Outdoor School / Learning Centre

Multiple Positions: 

1. Wellness Supervisor
2. Outdoor School Program Leader
3. Outdoor School Program Instructor

Outdoor School: Cheakamus Centre 
Location: near Squamish, BC
Relocation: We are open to applicants from all over Canada but must be open to relocation to Squamish. We have staff accommodation available on-site to help with making relocating easier. We require all applicant to be eligible to work in Canada. 

Cheakamus Centre is hiring multiple positions for our Outdoor School Program. Please visit our website to read the full descrition of each position and to apply https://cheakamuscentre.ca/.

ABOUT US

Located on 165 hectares of ecological reserve lands in the Cheakamus River Valley near Squamish, BC, Cheakamus Centre is a world-class outdoor learning centre that brings together the values of environmental stewardship and sustainability through place-based learning. We would like to thank the Skwxwú7mesh Nation, upon whose unceded traditional territory Cheakamus Centre resides. We value the opportunity to welcome others to learn, gather and share in nature on this traditional territory. The land Cheakamus Centre is situated on has always been a place of learning for the Chʼiyáḵmesh people, who for millennia have passed on their culture, history, and traditions from one generation to the next on this site.

Cheakamus Centre is committed to supporting and building a diverse and inclusive workplace community. We welcome and respect the diverse backgrounds, experiences and talents of our staff and believe this contributes to programs that are welcoming, relevant and accessible for learners of all ages.

For more information on Cheakamus Centre, visit our website at http://www.cheakamuscentre.ca

 

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(1) WELLNESS SUPERVISOR

OVERVIEW

The Wellness Supervisor supports the well-being and social and emotional care of children and youth during the Outdoor School Program at Cheakamus Centre. Outdoor School is a 3 or 4 day program for North Vancouver School District elementary school grade 4 and 6 students, and runs from October to May each school year. During program periods, a WS is on site and on-call 24/7. Duties are shared between two WS staff members, typically working alternating 12-hour shifts. The WS is a member of a staff team that values and fosters a mutually supportive work environment. This is a dynamic role that is well suited for someone who enjoys working with children and youth and is passionate about creating a welcoming and inclusive space for all.

This is a shift position, based on program bookings, requiring flexibility with shift times. Apart from 3-4 weekend programs throughout the school year, shift times fall within Monday to Friday each week.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Providing primary first aid response and care of elementary students and secondary school student counsellors
• Coordinating medical forms and managing medical-related communications with school staff, volunteers and other staff in a sensitive, confidential and professional manner
• Monitoring and communication of accurate special dietary requirements to all necessary departments/staff
• Supervising students and assisting in daily duties including meal service, educational programming, and other tasks at the Centre, as assigned
• Administering medications to students who require them, following directions provided by guardians and school contacts
• Liaising with program staff, visiting teachers and administrators, parents, etc. on program logistics and student concerns, some of which may be confidential in nature
• Assisting with administrative duties in support of programming and activities at the Centre
• Assisting with training, mentoring and providing feedback for youth counsellors and other volunteers
• Facilitating instructional program components as required
• Maintaining mobile and site based First Aid supplies including First Aid facilities (clinic) and inventories
• Assisting in overall Centre program operations as directed by the Educational Administrative Team

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Experience in providing first aid and social and emotional support to children and youth – preferably in an educational/outdoor/camp setting
• CPR and Occupational First Aid Level 2, Advanced Wilderness First Aid or equivalent
• Willing to submit a current Criminal Record Check, with Vulnerable Sector Check
• Post-secondary education in a related field, or equivalent knowledge and experience
• Minimum two-years of experience in delivering/supporting outdoor/environmental/recreation/overnight education program activities
• Ability to work varied shift lengths, including overnights and occasional weekends
• Work effectively independently as well as in a collaborative team environment
• Demonstrated success in problem solving and conflict resolution
• Highly organized and able to maintain and prepare electronic records and reports
• Demonstrated excellence in verbal and written communications with parents, students, teachers and other stakeholders
• Proficiency in computer and internet use including Microsoft Office and database management software
• Excellent time management skills

 

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(2) OUTDOOR SCHOOL PROGRAM LEADER

