Position Objective:

The OSS Instructor assumes responsibility for a trail group and teaching science content ranging from 5^th-8th grade during scheduled class times, assists in regular program duties, including team-building and adventure activities, and leads extended activities in a manner consistent with MHA’s mission, culture code and standards of conduct.

General Qualifications:

The Outdoor Science School (“OSS”) Instructor is a Ministerial position. Ministerial staff render their work, stewardship, relationships and behavior as evidence of being followers of Jesus Christ while embracing and affirming Mount Hermon Association, Inc.’s (“MHA”) Christian mission, vision, beliefs, culture code and standards of conduct. They are responsible for defining, cultivating and leading MHA’s Christian community, conference programs and retreats. All staff are expected to join gatherings, which includes prayer, worship, and Bible-centered teaching.  

Key Job Accountabilities:

• Model a genuine Christian lifestyle, encouraging and nurturing expansion of campers’ outdoor science knowledge as well as spiritual growth.
• Engage and participate in staff development and one-to-one meetings with the commitment to being engaged in the MHA OSS community.
• Read, understand, and experientially teach the curricula for all grade levels taught. 
• Lead and teach/supervise night activities, orientation meetings, and host student meal times.
• Observe student behavior, respond to health and safety concerns, and deal appropriately with improper/inappropriate behavior to adapt to students with special needs.
• Recognize hazard in the outdoor setting and respond appropriately to those hazards.
• Perform any other duties as assigned by Supervisor.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None

Education/Certifications/Licenses:

• CPR and First Aid certified (Must be acquired before employment).
• Bachelor's degree preferred.

Work Experience:

• Previous experience in leadership role, demonstrated ability to supervise children.
• Previous experience with working with elementary-aged children.
• Previous experience teaching or facilitating 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to relate to a variety of age groups and effectively manage a student group.
• Ability to provide leadership skills and emotional and spiritual maturity.
• Ability to articulate the gospel of Jesus Christ as communicated in Scripture and through nature.
• Passionate about science and the outdoors.
• Ability to teach in a calm, clear and engaging manner with all ages.
• Mature understanding of camp guidelines and principles and respect for authority and peers.
• Ability to adjust and problem solve in challenging situations.
• Ability to engage in a variety of outdoor activities.
• A heart to serve whenever needed.

Physical Demands:

The physical environment requires the employee to work both inside and outside in heat/cold, wet/humid, and dry/arid conditions. It also requires sitting, standing, squatting, stooping, twisting, and hiking 2-5 miles daily. May require lifting of up to 25 lbs. at a time.

Additional Requirements/Skills:

• Ability to perform instructor-specific duties.  
• Must have a clean driving record of at least three years, and agree to and comply with MHA’s employee driving guidelines for MHA-owned vehicles and use of personal vehicles for business purposes.
• Adherence to the basic principles as expressed in MHA’s Mission, Vision, Values and Commitment statements.
• Adherence to company dress code and professional standards for personal grooming and appearance.
• Satisfactory completion of background investigation, or valid work permit, as well as ability to provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States.

- - Outdoor Science School Instructors make $460/week. (This number is after deductions for lodging and weekday meals at camp.)