Science Adventure School
Updates: Hiring!
Hiring:
Outdoor Education Guide
Location: Summit Bechtel Reserve, Glen Jean, WV and Jackson's Mill 4H Camp or WVU Outdoor Education Center
Type: Seasonal (August 13th – November 7th)
The Science Adventure School is a 4-day, 3-night program serving 6th grade students in West Virginia. Our goal is to integrate high quality, engaging, adventure sports-driven science and environmental curriculum with experiential education and student development. Outdoor Education Guides will play a crucial role in meeting that goal by guiding student groups for the duration of the week and facilitating activities and experiences. This position is by application only.
Responsibilities and Duties:
Outdoor Education Guides will be expected to:
Work in pairs to lead groups of 12-15 students. Each group will also have one public school teacher and one mentor student during some weeks.
Safely manage their groups to mitigate the emotional and physical risks during adventure activities (zip-lining, rock climbing, archery, etc.) as well as facilitated experiential activities (low ropes courses, initiatives, discussions).
Be high-energy, outgoing, and responsible for engaging students in activities throughout the week.
Facilitate daily processing activities and discussions.
Lead games, low ropes course activities, and portable initiatives throughout the week.
Take initiative to help groups manage time, risk, travel around the site, and perform any other duties or assistance to students, teachers, or other staff to insure success of the program. You and your partner will serve as your one group’s guide for four days.
Maintain positive attitude, professional language, well kept appearance, appropriate and professional behavior, and a willingness to take initiative.
Assist with other camp duties as needed
Minimum Qualifications and Requirements:
The applicant must, at a minimum, have the following experience/qualification:
Work experience that must include one of the following: 1)Two seasons of outdoor experience, 2) Bachelors, Associates, or other post-secondary degree or professional certification, 3)Two years of working with students in formal or informal environment, or 4) Other leadership or relevant experience
Be comfortable and physically able to thrive in an outdoor/camp setting.
The ability to pass a federal background check.
Good risk management, communication, time-management, group management, and decision-making skills. These are a must!
Outgoing and friendly personality with the ability to connect and communicate effectively with youth.
Be able to lift 50 pounds and participate in moderate physical activity including but not limited to climbing, hiking, and camping.
Ability to work irregular and long hours during the programming days (Tuesday-Friday)
STEM Instructor
Location: Summit Bechtel Reserve, Glen Jean, WV and Jackson's Mill 4H Camp or WVU Outdoor Education Center
Type: Seasonal (August 13th – November 7th)
The Science Adventure School is a 4-day, 3-night outdoor science school serving West Virginia’s youth. We integrate adventure sports-driven STEM curriculum with hands-on, engaging environmental lessons. Through experiential education, we inspire inquiry, instill confidence, and empower the leaders of tomorrow.
STEM instructors deliver lessons from our innovative Science Behind the Sport program, helping students explore the engineering, physics, and math that make their arrows hit a target and keep their BMX bikes upright. Lessons are short, activity-based, and hands-on. For example, students who have just tried rock climbing might rest while learning about the muscles that they used to climb. After the anatomy lesson, they'll partner up to make their own nylon rope, learning how climbing rope’s construction and elasticity give it strength, before heading back to the climbing wall for round two. Because students get to immediately put the fundamental principles of STEM into practice, they discover the best possible answers to the question, “How will we actually use this stuff in real life?”
Responsibilities and Duties:
STEM Instructors will be expected to:
Teach Science Behind the Sport lessons and hands-on activities, placing special emphasis on the practical applications of STEM.
Cultivate a fun, energetic, positive atmosphere where students learn by doing.
Manage a class of up to 16 students, plus two field staff and a teacher chaperone.
Maintain and organize science displays, demos, and activity materials.
Engage students in outdoor activities, which may include rock climbing, cycling, archery, zip lining, and paddling. STEM Instructors may monitor student safety, coach and encourage students, and help other trained staff run these activities. All relevant training will be provided.
Collaborate with Outdoor Education Guides to orient students and run team building activities.
Maintain a positive attitude, willingness to take initiative, and professional language, appearance, and behavior.
Assist field staff and teachers with other camp duties as needed, to ensure success of the program as a whole.