OVERVIEW

The Outdoor School Program Leader plays a key role in the Outdoor School Program (ODS) at Cheakamus Centre. ODS is a 3 or 4 day program for North Vancouver School District elementary school grade 4 and 6 students, and runs from October to May each school year. The primary duties of the ODS Program Leader are to: lead meal service and orient students to the meal process; assist with field studies and recreation programs; mentor, train and work alongside secondary school student counsellors. This is a highly dynamic role, with shifting duties throughout each program week.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Facilitate meal service and supervise students at meals; assist with monitoring of special dietary requirements and ensuring meals are timely and organized
• Coordinate and supervise chores with secondary school counsellors and cabin groups
• Supervise recreation programs (i.e. garden games, archery, team building and more), which are facilitated by secondary school student counsellors
• Assist with training, mentoring and supervising secondary school counsellors
• Maintain safety and wellbeing of students as part of program staff team
• Contribute to the creation of a welcoming and inclusive culture for all
• Liaise with program staff, visiting teachers and administrators, parents, etc. on program logistics and student concerns, some of which may be confidential in nature
• Assist with providing counsellor feedback
• Other duties as assigned

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• First Aid Certificate – OFA Level 2 preferred, or equivalent
• Willing to submit a current Criminal Record Check, with Vulnerable Sector Check
• Experience instructing/interpreting in an outdoor setting
• Experience working with youth and children
• Experience mentoring youth in leadership development
• Strong interest in developing personal leadership skills
• Work effectively independently and in a collaborative team environment
• Work varied hours including early mornings and occasional weekends (schedule will be known well in advance)
• Friendly, positive and enthusiastic approach
• Strong time and group management skills to ensure meal times are smooth and on-time
• Strong communication skills including ability to provide constructive feedback to youth
• Work long hours outside in any weather

 

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(3) OUTDOOR SCHOOL PROGRAM INSTRUCTOR

OVERVIEW

Cheakamus Centre is seeking passionate, dynamic, and experienced outdoor education instructors to join our team and help deliver high-quality Outdoor School (ODS) experiences for students from the North Vancouver School District. Outdoor School is a longstanding district wide program, where students in grade 4 visit for 3 days and students in grade 6 visit for 4 days. Students are supported by visiting school staff, Cheakamus staff as well as volunteer secondary school counsellors.

Outdoor School Program Instructors work directly with students in a variety of contexts throughout the program. This includes instructing Field Studies, mentoring counsellors during Recreation Activities and Evening Programs and assisting with cabins on the first evening. The ideal candidates will have a strong passion for outdoor education, excellent leadership skills, and the ability to connect with students in meaningful and engaging ways.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead curriculum-linked outdoor learning Field Studies (i.e. farm, salmon, birds, forest and more)
• Mentor counsellors during recreation programs (i.e. garden games, archery, team building and more)
• Provide hands-on instruction and foster a positive and safe learning environment for students.
• Adapt to varying group needs and learning styles, ensuring every participant has an enriching experience
• Promote a sense of wonder and respect for nature through inquiry, storytelling and experiential learning
• Be present during student mealtimes, chores and transition times to help assist with group management and student care
• Assist with training, mentoring and supervising secondary school counsellors
• Contribute to the creation of a fun, welcoming and inclusive culture, where students make life-long memories
• Other duties as assigned

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• First Aid Certificate – OFA Level 2 preferred, or equivalent
• Willing to submit a current Criminal Record Check, with Vulnerable Sector Screening
• Experience instructing/facilitating educational programs in an outdoor setting
• Experience will the social and emotional care of children and youth
• Experience mentoring youth in leadership development
• Ability to work effectively independently and in a collaborative team environment
• Ability to be flexible and adapt to student and program needs
• Comfort in instructing in an outdoor setting, in varied weather conditions
• Work varied hours including mornings, afternoons and 1 or 2 evenings per week. The occasional weekend work is also required (4-5 weekends per year). All schedules for the school year are known well in advance.
• Friendly, positive and enthusiastic approach

 

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APPLICATION PROCESS

PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR FULL JOB DESCRIPTIONS AND HOW TO APPLY (Job Opportunities | Cheakamus Centre )

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APPLICATION DEADLINE

July 27th or until filled.

We thank you for your interest in employment with Cheakamus Centre. Please note that due to the volume of applicants, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.