Summer Instructor

Position Description: 

The Summer Instructor is part of a collaborative team engaging and teaching 1st-5th grade participants in nature- and play-based summer programs in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Teton Science Schools’ summer programs* develop curiosity, critical thinking skills, social-emotional learning, and science literacy in youth through exploratory, outdoor adventures. Co-teaching with another staff member, instructors plan and lead fun, place-based lessons and activities for groups of 12 campers each week while ensuring safety, inclusivity, and environmental stewardship. Participants will connect with each other, explore the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, learn about nature themes with scientific research, and participate in silly games, crafts, and traditions. All of our programs will have adventures in Grand Teton National Park and other local spaces, along with spending some days doing activities on our Jackson Campus.

Start Date: June 12th, 2023

Responsibilities:

• Establish and manage a positive culture in each participant group that is safe, respectful, curious, and fun.
• Manage participants’ physical and emotional safety/risk; respond to emergencies as they arise according to TSS policies and support structures.
• Interact with participants’ families with professionalism, empathy, and clear communication.
• Learn about the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and incorporate content into lessons.
• Collaborate with co-instructors and support peer mentoring through co-teaching, goal setting, joint lesson planning, and communicating feedback.
• Safely drive 15-passenger vans or minibuses with trailers.
• Take care of yourself to stay motivated and successful through a long, challenging season.

Special Benefits

Benefits:

• Daily rate of $125/day for first year summer instructors, $131.50/day for second year summer instructors, $137/day for third year instructors.
• $500 reimbursement for WFR certification.
• Limited employee housing available at locally competitive rates.
• Pro Deals from brand name outdoor companies.
• Proximity to Jackson, Wyoming and Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks.

Requirements

Qualifications:

• Experience planning and engaging groups of children in hands-on educational programming.
• This may include teaching/instructing, coaching, interpretation, or summer camp, ideally in an outdoor setting.
• Strong interpersonal skills working with kids and adults; ability to be friendly, patient, fair, and communicate clearly.
• Ability to respond to participants’ needs and behaviors with empathy and creative problem-solving.
• Desire to work as a collaborative team member and co-instructor; ability to give and receive feedback.
• Ability to remain flexible, creative, and adaptable to environmental conditions, teachable moments, and the needs and interests of participants.
• Desire to contribute to a safe, inclusive workplace and cultivate a sense of belonging for all.
• Ability to spend full days outdoors carrying a backpack in variable weather, including hiking, canoeing, and frontcountry camping.
• Valid Wilderness First Responder certification.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Minimum of 21 years of age.
• Successful applicants must pass a criminal history background check and driving record review prior to start date.
• Desire to play outside, facilitate meaningful experiences, foster connection to nature, and get a little nerdy and silly with kids!