Outdoor Educator

WASKOWITZ OUTDOOR education CENTER: Our vision is to create a future where all people are stewards of the land with a profound connection to the outdoors and one another. Our values include:
• Reverence for our history
• Stewardship of the land
• Joy in our work
• Belonging in community and the outdoors
• Respect for students as young leaders
• Care for one another
• Leadership in outdoor education
• Hope for the future
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. This list is meant to be representative, not exhaustive. Some incumbents may not perform all the duties listed while in other cases related duties may also

JOB description: RESIDENTIAL OUTDOOR EDUCATOR –Waskowitz Outdoor Educational Center Highline Public Schools 88R01ROEI Residential Outdoor Educator – 
be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Core Duties Across All Programs

● Ensures the physical and emotional safety of students, staff and guests
● Support logistics and implementation of programming, including trail maintenance, dining hall supervision and hosting, and activity preparation.
● Assist with daily facility upkeep including cleaning, organization, and basic maintenance of program areas.
● Develop, refine, and maintain program materials and lesson plans.
● Participate in professional development and required training (e.g., paraeducator certification).
● Deliver programming to a wide range of audiences, including students, families, teachers, and rental groups.
● Assist in kitchen, office, or other related roles when needed.
● Collaborate with visiting groups to ensure a welcoming and inclusive environment.
● Serve as a support for rental group needs, including dining, facilities, and program coordination.
● Lead nature-based and team-building educational programming for guests and rental groups.
● Maintain a high standard of customer service and uphold the reputation of Waskowitz as a professional, mission-driven outdoor learning center.

Trail Team Specific Duties
● Facilitate student-centered environmental and social-emotional learning using evidence-based practices
● Lead trail-based environmental education lessons focused on curiosity, exploration, and stewardship.
● Guide students in outdoor learning activities that emphasize nature connection and systems thinking.
● Build mentoring relationships with high school student leaders; train and support them in instructional and leadership roles.
● Mentor high school leaders in trail instruction and student engagement.
● Recruit, train, observe, evaluate, and support high school leaders.

Cabin Team Specific Duties

● Provide overnight supervision for students and high school leaders, ensuring a safe and inclusive living environment.
● Build mentoring relationships with high school student leaders; train and support them in instructional and leadership roles.
● Facilitate evening programs that build community and deepen learning through reflection and connection.
● Support the leadership development of high school students through ongoing mentorship.
● Recruit, train, observe, evaluate, and support high school leaders.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and experience

• AA degree or
• High school diploma (or equivalent) and 72 college credits or
• High school diploma (or equivalent) and successful completion of an approved paraeducator assessment test
• Must be 21 years old or older
• Passionate about working in a Residential Outdoor Environmental Education program

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Previous experience in outdoor education, environmental programming, or youth development
• AA or Bachelor’s degree in Recreation, Natural Science, Environmental Studies, or a related field
• Bilingual in English and additional language(s) represented in the school community

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Criminal background clearance
• All certificates, licenses, endorsements, permits, and vaccines (absent exemption) as required for this position by state and local authorities
• Paraeducator Certificate Program – After hire, must complete the Fundamental Course of Study and General Certificate pursuant to Chapter 28A.413 RCW and WAC 179. Timelines for completion vary based upon hire date.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Overnight outdoor education programming
• Environmental/Outdoor Education practices, philosophies
• Instructional techniques
• Outdoor/Environmental curriculum
• Child and adolescent development
• School board policies and procedures

ABILITY TO:

• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing
• Operate a computer and related software
• Maintain effective working relationships with other people
• Prepare and present educational programs to various groups of various sizes
• Have a flexible schedule including early mornings, late evenings, overnight supervision, and some weekend responsibilities
• Work collaboratively with school and central office administrators, parents, and community member Demonstrate understanding of and experience with cultural competence
• Remain flexible to changes with calendar, assignments or situations
• Organize activities, set priorities, and follow instructions
• Comply with school board policies and follow administrative procedures

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP: Reports to Waskowitz Leadership Team
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 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.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, and walk. The applicant will be expected to hike daily on uneven terrain. The employee frequently is required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in indoor conditions and frequently required to work outdoors in inclement weather. The employee is required to work long hours during Outdoor School when it is in session. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The employee must adjust to frequent interruptions in their work schedule.
Job descriptions are written as a representative list of the ADA essential duties performed by the entire classification. They cannot include, and are not intended to include, every possible activity and task performed by every specific employee