Overview
The Outdoor Academy is an accredited, residential, semester school for high achieving tenth-grade and select ninth- and eleventh-grade students. Rising from a long tradition of experiential education at Eagle’s Nest Foundation, a non-profit organization chartered in 1950, The Outdoor Academy incorporates a college preparatory curriculum with environmental education, wilderness leadership, unique arts offerings, and regional studies in a small community setting. Established in 1995, The Outdoor Academy enrolls up to 28 students from across the United States each semester to attend our school located in Pisgah Forest, North Carolina. The mission of the school is “Experiential education for young people, promoting the natural world and the betterment of human character.” The school is built around its four cornerstones of Intellect, Environment, Craft, and Community, and ENF and OA are currently focused on pursuing a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive community.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Residential/Wilderness Apprentice team fosters a safe, healthy, and productive living environment in the dorms, around campus, and on trips. They oversee dorm life and work closely with the Dean of Students to design and implement residential life curriculum, including workshops on communication, feedback, identity, healthy relationships, leadership, etc. Their role in OA’s outdoor programming is extensive, as the team supports the Outdoor Education Manager in planning, preparing for, and leading hiking, climbing, and paddling trips. Residents will also have the opportunity to receive professional development and coaching in order to hone skills that will support their career goals in academic, experiential, or outdoor residential settings. Residential/Wilderness Apprentices are immersed in the life of the school and play a crucial role in students’ experience at OA.
CONTRACT DATES
January 19, 2023 – May 19, 2023. Note that this is a one-semester, midyear replacement to join the existing cohort of Residents. Should the successful candidate so desire, the position may be extended to three semesters, to include the 2023-2024 school year. Additionally, summer work is likely available if so desired at Eagle’s Nest Camp.
Please see website for full job description.
Required Skills:
JOB SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS
1. A commitment to transformative educational and community experiences
2. A college degree
3. A willingness to be immersed in the life of the school and to work closely with teenagers
4. Significant background/skills in climbing, white-water canoeing, and/or backpacking preferred
5. Current Wilderness First Responder or Wilderness EMT or proof of enrollment in a WFR/WEMT course that will be completed by the contract dates above
About Eagle's Nest Foundation and The Outdoor Academy
Eagle's Nest Foundation (ENF) is a non-profit organization that promotes the natural world and the betterment of human character through experiential education programs. Eagle’s Nest is based in the mountains of Western North Carolina. ENF supports three programs: Eagle’s Nest Camp for children ages 6-17, Hante Adventures for teens, and The Outdoor Academy, an academic semester school for 10th grade students seeking a connection to the natural world and to their community.
