing students the appropriate setting in which the student may learn from example.
Salary & Benefits:
- Salary is commensurable with industry standards.
- Seasonal Positions August through April; ability to also work SOAR Summer Camp May through August (NC, FL, WY).
- ProDeals are accessible through this position.
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. SOAR, Inc. provides equal opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.
