The Kittitas Environmental Education Network (KEEN) seeks two to three Outdoor Education Leaders to join our Environmental Educators to facilitate outdoor learning experiences for local elementary and middle school students during the school year of 20-21.

KEEN’s Earth Explorers is a quarterly series of day camps that will take place at Helen McCabe State Park from September 9th through then end of the 2021 school year following normal holiday and school calendars for the Ellensburg School District.

Outdoor Education Leaders should have an interest in education, outdoor learning, and working with children of different ages ranging from Kindergarten to middle school. Candidates should also be prepared for vigorous outdoor activity during the all seasons of the Central Washington climate. Camp is held at Helen McCabe State Park near Ellensburg and has no indoor spaces. This is true outdoor education immersion.

Essential Position Functions: The primary responsibilities of the Outdoor Education Leaders will be to support the Environmental Education Director in facilitating outdoor learning experiences for children. The Outdoor Education Leaders will:

• Facilitate learning for a group of campers that includes:
  • Standards-aligned outdoor activities
  • Educational and recreational games
  • Field investigations
• Assist in the oversight of the safety of students during activities
• Assist in collection of program assessment and evaluation data
• Be able to work outdoors, during hot weather, cold weather, and all conditions, in vigorous and athletic situations
• Possess boating, fishing, hiking, and other outdoor skills
• Be able to confidently share experiential learning opportunities (identifying local flora and fauna, climate, habitat, and other natural interpretive opportunities encountered at Helen McCabe Park)

Required Skills and Qualifications:

The successful candidate will:

• Be dependable, self-motivated, and well-organized
• Have experience working with Kindergarten-9th grade students preferably in a camp or outdoor learning environment
• Be able to manage outdoor learning experiences, identify any safety concerns, and comply with relevant safety policies
• Be in possession of a valid driver’s license, clean driving record, and a reliable vehicle
• Be able to pass a criminal background check to work with youth

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience or education in Environmental Education, Science Education, or related field
• First aid training
• Experience in camp environments – either as a camper or as a counselor
• Teacher or student working to achieve a teaching degree
• Spanish language proficiency preferred

Position Duration, Schedule, & Benefits: This is a 20-40 hour/week, school-year position that begins on August 31 2020 through June 18, 2021. The Ellensburg School District Calendar will be followed for holidays and breaks. There will be opportunities to work for KEEN during camps that will be offered during the school year and the summer of 2021. The wage rate for Camp Counselor is $18.50/hour. KEEN is not able to offer health care benefits or paid time off at this time, however, every employee in the State of Washington is entitled to 1 hour of sick leave for every 40 hours worked.