Minimum Qualifications and Requirements:
The applicant must, at a minimum, have the following experience/qualification:
Post-secondary education and/or equivalent contemporary knowledge in STEM
Friendly personality with the ability to connect and communicate effectively with youth
Willingness to live and work in an outdoor setting that requires moderate physical activity
Attention to organization, time management, and risk management
Excellent organizational skills, time-management skills, and risk management skills
Passion for science, education, and creative thinking
Ability to pass a federal background check
Environmental Educator
Location: Summit Bechtel Reserve, Glen Jean, WV and Jackson's Mill 4H Camp or WVU Outdoor Education Center
Type: Seasonal (August 13th – November 7th)
The WV Science Adventure School is a 4-day, 3-night outdoor science school that is serving 6th grade students in West Virginia. Our goal is to integrate high quality, engaging, adventure sports-driven science and environmental curriculum with experiential education and student development. Environmental educators will play a crucial role in meeting that goal by teaching students in an outdoor classroom on a variety of environmental education lessons and activities. This position is by application only.
Responsibilities and Duties:
Environmental Educators will be expected to:
Facilitate indoor and outdoor environmental education lessons for 6th grade students.
Facilitate group and project-based learning initiatives
Use and maintain scientific equipment and sensors
Promote student’s science and ecological literacy
Facilitate student’s ability to observe, ask questions, collect data, and communicate findings
Maintain excellent group management
Build a safe and strong learning culture
Maintain a positive attitude, professional language, appearance, and behavior, willingness to take initiative.
Spend Tuesdays with a pair of Outdoor Education Guides and their group facilitating experiential education activities.
Assist with other camp duties as needed.
Minimum Qualifications and Requirements:
The applicant must, at a minimum, have the following experience/qualification:
Post-secondary education and/or equivalent knowledge in an environmental education or science field
At least one-year experience teaching in a formal or non-formal setting.
Basic knowledge of science-related topics
Awareness and knowledge of the the natural environment and a passion for conservation
Ability to pass a federal background check
Be comfortable living in and physically able to work outside in the field regardless of weather for long periods of time and have sufficient camping skills
Lead Outdoor Education Guide
Location: Morgantown, WV & Summit Bechtel Reserve, Glen Jean, WV
Type: Seasonal (June 19th – November 10th)
Priority Application Deadline: March 24th
The WV Science Adventure School is a 4-day, 3-night outdoor science school serving sixth grade students in West Virginia. Our goal is to integrate high quality, engaging, adventure sports-driven science and environmental curriculum with experiential education and student development. The Lead Outdoor Education Guide will play a crucial role in meeting that goal by training and supervising Outdoor Education Guides, delivering positive youth development curriculum, and providing program support.
In July, the Lead Outdoor Education Guide will also assist with Science Adventure School’s work at the 2023 National Scout Jamboree. The Jamboree presents a unique opportunity to get familiar with the Summit Bechtel Reserve before the SAS season begins, as we showcase our programming to tens of thousands of Scouts from across the country.
Responsibilities and Duties:
The Lead OE Guide will be expected to:
Work with the Experiential Education Coordinator to oversee the development and implementation of the Positive Youth Development Curriculum for social and emotional development of participants
Collaborate with lead educators to implement a cohesive curriculum delivery across all areas
Assist in development and and delivery of staff training modules and materials for OE Guides
Take an active interest in the development of students, teacher, and staff
Collaborate with team members from varying backgrounds and areas of expertise
Be able to support team members’ growth by auditing their lessons and providing feedback
Independently handle stressful situations and make quick, informed decisions under pressure
Support administrative tasks with high degree of organizational skills
Fulfill other duties as assigned to support SAS operations at large which may include logistical support, organization of equipment, accommodating any staff members’, students’, or teachers’ needs, and otherwise being willing to take-on unknown or challenging tasks.
Maintain a positive attitude, professional language, appearance, and behavior, willingness to take initiative.
Minimum Qualifications and Requirements:
The applicant must, at a minimum, have the following experience/qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree, with strong preference for an outdoor recreation or education specialty or equivalent experience
Thorough understanding of experiential education program models, theories, and practices with emphasis in group facilitation
Ability to supervise and support multiple teams of staff members
Have a minimum of 3 seasons of in-field experience in outdoor experiential education
Provide constructive feedback to colleagues and team members
Be highly organized and willing to create new systems where needed
Ability to hold and direct weekly staff team meetings including facilitating personal and program feedback
Have experience in training and staff development
Experience with various administrative tasks
Lead STEM Instructor
Location: Morgantown, WV & Summit Bechtel Reserve, Glen Jean, WV
Type: Seasonal (June 19th – November 10th)
Priority Application Deadline: March 24th
Science Adventure School (SAS) is a 4-day, 3-night outdoor science school serving West Virginia’s youth. At SAS, sixth graders try outdoor adventure sports while learning through hands-on, engaging lessons in physical and environmental science. Our innovative Science Behind the Sport lessons connect students to the engineering, physics, and math involved in archery, cycling, rock climbing, and more. We inspire students to think more deeply about the science in their daily lives, while the SAS program as a whole helps students become more confident and gain valuable interpersonal skills they’ll use in middle school and beyond.
