Organization: Blue Sky Fund
Point of Contact at Blue Sky Fund: Josh Bearman
Organization Address: 1806 Creighton Rd Richmond VA 23225
Job Title: Explorers Educator/Adventure Program Instructor
Blue Sky Fund is a non-profit based in Church Hill, Richmond VA. Our mission is to provide transformational experiences for Richmond area youth through outdoor education. We have two core program areas – academic and adventure. We are currently seeking several part-time Program Instructors to facilitate and lead our Outdoor Adventure Clubs during the upcoming school year. For a more detailed description of our core programs, please visit our website www.blueskyfund.org.
Explorers is an experiential education that partners with 3rd – 5th grade classrooms in the Richmond (RPS) and Henrico (HCPS) Public School systems. Each partner school participates in science-based field trips in the greater Richmond area, focused on team-building, resilience skills, nature exploration, and positive experiences in the outdoors.
Qualifications:
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A minimum of two years of relevant work experience is preferred.
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Academic training in education, recreation, natural resources, natural science (geology, biology), or environmental science is an advantage.
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Preference will be given to candidates with a strong experience in teaching or youth leadership, excellent communication skills, and demonstrated interest in environmental and experiential education
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Optional: Class B CDL-P (passenger endorsement) certification or willingness to be trained for Class B CDL-P certification and clean driving record
Educator Responsibilities:
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Complete Educator orientation: introduction to the job, experiential and environmental education philosophy and techniques, safety, and emergency procedures
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Attend all training sessions and Blue Sky Explorers field trips (must provide own transportation)
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Study and practice field trip material
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Lead and teach a group of upper elementary school students (grades 3-5) during each Explorers field trip
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Participate in outdoor physical activities during field trips such as (but not limited to): hiking, lifting, playing games and sports
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Represent Blue Sky Fund in a professional manner at all times, specifically acting as a positive role model for the students with whom we interact.
Educator Benefits:
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Training in environmental communication, group management, and outdoor/experiential education best practices
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Education in Virginia natural history, Richmond history, and Richmond’s socio economic landscape
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Frequent peer and employer evaluations
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Positive work environment and engagement in the local community
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Retirement benefits with employer match (following a waiting period)
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6 days (27 hours) of paid sick leave
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Opportunity for an end of season bonus, based on program days completed
Job Details: Training and programming runs from late August through April. Time frame is generally 9 AM – 1:30 PM Tuesday through Friday, with the possibility of an occasional Monday. Some longer trips may extend stop time until 2:30pm. First year educator compensation is $18/hour for approximately 18-23 hours/week. Explorers Educators receive 6 days of paid sick leave over the course of a program year.
The Outdoor Adventure Clubs (OACs) work with 5th through 8th grade students in the city of Richmond, primarily at Richmond Public School middle schools. During weekly or twice weekly meetings, participants learn and grow through various outdoor adventure activities including, but not limited to, rock climbing, canoeing, hiking, orienteering, geocaching, and overnight camping trips. While working on these hard skills, participants will also strengthen their resilience.
Qualifications:
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A minimum of two years of relevant education or work experience
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Ability to communicate professionally, clearly, and effectively to students, parents, and partners
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Basic administrative skills including writing program debriefs, tracking attendance, creating flyers, managing paperwork and schedules
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Proficiency in one or more outdoor adventure activities (hiking, orienteering, rock climbing, canoeing, survival skills, geocaching, etc)
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Experience working with youth, preferably with middle school students
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Certification, or willingness to obtain certification, in CPR/AED and First Aid
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Experience with, or willingness to be trained on, driving a 14-passenger mini-bus
Job Responsibilities:
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Co-lead adventure programs for 1-2 OACs per week
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Help design curriculum and lesson plans for assigned OACs
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Co-lead Saturday and overnight adventure trips as assigned
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Attend weekly Adventure Team meetings
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Participate in physical activities during adventure programs such as, but not limited to: rock climbing, hiking, swimming, paddling, lifting, playing games and sports
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Use gifts, strengths, and competencies in ways that enhance the overall success of the organization
Benefits:
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Training in environmental communication, group management, and outdoor/experiential education best practices
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Education in Virginia natural history, Richmond history, and Richmond’s socio economic landscape
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Frequent peer and employer evaluations
-
Positive work environment and engagement in the local community
-
Retirement benefits with employer match (following a waiting period)
-
6 days (27 hours) of paid sick leave
-
Opportunity for an end of season bonus, based on program days completed
Job Details:
Training and programming runs from September through early June. OACs typically meet for 1.5-2.5 hours on weekday afternoons. Working time is approximately 2:30-6:30pm, depending on the day and program. Weekly Adventure Team meetings are held on Fridays 2-4pm. This position can range from 8-24 hours/week; actual number of hours/week is determined by the number of assigned OACs, as well as assigned Saturday and overnight programs. Saturday and overnight (Friday afternoon to Saturday afternoon) programs are scheduled at the beginning of each semester in coordination with the Adventure Program Manager and Adventure Program Instructors.
First year instructor compensation is $18/hour. Program Instructors receive 6 days of paid sick leave over the course of a program year.
To apply:
Please fill out an online application on our website: www.blueskyfund.org/get-involved/employment. If you have any questions, please contact Josh Bearman, Programs Director, via email at josh@blueskyfund.org.
Blue Sky Fund is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace in which all participants, employees, volunteers and supporters of all genders, races, ethnicities, national origins, ages, sexual orientations, identities, education levels, and abilities feel valued and respected.