Overview
Positive Adventures hires Outdoor Education Facilitators to support our Spring and Fall Outdoor Education Seasons. Each Program is generally 3-5 days in length and takes place in a variety of world-class settings including national parks, mountain retreat centers, Joshua Tree camping, Santa Barbara beaches and more. We offer basecamp and backcountry programs working with students ranging from 5th to 12th grade. Students come from a large variety of diverse backgrounds. Be part of a team that is making a difference by getting youth outdoors!
Work Season Overview:
Spring Season – March to Mid June
Summer Camp – June to August
Fall Season – August to November
Staff Training (Idyllwild or Big Bear):
2/28/2022 to 3/4/2022 Mandatory for the Spring season
Locations for Programs
- Residential or Basecamp in Big Bear
- Residential or Basecamp in Idyllwild
- Residential on Catalina Island
- Residential in Santa Barbara
- Basecamp in Yosemite
- Basecamp in Joshua Tree
- Residential Surf Camp San Diego
- Backcountry High Sierra (WFR Req.)
- Backcountry Glen Canyon (WFR Req.)
- Backcountry Havasupai (WFR Req.)
Position Responsibilities
- Facilitate groups of 13-15 students through multi-activity OE curriculum in the residential camp and basecamp settings.
- Ability to facilitate team-building initiatives, group games, ice breakers, and warm-up activities. Training provided. Prior experience is a plus.
- Manage the risk involved with OE programs including group management, activity-specific risks, and emotional and social boundaries.
- Manage belay stations effectively in both the ropes course and top-rope rock climbing site environments. Training provided. Prior experience is a plus.
- Lead groups through activity rotations such as high ropes course, scrambling and hiking, environmental education hikes and lessons, low ropes team building. Night adaptation and astronomy. Training provided. Prior experience is a plus.
Position Qualifications
- Current First Aid/CPR
- WFR or WEMT preferred
- 2 years of experience working in the outdoor education field with youth.
- Proficient skills in the following: group facilitation, team-building initiatives and games, belaying, ropes courses, risk management, environmental education and interpretation, ecology and natural history.
- Excellent communication, leadership and teamwork skills.
- Proven ability to manage youth groups.
- Reliable mode of transportation (carpool options avail) and cell phone.
- Availability to attend one of our paid trainings.
- Ability to pass a background check/live scan.
Compensation
Positive Adventures is proud to compensate our staff at a highly competitive rate. We value your expertise, hard work, and dedication to our field. When working as a Field Facilitator on programs, compensation is arranged as follows:
Field Staff:
- Prep-Day(s) defined as the day(s) before the client arrives $125.00/Day
- Field Day(s) defined as full days of facilitation $225.00/Day
- Debrief Day: Typically a partial day client-facing, plus cleanup/debrief hours. $100.00/Day
Example: A three-day youth program from Wednesday-Friday, will include one additional prep-day, would be paid as follows:
- Prep Day: Tuesday at $125.00
- Field Days: Wednesday + Thursday at $225.00 each
- Debrief Day: Friday $100.00
- Total Program Pay: $675.00
In addition to the daily rate, staff accommodations and meals are provided. All Positive Adventures Field Staff will be enrolled to receive pro-deals. Staff returning for the following year are eligible for the Returning Staff Bonus and WFR Reimbursement Program.
Feedback from Past & Present Outdoor Education Facilitators:
“Working for Positive Adventures provided an opportunity for me to make meaningful connections and facilitate impactful experiences with students, while exploring beautiful locations. I was given a chance to push myself to grow professionally and occupy new leadership roles in a safe and supported setting. I highly recommend PA for any outdoor educators who want to add to their skill set, gain experience, and have loads of fun doing so!”
“Positive Adventures is a fast-paced, fun-filled space, moving from place to place every week – I learned so much in such a short time! It’s rewarding to work with students from different schools, range of grade levels, in various outdoor venues and activities. From staff to schools, great people to work with all around. I loved being able to work outdoors and share that passion with the kids in an alternate learning experience.”
“Working for PA is interesting, fun, rewarding, and an opportunity for personal growth! And you get to sleep and work in beautiful places! When working for PA you get to learn about and utilize your own strengths and leadership skills. All while experiencing the wild natural environments throughout the US and making a difference in a young person’s life. You get to work on a team of skilled leaders (who will likely become your friends!) and from whom you’ll learn new ideas. You get to work with an organization that cares about your safety and your feedback. And you get to share your knowledge, experience, mentorship, and care for the next generation and our earth.”
