On-Site Coordinator

Working with Sierra Nevada Journeys is as much a transformative life experience for our staff as it is for our students. We are looking for people who are talented, passionate, entrepreneurial, enthusiastic and demonstrate our core values: quality, accountability, respect and are dedicated to providing an unforgettable experience for children in our community.

Sierra Nevada Journeys is seeking an On-Site Coordinator (OSC) at our Outdoor Education Camp in Portola, California. The ideal candidate for this role will have experience facilitating and overseeing schools and community programs in an outdoor education setting. The OSC will provide logistical and behavioral support to Sierra Nevada Journeys’ students and guests at camp. The OSC will function as leadership staff while programs are on-site and establish a professional, customer service-based relationship with teachers and group leaders.  
 
The OSC also serves as the program point of contact. It is responsible for the day-to-day preparation, coordination, and facilitation of activities, as well as helping maintain a supportive and collaborative work environment. They will support minimal pre-trip coordination, facilitate chaperone meetings and teacher debriefs, lead staff morning meetings, facilitate program changes, and set the tone for groups arriving and departing camp. OSCs will understand the Outdoor Program Instructor and Lead Instructor roles to fill in as needed. In the summer, OSCs oversee the three major summer program areas: community partners, summer camp, or teen/adventure programs with the support of the camp program leadership team. 
 
AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY 

50% Coordinating On-Site Programs and Leadership   

• Program Oversight: Oversee the delivery of high-quality Overnight Outdoor Learning (OOL) and community group programs 
  • Assist in managing paperwork, including student forms, set-up sheets, rosters, and any other paperwork required for groups to be on-site. 
  • Support group arrival and lead chaperone meetings upon school/group arrival.
  • Function as leadership staff on-site while programs are in session and manage group needs. 
  • Ensure end-of-program tasks are completed upon departure.
• Customer Service: Establish and foster a professional, customer service-based relationship with teachers and group leaders.
• Staff Training: I will assist in observing and training Sierra Nevada Journeys’ instructional staff to deliver curriculum and provide engaging experiences for youth.
• Staff Support and Mentorship: Support staff with student conflicts and behavior challenges, including collaborating with teachers and other program managers to correct undesirable behaviors and actions. Mentor Outdoor Program Instructors and Lead Instructors in program facilitation, educational practices, and growth areas to encourage a positive and productive environment.
• Summer Program Coordination: Support and on-site oversight in any of the three areas:
  • Summer community partners
  • Summer camp
  • Teen/Adventure programs 

30% Manage Preparation and Delivery of Programming 

• Program Planning and Development: Designing, organizing, and implementing programs that meet the needs of participants. Coordinate pre-trip communication and function as a liaison for schools, community, and specialty groups.
• Logistics Management: Coordinating the details of programs, including program schedules, materials preparation, and location/resource allocation in tandem with the Program Manager and support from the Program Director.
• Participant Engagement: Communications with group leaders, parents, and administrators promptly and professionally, including phone calls, emails, and in-person discussions. Create and maintain relationships with schools and organizations to retain and increase attendance on Sierra Nevada Journeys programs.
• Collaboration: Working with other departments or community organizations to share details or enhance programming. Attend weekly Managers’ Meetings and report necessary information.
• Program Support: Fill gaps in necessary roles to accommodate staff time off or illness.
  • Function as overnight on-call staff or cabin lead, in amulti-weekk rotation – staying overnight, supporting/directing staff, and helping groups with requests as needed.
  • Function as Ropes Lead, if trained to do so. 

20% Instructing Groups with Our Education Team

These are Outdoor Program Instructor base responsibilities. All program staff must understand these aspects of camp facilitation.

• Education Instruction: Facilitate high-quality outdoor science education, community group, and challenge course programs (day and evening) with proficiency in all Sierra Nevada Journeys outdoor school curricula and teaching methods. Teaching preservation and sustainability principles fosters respect for nature among participants.
• Camp Facilitation: Safely facilitate outdoor recreation activities, including archery and kayaking. Lead meals and engage participants before meals.
• Challenge Course Facilitation: Safely facilitate the challenge course to achieve collaborative, social, emotional, and problem-solving goals.
• Assessment and Evaluation: Deliver, organize, and grade student assessments and related paperwork for the assigned group—support evaluation collection from participants at the end of the program. Participate in debriefs after each program.
• Collaboration and Initiative: Effectively deliver programs while working with chaperones, teachers, community group staff members, and other instructors as needed. Identify areas where different team members may need an extra hand and step in to support them. 
• Equipment Management: Clean, restock, and inventory program supplies, including educational materials, challenge course supplies, and camp program areas.
• Programmatic Support: Work on assigned projects, including, but not limited to, creating necessary paper materials for schools, camp improvement projects, and revamping curriculum as needed. Travel and support the facilitation of other programs within SNJ as required. Support campus operations as assigned (maintenance, food service, and housekeeping)
• Professional Development: Continuing to develop personal skills and knowledge in outdoor education, leadership, and safety practices. 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS 

• One to three years of experience developing, teaching, and leading outdoor environmental education programs. 
• Experience overseeing large groups and program coordination.
• Ability to transition or make needed program changes without prompting.
• Experience improving curriculum and training new instructors. 
• Microsoft and computer competencies with programs such as Word, Excel, file sharing
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and be accountable for deliverables. 
• Leadership experience or experience working with youth.
• Experience delivering culturally relevant camp-based programs for schools or community partners serving youth from under-resourced communities. 
• Enthusiasm for working with students and making a difference through education.
• Ability to work irregular hours and days, including nights and weekends.
• Ability to live and work positively in a communal shared environment with other staff members.
• Ability to take initiative, work independently, and maintain a positive attitude.
• Willingness to be 30 feet off the ground on challenge course high elements.
• Ability to lift 30 pounds and hike over varying terrain and distances up to seven miles.
• Current CPR and First Aid certification or willingness to obtain certification before the start date (at your own expense)
• Ability to pass a background check.
• As a condition of employment, all employees must attest in writing that they have up-to-date immunizations against the diseases needed for public school attendance in the State where they work. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 

• Fluency in Spanish or another second language
• Experience in science instruction – either in a formal outdoor setting or in a classroom setting
• Experience working with students from communities of BIPOC.
• Wilderness First Aid/Wilderness First Responder Certification
• Current lifeguard certification or willingness to obtain certification before the start date. 

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS 

• Competitive Compensation Package: $125-$130 per day (DOE) plus off-site staff housing and meals while at camp (California meals stipend provided when meals are not offered on days worked)  
  • Three days paid time off per year and five sick days per year (ten-month seasonal position)
  • Phone use reimbursement at $5 per paycheck.
  • Employees will earn $1 per day extra for each certification;
    • Waterfront lifeguard/pool lifeguard
    • Wilderness First Aid/Wilderness First Responder Certification
• Optional 403(b) retirement plan and up to a 4% match by Sierra Nevada Journeys
• Bilingual fluency in Spanish – differential of an additional 3% added to hourly rate/annual salary.
• Discounts on all SNJ camp programs of 50% for children/kin 

EMPLOYMENT HIGHLIGHTS

• Home base for living, working, exploring, and recreating in the beautiful Sierra Valley
• Employment with an innovative company focused on improving outdoor education delivery.
• Professional development geared toward outdoor education leadership or classroom teaching goals.