Overview
“Sierra Nevada Journeys is like Disneyland for people who love the outdoors. Each day is different, full of surprises and I like to know that I’m making a difference with kids.” – Outdoor Program Instructor
Full-time seasonal position from February to November 2024, and with the opportunity to renew your contract for the next season. Earn $110 – $115 per day + addl. pay for certifications; including off-site housing and workday meals.
Instructors deliver residential, one-to-five-day outdoor science educational programs primarily serving fifth and sixth grades from regional elementary and middle schools. All of our lessons are hands-on science and collaborative problem-solving with a focus on critical thinking, exploration, and environmental stewardship.
Instructors are responsible for leading and educating a group of 12–15 students throughout their program, including facilitating large group activities, leading meals and working evening programs. All lessons are written according to Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and we train our staff using the University of California at Berkeley’s BEETLES (Better Environmental Education, Teaching, Learning & Expertise Sharing) teaching techniques and pedagogy. We are looking for Instructors who have experience teaching youth of color from communities of low income. To learn more about this job, please visit https://www.sierranevadajourneys.org/jobs.
Benefits include:
• Paid time off, sick days, 403(b) retirement plan with 4% match
• Addl. pay for certifications or experience working with BIPOC students, lifeguard, science instruction, Wilderness First Aid, or First Responder
• Option to earn a +3% pay increase for bilingual fluency in Spanish or other languages that support our programs
• Live and work in Northern California, Plumas National Forest, just 50 minutes north of Truckee, CA and Lake Tahoe
• Job location: Sierra Nevada Journeys Grizzly Creek Ranch, Portola, CA
Qualifications:
• Leadership experience or experience working with youth
• Experience delivering culturally relevant camp-based programs for schools or community partners serving youth from under-resourced communities
• Ability to work irregular hours and days including nights and weekends
• Ability to live and work positively with other staff members
• Ability to take initiative, work independently, and maintain a positive attitude
• Willingness to be 30 feet off the ground on challenge course high elements
Preferred Skills:
• Fluency in Spanish or another second language
• Experience in science instruction – either in a formal outdoor setting or in a classroom setting
• Experience working with students from communities of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)
• Wilderness First Aid/Wilderness First Responder Certification
• Current lifeguard certification or willingness to obtain certification before start date
About Sierra Nevada Journeys
Sierra Nevada Journeys is an outdoor science education nonprofit. Since 2006, we’ve helped more than 300,000 youth with our mission to deliver innovative outdoor, science-based education programs to develop critical thinking skills and inspire outdoor stewardship. Sierra Nevada Journeys prioritizes diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe that active reflection, engagement, and commitment to these principles is crucial to creating a workplace that has diverse perspectives. We believe that environmental education and outdoor recreation should be accessible for all, and we are committed to prioritizing those in our community with the least access. We strive to build our workforce and programs around our ability to serve communities diverse in race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, physical and mental ability, values and perspectives.