The Lead STEM Educator will play a crucial role in meeting these goals by training and supervising a small team of STEM Instructors, delivering Science Behind the Sport curriculum, and providing program support. In July, the Lead Environmental Educator will also teach SAS environmental lessons at the 2023 National Scout Jamboree. The Jamboree presents a unique opportunity to get familiar with both the Summit Bechtel Reserve and the Science Behind the Sport curriculum before the SAS season begins, as we showcase our programming to tens of thousands of Scouts from across the country.
Responsibilities and Duties:
The Lead STEM Instructor will be expected to:
Work closely with the STEM Coordinator and SAS Director to plan, coordinate, deliver, and evaluate Science Behind the Sport programming.
Serve as the on-site STEM Lead and primary supervisor for a small team of STEM instructors for the duration of the SAS season, under the direction of the STEM Coordinator.
Develop and deliver staff training modules and materials.
Support team members’ growth by observing their lessons and providing useful feedback.
Lead weekly staff team meetings, including facilitating personal and program feedback.
Teach STEM lessons as needed, including at the National Scout Jamboree.
Help maintain teaching equipment.
Fulfill other duties as assigned to support SAS operations at large which may include logistical support, organization of equipment, accommodating any staff members’, students’, or teachers’ needs, and otherwise being willing to take-on unknown or challenging tasks.
Maintain a positive attitude, professional language, appearance, and behavior, willingness to take initiative.
Minimum Qualifications and Requirements:
The applicant must, at a minimum, have the following experience/qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in physics, geology, engineering, mathematics, or another related STEM field or equivalent experience
Thorough understanding of core science concepts appropriate for middle school
At least one year of outdoor science education and/or teaching experience (both informal and formal preferred)
Ability to provide useful, constructive feedback to colleagues and team members
Willingness to live and work in an outdoor setting that requires moderate physical activity
Flexibility, organization, and willingness to create new systems where needed
Lead Environmental Educator
Location: Morgantown, WV & Summit Bechtel Reserve, Glen Jean, WV
Type: Seasonal (June 19th – November 10th)
Priority Application Deadline: March 24th
Science Adventure School is a 4-day, 3-night outdoor science school that serves 6th grade students in West Virginia. Our goal is to integrate high quality, engaging, adventure sports-driven science and environmental curriculum with experiential education and student development. The Environmental Education curriculum was developed through on-going partnerships with WVU researchers and local organizations such as the American Chestnut Foundation and focuses on local ecology and current research in forest ecology, freshwater ecology, soil science, and wildlife ecology.
The Lead Environmental Educator will play a crucial role in meeting that goal by supervising Environmental Education Instructors, delivering curriculum, assisting in developing curriculum, and providing program support. In July, the Lead Environmental Educator will also teach SAS environmental lessons at the 2023 National Scout Jamboree. The Jamboree presents a unique opportunity to get familiar with both the Summit Bechtel Reserve and the EE curriculum before the SAS season begins, as we showcase our programming to tens of thousands of Scouts from across the country.
Responsibilities and Duties:
The Lead Environmental Education Instructor will be expected to:
Collaborate with SAS director, coordinators, consultants, and program partners to help with creating hands-on, interactive curriculum and a plan for implementation
Directly oversee the implementation of the EE curriculum
Develop and deliver staff training modules and materials for EE instructors
Facilitate indoor and outdoor environmental education lessons for 6th grade students.
Take an active interest in the development of students, teacher, and staff.
Collaborate with team members from varying backgrounds and areas of expertise
Be able to support team members’ growth by auditing their lessons and providing feedback
Fulfill other duties as assigned to support SAS operations at large which may include logistical support, organization of equipment, accommodating any staff members’, students’, or teachers’ needs, and otherwise being willing to take-on unknown or challenging tasks.
Maintain a positive attitude, professional language, appearance, and behavior, willingness to take initiative.
