JOB TITLE:        AWE Instructor

REPORTS TO:   AWE Director 

JOB STATUS:    Temporary Contract (34 days) – Summer or Spring

ABOUT THE ATHENIAN WILDERNESS EXPERIENCE

The Athenian Wilderness Experience (AWE) is a unique component of the diverse curriculum that has been in place since The Athenian School’s founding. AWE is a rigorous 26-day expeditionary backpacking course with rock climbing, solo, and possible independent student travel components. Courses are run during two sessions per year. These are March (in Death Valley National Park) and August (in Yosemite National Park and surroundings). 

The Athenian School is an independent college preparatory boarding and day school that serves students in grades 6 – 12, from throughout the East Bay, California, the US and the world. Since our founding, we have been dedicated to educating students through experiential, collaborative and interdisciplinary learning. We foster critical thinking and value reasoned discourse, mutual respect, and social justice. Please read through our site to learn more about our community. We look forward to meeting you as you consider Athenian!

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Athenian School seeks a seasonal AWE instructor with a history managing risk and technical components for backpacking courses. This person will work in pairs, have excellent interpersonal skills and be experienced in managing and supporting teams in a remote wilderness environment. They will enjoy understanding students, meeting them where they are on their educational path, and mentoring them in this unique setting. For many students this is their first experience in the outdoors and instructors have the expertise to scaffold instruction accordingly to build community and develop self-awareness. This person will value and honor the significant diversity of our student population. They understand how a community is enhanced when a variety of life experience is reflected by its members. 

CORE QUALIFICATIONS

Successful candidates will demonstrate the ability to provide structure, role model, and uphold behavioral standards for 15-18 year old youth. They will have current certification as a Wilderness First Responder. Preferred but not required experience with rock climbing and belaying. Successful applicants will bring excitement and experience to teaching students technical outdoor living skills, possess the ability to lead differentiated learning experiences, and maintain flexibility and a solution-oriented mindset when addressing new challenges. AWE staff are expected to demonstrate an ongoing commitment to democracy, justice, equity, inclusion, service, and environmental stewardship. 

BENEFITS, COMPENSATION, PROFESSIONAL GROWTH & COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Athenian’s rates are competitive and commensurate with work experience and education. Community members enjoy meals and use of athletics facilities including a pool, gym and fitness center while working on campus. All food and accommodations are provided by Athenian for the duration of work with the program.

NON DISCRIMINATION COMMITMENT

The Athenian School is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to basing judgments concerning the employment of individuals upon their qualifications and abilities. The School is firmly committed to equal employment and advancement opportunities for all employees and applicants in all areas of employment. The School does not discriminate on the basis of an individual’s sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, race, color, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, military or veteran status, genetic characteristic or genetic information, physical or mental disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.