Instructor

Role Summary:

NYC Outward Bound Schools is seeking dynamic individuals who are passionate about working with diverse youth and promoting educational equity. In this role, you'll lead engaging activities like hiking, low ropes courses, and team-building programs at Sharpe Reservation in Fishkill, New York, as well as in various locations across New York City; provide belaying support for rock climbing and contribute your creativity to ensuring a safe and exciting learning environment; plan components of outdoor adventure courses; and adapt activities based on students’ needs. Your excellent communication skills will develop and maintain strong connections with students and staff.

Previous experience in outdoor adventure courses and/or climbing is not necessary – what is most important is a strong desire to work with the young people of NYC and expand their view of the world! If you have experience or a strong desire to facilitate youth programs, a commitment to diversity and inclusion, and enjoy collaborative work, join us and create unforgettable experiences for young individuals at stunning outdoor locations and vibrant city settings and join.

The season will start on April 1, 2024 and will end on June 17th, 2024. Please note that this is not a summer position. Work schedules will be provided one month in advance as well as while programs are being scheduled, and program scheduling will be contingent upon the availability of staff, program requirements, and student needs. We assure a minimum of 35 workdays, with the potential for additional work opportunities during the season.
 

ABOUT NYC OUTWARD BOUND SCHOOLS

Why can’t school be more like an Outward Bound course? NYC Outward Bound Schools believes that students benefit greatly from tapping into the world beyond their classroom and their immediate community to partake in joyful learning experiences that can prepare them to thrive in community, college, and career. In partnership with the NYC public school system, NYC Outward Bound Schools is a non-profit organization that serves over 28,000 students in almost 80 schools across the five boroughs of New York City. NYC Outward Bound Schools provides opportunities for unique, liberatory, experiential learning for students in their social, emotional, and academic development. The organization supports NYC young people both by leading students in outdoor adventure programming that pushes beyond their traditional school experiences and also by coaching and supporting educators on how to incorporate lessons from these catalytic experiences within the classroom. Ultimately, our diverse and committed staff support NYC young people in unique ways to develop the knowledge and skills to lead with confidence and curiosity, persist in the face of challenges, and live fulfilling lives.

Instructor Essential Functions: 

Providing Direct Instruction and Support to Students on Course (40%)

• Instruct various experiential education and overnight programs for NYC students, including leading hiking and low ropes courses at our outdoor adventure facility
• Lead team-building programs in New York City parks and/or schools
• Belay for climbers on our outdoor climbing wall and at local climbing gyms

Providing Students with Experiences in a Positive and Inclusive Culture (30%) 

• Provide clear, effective, and timely communication to students and staff 
• Effectively resolve conflict with students, when necessary; facilitate conflict resolution in group and individual settings 
• Ensuring the physical and emotional safety of all students, including those with diverse learning needs.
• Assist students in overseeing their outdoor experience by aiding in preparation, ensuring timely meals, supervising sleeping arrangements, and addressing overall needs during overnight programs.
• Comply with NYC Outward Bound Schools safety policies and procedures, as well as any current health and safety guidelines from governing bodies 

Planning Safe and Engaging Learning Environments (30%) 

• Participate in course planning, including developing educational and outdoor skill lessons and logistics
• Structure a safe, inclusive, and fun learning environment
• Sequence activities that are appropriate for the group based on assessing group skills
• Recognize the inherent risks involved in each activity and proactively/continually assess and adjust programming accordingly

Additionally, other duties as required may be requested of instructors.

Instructor Qualifications:

• Demonstrated commitment to educational equity for BIPOC youth and supporting explicit anti-racist work within our organization and partner schools.
• Able to carry, lift, and move a minimum of 35-45 pounds for up to five miles per day on uneven terrain (backpacking, hiking, moving gear, supporting evacuations in wilderness settings).
• Able to work outdoors in various weather and temperature conditions.
• Capable of physically delivering proficient belaying assistance to climbers by ensuring both physical and emotional safety on a rock climbing wall
• Able to manage multiple priorities in real-time while managing and resolving individual and group behavioral needs with various tools.
• Experience facilitating youth programming in various outdoor and indoor settings including overnight multi-day programs with 24 hour supervision of students.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging and the ability to work effectively with a diverse team.
• Able to take initiative, carry out tasks individually, and work cooperatively as a team. Able to work with staff that have different styles and experiences.
• Able to support the physical and emotional needs of students who have never camped before.
• Must be 18 years or older.
• Preferred Certification in Basic First Aid, CPR/AED, and Epinephrine
• Clearance through a NYC Department of Education Background Check.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Additional Desired Experience (Preferred but not required) :

• A driver's license for at least three years, a clean driving record, and a willingness to drive large vehicles.
• Outdoor and experiential education experience
• Wilderness First Aid (WFA) certification 

Compensation & Benefits:

• We offer a standard daily rate of $154. Exceptions to this rate would only be considered in rare cases where an external candidate significantly exceeds the required qualifications and expertise for the position.
• We offer medical, dental, and vision coverage, FSA/Transit accounts, and a 403(b) retirement account with employer match after 1000 work hours in a plan year. 
• Free entry to local climbing gyms. 
• Professional mentorship and development opportunities. 

Outward Bound has a zero-tolerance policy for incidents of child abuse and neglect. In every case, suspected or actual abuse will be reported according to federal and state laws. As described below, Outward Bound child protection policies and procedures apply to employees, Board members, volunteers, subcontractors, and others who interact with minor students.

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.

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