Overview
The Outdoor Program Instructor (OPI) position is a 3-season position spanning the beginning of April through the end of October. During the spring and fall, OPIs lead overnight school programs on base camping trips, saltwater canoe trips, and day programs to facilitate positive learning experiences in nature. Curriculum includes teaching outdoor living skills, team building, farm and food, and ecology and span multiple place-based teaching methods and styles. During overnight programs instructors camp with their students and a school chaperone in small camping groups at shore-side campsites on Chewonki Neck. The team of 12-15 OPIs facilitate approximately 140 groups over the course of the spring and fall Outdoor Classroom seasons. During the summer season, OPIs take on responsibilities within Camp Chewonki, in most cases leading backcountry trips and Leadership Expeditions. Trip Leaders are ultimately responsible for the safety of the participants and execution of all trip details.
Qualifications:
Must be at least 21 years old.
High school diploma or equivalent required ; Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in related field, preferred.
Current Wilderness First Responder Certification required.
Experience in the outdoor or experiential education field, or working with a wide range age of children preferred.
Ability to seek solutions and stay calm under pressure.
Must be able to lift up to 50 lb at a time.
Must be able to work in an active, outdoor environment in a variety of weather.
About Chewonki Foundation
Chewonki is a school, camp and environmental education organization based in Wiscasset, Maine, that inspires transformative growth, teaches appreciation and stewardship of the natural world, and challenges people to build thriving, sustainable communities throughout their lives.
