Outdoor Program Instructor

Sierra Nevada Journeys seeks an Outdoor Program Instructor in Portola, CA, to mentor youth in outdoor environmental science education. The role involves leading hands-on, collaborative programs for fifth and sixth graders, focusing on critical thinking and environmental stewardship. This full-time, seasonal position offers $95-105/day plus benefits, including paid time off and a retirement plan. Instructors must engage with diverse students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds.
Mentor and teach youth outdoor environmental science education as an Outdoor Program Instructor (OPI). Many of our students come from schools and communities that face financial barriers and access to high-quality STEM programs like Sierra Nevada Journeys Make a difference by positively impacting youth by delivering culturally relevant camp-based programs for schools and community partners.

Full time, seasonal; start now and finish out the 2022 season with us. You’ll also have the opportunity to renew your contract for the 2023 season (Feb – Nov).
$95-105/day plus off-site housing and work day meals which is equivalent to $172.77/wk
Benefits: 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
+3% for bilingual fluency in Spanish
Live and work in Northern California, Plumas National Forest, just 50 minutes north of Truckee, CA and Lake Tahoe
Sierra Nevada Journeys a 501(c)(3) nonprofit doing good work
Job location: Grizzly Creek Ranch, Portola, CA

The primary responsibilities of an instructor is delivering 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-based 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 University of California at Berkeley’s BEETLES (Better Environmental Education, Teaching, Learning & Expertise Sharing) teaching techniques and pedagogy. We are looking for Instructors that have experience teaching youth of color from communities of low income.
INSTRUCTOR FAQ
During the summer season, Sierra Nevada Journeys delivers both residential summer camp and community partner programs including camps for youth with disabilities and leadership development. During our traditional, week-long summer camp, Instructors facilitate activities such as the challenge course, swimming, kayaking, and teen leadership programs. Instructors may find themselves in a summer camp leadership positions.
How to apply:
Visit sierranevadajourneys.org/jobs.