DESCRIPTION OF RESPONSIBILITIES:

The outdoor programs instructor is a full time, 12-month professional staff member, reporting to the senior director of student affairs - outdoor programs, recreation and athletics (OPRA). This position is responsible for contributing to the daily operation of outdoor programs at Hampshire College. This includes but is not limited to instructing outdoor programs, hiring and supervising student staff, outfitting these programs and staff with necessary equipment and supportive resources, and directly supervising outdoor program facilities such as an indoor climbing wall, bouldering cave, equipment room, and bike shop.

The instructor is a student development practitioner who cares deeply about forming strong relationships and engaging in meaningful experiences with students, open to new and challenging experiences directed towards professional growth. Under the leadership and direction of the senior director, the instructor will serve all students, while paying close attention to the varying needs of students from different cultural backgrounds and identities that may require focused support and considerations in the health and wellness capacities. This staff member must have experience in program planning and management and feel comfortable working in an evolving and fast-paced organizational framework with shifting responsibilities. 

This staff participates and contributes to campus-wide educational initiatives, for instance the ENGAGE Day of Learning, New and Transfer Student Orientation, Community Orientation, and Community Education Day that advances the College’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. Participates as a committed member of the student affairs team in college and divisional committee work, projects, meetings, retreats and overall community development: assists in the coordination and facilitation of academic courses, co-curricular activities and services for students. Availability to work evenings and weekends is required.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION:

Required:

• Demonstrated experience instructing outdoor and experiential education programs. Specifically, must be qualified to instruct a minimum of 3 of the following program areas upon hire:
  • Backpacking
  • Rock Climbing
  • Whitewater kayaking
  • Whitewater rafting 
  • Canoeing (flat water)
  • Ice climbing
  • Trail Maintenance
  • Cross Country Skiing
  • Wilderness Medicine (WFA/WFR)
  • Outdoor Leadership
  • Bike Maintenance
  • Orienteering
  • Snowshoeing
  • Winter Camping
• Demonstrated knowledge of outdoor leadership in higher education.
• Current First Aid/CPR/AED or ability to obtain within one month of hire.
• Current Wilderness First Responder certification or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire.
• Professional oral and written communication skills.
• Current MA Driver’s License with a clean driving history in order to be approved to operate campus vehicles.
• Demonstrated experience working with Microsoft Windows, specifically Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Passionate about working in an organization that values and promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and ability to present to diverse audiences, specifically racially, ethnically, and socioeconomically diverse communities.
• Embraces and actively promotes an inclusive and equitable work environment.
• Two-year college degree or equivalent
• Minimum of two years’ job related experience

Preferred:

• Experience supervising and developing college student leaders and young professionals.
• Climbing Instructor Certifications from AMGA or PCIA.
• ACA Paddling Instructor Certifications (Flat or whitewater for any watercraft)
• Leave No Trace Master Educator
• Active NIRSA, AORE, or AEE Member
• Bachelor’s degree in outdoor leadership, recreation, kinesiology, or related field.

REQUIRED CERTIFICATION, EDUCATION, AND EXPERIENCE:

Alternatives to formal education and paid work experience may be considered as equivalent qualifications to include military service/training, volunteering, activism, and other non-traditional programs and experiences related to the position.