Job Postings:

Summer Outdoor Immersion Instructor

Position: Summer Outdoor Immersion Instructor

Organization: Guelph Outdoor School

Location: Guelph, Ontario

Term: Summer 2024. July and August,  8 weeks

Type: Week-long shifts, Monday - Friday.  8 am - 4:30 pm

We are hiring for this position thanks to Canada Summer Jobs 2024. As such, we seek candidates between the ages of 15 and 30.

Application Period Ends: March 24th, 2024

Accomodations: Contact connect@theguelphoutdoorschool.com or call 519-400-9507 if you need any accomdations for the application process.

Apply Here

The Position:

Join the GOS team of experienced and dedicated outdoor instructors for a summer of connecting kids to themselves, others and the natural world. GOS instructors work together to:

• Plan & Deliver summer nature immersion programs as part of a team of 2- 4 experienced GOS instructors with groups of children ages 4 -14 in groups of up to 16 participants

• Maintenance of the program site and ensuring all applicable safety standards are met

• Represent Guelph Outdoor School and advance the work of supporting nature connection for kids, families, and communities

Background and Qualifications:

At Guelph Outdoor School, lived experience is equally valuable as academic and professional experience. GOS welcomes and strongly encourages applications from people who occupy identities which have historically been underrepresented in outdoor programs - including Black, Indigenous, and racialized candidates. We also value:

• A background in outdoor programs, education and/or child development is an asset. We value experience & education in the following areas:

• Early Child Education (ECE)

• EA (Educational Assistant)

• Child and Youth Care (CYC)

• Bachelor of Education (B.Ed)

• Degree in Outdoor Recreation

• Early Intervention Specialist

• Inclusion Specialist with training in neurodiversity and/or working with adversities

• Social Work

• Child Therapist

• Nature Based Therapy

• Standard First Aid/CPR is an asset. GOS can support training opportunities in these areas.

• A background in community work, environmental literacy or education, social justice organizing, the arts, and/or other nature connection programs and projects

• Second Language an asset (including ASL, Indigenous Languages)

Working Conditions
Guelph Outdoor School programs are fully outside with limited access to amenities. Before applying, consider:

• Each program site features portable restrooms & drinking water stations, and large tarps for shelter in inclement weather. 

• Being entirely outside, instructors must be prepared to deliver programs in all weather conditions.

• Program locations are within 10 minutes of urban centres (Guelph or Rockwood). Staff are advised to pack adequate food, water, and gear for the day. 

• For each 8.5-hour shift, staff are entitled to 2 x 15-minute breaks, or 1 half-hour break, paid.  

• Summer programs feature a site manager at every location

• The position requires working with maintaining campfires, working with knives, rope, and firewood, administering first aid, helping children with clothing and supporting trips to the washroom.

• All GOS programs feature campfires less frequently during the summer. Smoke from fires can be irritating to some, and instructors have the ability to distance themselves as needed. 

Physical Requirements
GOS outdoor immersion programs feature active games, spending time in the river with children, and long walks. Instructors should be prepared to lead group walks amounting to approximately 5km roundtrip on city trails, woods, swamps, and other uneven terrain.

Further Requirements for Successful Applications

• 1 - 2 Interviews usually online, in-person if necessary.

• Vulnerable Sector Check, recent to 6 months, is required for an offer of employment.

Compensation
The standard starting rate is $18/hr, with consideration of extensive and relevant experience.