Job Description

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
JOB TERM

October 2025 - May 2026 (excluding holidays and non-programming times)
*The ideal candidate would also be available as a Field School Program Instructor(September to October). This role involves direct program facilitation during the Field School Season. This staff member would then transition into the ODS role in October and back to the Field School Program Instructor role in May.

Term Schedule:

September - October: Field School - program facilitation (day and evening shifts available, some extended shifts (12 hours) may be required) October - May: Outdoor School - program facilitation (mostly day shifts, with some evening shifts) May-June: Field School - program facilitation (day and evening shifts available)
JOB LOCATION

Cheakamus Centre, Brackendale, BC (near Squamish)

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP

The Program Instructor is employed by Listel Canada and reports to the Education Program Coordinator.

COMPENSATION

Pay rate $21.00-23.00/hr. Based on experience (Average 30-35 hrs. per program week, with an averaging agreement) Meals provided while working with groups and within shifted time Benefits after 6 months employment Staff discount at Listel hotels and Listel owned restaurants Staff Accommodation (Optional at $250/month, limited spaces available)
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 Skwxwu7mesh 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 Ch?iya?mesh 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 www.cheakamuscentre.ca

APPLICATION PROCESS

Email a cover letter stating why you are the best person for this opportunity, along with your resume to:

jobs@cheakamuscentre.ca

Please include 'ODS Program Instructor' in the subject line of your email. If you are interested in multiple positions, please provide all the positions you are interested and rank them in order of preference.

APPLICATION DEADLINE

July 18 or until filled. Two positions available.

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.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $21.00-$23.00 per hour

Expected hours: 30 per week

Benefits:

Casual dress Discounted or free food Flexible schedule On-site parking
Flexible language requirement:

French not required
Schedule:

8 hour shift Day shift Evening shift Monday to Friday
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 2025-07-18
Expected start date: 2025-10-20