Work at the 2023 National Scout Jamboree as a SAS educator, delivering the Environmental Education Curriculum.
Minimum Qualifications and Requirements:
The applicant must, at a minimum, have the following experience/qualification:
Bachelor’s degree in environmental studies, education, natural sciences, biology, or another related field or equivalent experience
Thoroughly understand core science concepts relative to WV 6th grade standards
Have at least one year of outdoor science education/teaching experience (both informal and formal preferred)
Ability to provide constructive feedback to colleagues and team members
Be highly organized and willing to create new systems where needed
Ability to hold and direct weekly staff team meetings including facilitating personal and program feedback
Lead Program Operations Staff
Location: Morgantown, WV & Summit Bechtel Reserve, Glen Jean WV and WVU Outdoor Education Center Bruceton Mills, WV or Jackson’s Mill 4H Camp, Weston, WV
Type: Seasonal (June 19th – November 10th)
Priority Application Deadline: March 24th
Science Adventure School (SAS) is a 4-day, 3-night outdoor science school serving sixth grade students in West Virginia. Our goal is to integrate high quality, engaging, adventure sports-driven science and environmental curriculum with experiential education and student development.
The Lead Program Ops Staff will play a crucial role in meeting that goal by training and supervising SAS support staff in providing program support and by keeping camp operations running smoothly and efficiently behind the scenes. In July, the Lead Program Ops Staff will also assist with Science Adventure School’s work at the 2023 National Scout Jamboree. The Jamboree presents a unique opportunity to get familiar with the Summit Bechtel Reserve before the SAS season begins, as we showcase our programming to tens of thousands of Scouts from across the country.
Responsibilities and Duties:
Lead Program Ops Staff will be expected to:
Develop and deliver staff training for program support staff
Participate in the logistical planning, coordination, delivery, and evaluation of all areas of the program in relation to logistical support
Provide logistical support to all areas of the program which could include tasks such as delivery and set up of equipment, light maintenance duties, equipment and vehicle organization and upkeep, dining support, camp supervision and interfacing with teachers
Organize and supervise arrival of students and provide initial site orientation
Serve as the on-site support lead and liaison for the duration of the SAS season, under the direction of the Program Manager
Provide support to parents and the teachers and participants who will be attending our program
Lead games, low ropes course activities, and portable initiatives on an add needed basis
Supervise students on an as needed basis, which may include serving as a guide from time to time
Take an active interest in the development of students, teacher, and staff
Collaborate with team members from varying backgrounds and areas of expertise
Be able to support team members’ growth by auditing their lessons and providing feedback
Fulfill other duties as assigned to support SAS operations at large which may include logistical support, organization of equipment, accommodating any staff members’, students’, or teachers’ needs, and otherwise being willing to take-on unknown or challenging tasks.
Maintain a positive attitude, professional language, appearance, and behavior, willingness to take initiative.
Minimum Qualifications and Requirements:
The applicant must, at a minimum, have the following experience/qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experiences
Prior experience working in outdoor/experiential education
Have at least one year of administration work experience (preferably in camping or other outdoor contexts)
Ability to provide constructive feedback to colleagues and team members
Be highly organized and willing to create new systems where needed
Ability to hold and direct weekly staff team meetings including facilitating personal and program feedback
Valid driver’s license and clean driving record
Additional Information About Science Adventure School
Science Adventure School is an adventure-based, outdoor science school dedicated to empowering and educating West Virginia’s youth. We integrate adventure sports-driven STEM curriculum with a hands-on, engaging environmental curriculum at the world-class Summit Bechtel Reserve, Jackson's Mill 4-H camp and WVU's Outdoor Education Center. We are a mission driven organization that works primarily with rural, low-income, public school students and their teachers to offer high quality, life changing outdoor experience that they normally would not have access to.
Applications are now open. We will have openings for three different seasonal positions: Outdoor Education Guide, STEM Instructor, and Environmental Education Instructor. You can learn more about life at SAS through our Staff FAQ. See descriptions for additional information and direct links to position applications. You can also access all job applications through WVU Hire. We suggest you search "Science Adventure School" to find them quickly.
We offer a short season option. You can choose between our standard season (typically 3 months, August - November) or a shorter, southern season (8 weeks, August - October).
We have limited "short-week" options for instructor positions. If you choose to work a short-week contract, you will attend our training weeks, but will then only be expected to work Wednesdays and Thursdays. Please bring this up in your interview if you are interested.