See Below
ABOUT THE ASHOKAN CENTER
With an inspirational blend of natural and historic resources set over 374 secluded acres in the foothills of the Catskill Mountains of New York’s mid-Hudson River valley, the Ashokan Center is an ideal location for experiential place-based learning and outdoor education programs. The Center hosts school groups for single day and residential visits, with programs that focus on natural history, early American history and colonial crafts, science and adventure education. Dedicated, hard-working, enthusiastic, artistic, musically-inclined, responsible and environmentally minded staff members are needed throughout the school year to share their love of teaching and learning with students of all ages.
FIELD INSTRUCTOR RESPONSIBILITIES
Instructors at the Ashokan Center work as part of a team of enthusiastic, energetic leaders who teach students of all ages in program areas such as Living History, Natural Science, Colonial Craft making, Community Building, and Outdoor Education.
Important duties include:
– Teaching day and evening classes to elementary, middle, high school students, and the general public, which emphasize interdisciplinary, experiential, science-based, and hands-on learning;
– Developing new programs and improving existing programs aligned with state educational standards and Common Core Learning Standards;
– Facilitating challenge courses, cooperative team initiatives, and low ropes elements with school-age through adult groups;
– Supervising students in recreational activities and in the residential quarters;
– Maintaining program areas and providing care for educational animals;
– Participating in campus upkeep and daily facility care.
POSITION DETAILS
Full time, part time and “on call” positions are available. Compensation is hourly/non-exempt.
On site housing is available for full time instructors, and meals are provided when on duty.
The typical work-week for instructors is Monday through Friday. Frequently, instructors will work long hours and some weekends.
Employment terms are seasonal (Fall: Mid August – Mid December; Spring: Mid February – Mid June). Qualified applicants may inquire about combining an outdoor education position with a summer field research position to extend employment to nine months (mid-March to late-November).
Ashokan provides paid training in specialized curricular areas, organizational systems, staff expectations, safety and emergency response, CPR, basic first aid.
POSITION REQUIREMENTS
Education/Experience: Candidates must have a BA or BS degree in environmental science, adventure/outdoor education, natural history, history or a related field, or equivalent training in interpretive programs preferred. Experience working in educational/interpretative setting preferred.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: Candidates must have an in-depth knowledge of teaching practices in indoor and outdoor settings, emphasizing experiential, place-based, and discovery learning.
Candidates must also demonstrate a thorough understanding of natural systems and the environment, with an interest in developing proficiency in such topic areas as Native American/Pioneer Cultural History and Skills, Botany, Geology, Habitat Studies, Colonial Craft making.
Abilities and skills sought include:
– Ability to teach a variety of science, natural history and historical interpretative programs with an inquiry-based approach that inspires curiosity and questions;
– Ability to recognize and work within the limitations of special needs or disabled students and recognize how to respond to different learning styles;
– Ability to write lesson plans, instructional materials, reports, and general correspondence;
– Some combination of fine arts skills such as story telling skills, traditional handicrafts, and musical abilities is preferred.
In addition, candidates must display a strong work ethic, willingness to work long hours on multiple and consecutive days, availability to work weekends and nights, interest in professional development, eagerness to work outside in all weather conditions, passion for working with children, appreciation for working and living with other instructors in close quarters, sense of humor, strong attention to detail, and the ability to accommodate last minute schedule changes or program shifts.
WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS
This position requires an appropriate level of physical fitness to carry out assigned outdoor activities, and to navigate uneven trails and outdoor terrain. Must be able to lift, carry, and manipulate tools and equipment necessary for set up and maintenance of instructional sites. Must be able to lift light to medium objects (10-50 pounds) to meet position demands. Requires sufficient hearing and speaking ability to communicate with staff and program participants, and visual ability to move through outdoor environments in low light and to visually monitor large groups of people. Most classes are taught outside and may expose employees to inclement weather.
HOW TO APPLY
Send application (available on our website), cover letter & resume to opportunity@ashokancenter.org
Cover letter should include a statement of your personal philosophy of education; examples of how you have shown initiative and professional development in your past employment and education experiences; and highlight any specialized knowledge and skills that can bring innovation to our programs while supporting your unique professional interests.
http://ashokancenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Field-Instructor-Position-Description.pdf