Outdoor Education Facilitators - Vancouver, Canada - West Point Grey Academy

Description

Salary:
Based on certification

The OE Facilitator will work with grade level groups and specialty OE programs on outdoor education wilderness trips and in-class sessions.

Individuals will be required to work with and supervise student groups in classroom settings as well as on out-trips (3-5 days) while camping in tents at designated campsites, backcountry sites or occasionally in cabins or lodges for duration of trip, including travel time and overnight.

Trip locations include both front-country and backcountry destinations.


About West Point Grey Academy
Founded in 1996, West Point Grey Academy (WPGA) is an independent coeducational day school in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Set on 18 acres, with sweeping views of English Bay and the North Shore mountains, we offer future-focused programs to 940 students in junior kindergarten to grade 12.

WPGA's educational philosophy is to develop the whole child, who, guided by creative, dedicated teachers and supported by our inclusive, vibrant community, is nurtured to achieve his or her full potential — academically, emotionally, physically and socially.

Applicants for this position will be expected to agree to have a Criminal Record Check initiated by WPGA if appointed.

While we thank all applicants for their interest in our school, we will only be in contact with those applicants who are selected for interview.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist in the planning and facilitation of Senior School OE programming
• Coteach/instruct OE curriculum across grade levels
• Attend pretrip and staff training meetings on campus
• Supervise groups of students (typically ratio not more than 1:10)
• Attend to the planned programming schedule for specific outdoor education trip
• Provide care (including emotional) to students while on out trip
• Ensure students are engaging in activities that are safe (during programming time and free time)
• Assist with/supervising student meal prep and clean up
• Lead/Coguide trips and provide support to chaperoning staff and contract guides
• Bring specific personal teaching/sharing expertise to group (storytelling, skills building, ecological knowledge, local/FN history, etc)
• Evaluate the procedures of any third parties providing programming and ensuring activities and equipment are safe (as a "prudent parent/ supraparental")
• Communicate and work alongside trip leader/Head of Outdoor Education
• Complete written Field Guide and take notes on activities specifically any injuries, accidents or incidents and observations of student participants
• Maintain and manage Outdoor Education gear

QUALIFICATIONS

• Completion of Grade 12 or equivalent
• Industry standard qualifications and training in outdoor skills related to specific trips (e.g., OCC, ACMG, SKGABC AOG or higher)
• Wilderness First Aid (40 hour minimum; preference will be given to 80 hour certificates)
• A teaching degree and/or experience working with children
• Extensive outdoor skills and experience in leading programming in one or more of:
• Hiking
• Kayaking
• Winter backcountry travel
• Ability to communicate effectively with students and supervisors
• Ability to work cooperatively with others including both department and other school district staff
• Ability to direct students, with authority and diplomacy to ensure appropriate and safe behaviour
• Ability to work independently with mínimal supervision

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Overnight and weekend trips
• Wage is based on day rates (for day and overnight trips), and hourly rates for campus/classroom preparation