Experiential Education Trip Leader Pool

Summary

This listing is an evergreen pool. Candidates will be contacted periodically to interview for the field position.

The Experiential Education department helps support and enhance Albuquerque Academy’s rigorous college-preparatory curriculum, and outdoor education trips are required for students in grades 6-9. Students in grades 10-12 can elect to take Outdoor Pursuits for elective or physical education credit. The outdoor education program is staffed by three full time faculty members and three seasonal field faculty members. Programs are offered throughout New Mexico and the Four Corners region.

The outdoor education curriculum progression includes two day hikes and an overnight for 6th graders, a three-day backpacking trip for 7th graders, skills days for 8th graders, and a four to five day backpacking trip for 9th graders.  Faculty also support experiential co-curricular trips for other academic departments, design and lead three-week field-based senior seminars, and teach and support field components for Outdoor Pursuits class, including rock climbing, whitewater kayaking, mountain biking and survival skills.  

Experiential Education Faculty work as part of a dynamic and fast-paced team to logistically prepare for all trips, design trip itineraries, administer permits, and communicate with parents and the community.  Faculty all have solid experience and competence in the backcountry, have exemplified managing group dynamics and relevant risks, and enjoy working with this age group.  

Contractual field instructors are hired during high-volume times.  Pay for contractors on overnight trips is $173/ day and up to $100 for travel more than 50 miles away. Pay rates for day trips are $126-144/ day depending on length of the working day.

All employees at Albuquerque Academy approach their work in accordance with the values in our mission and in a spirit of kindness, professionalism, generosity, and civility to all members of the community. An education at the Academy focuses on the whole child, and teachers and administrators are expected to teach well and also to function as adult mentors for students, in and out of the classroom. Our community norms, listed below, underlie our school culture, and all community members are expected to commit themselves fully to them.

• Value and respect the diverse contributions of each person in the community.
• Assume positive intent and inquire if you are left with questions or concerns.
• Engage in face-to-face direct conversations; be clear, open, and honest in your conversations.
• Be present and participate.

Albuquerque Academy seeks to maintain a diverse and energetic faculty to work with over 1100 highly capable students, including over 50% students of color. We encourage applications from groups traditionally underrepresented in independent school communities. 

Qualified applicants should submit a cover letter and resume (including the contact information for three references) and a personal and professional trip-leading resume with a sample of personal and professional trips to exemplify their experience: include the length of trip, type of travel/ skill taught, dates, locations, participant age, on/off trail specifics, your role in leadership, planning, logistics, etc.,; qualified applicants will interview and will have a driver and background check before working. 

Essential Functions

• Assisting Ex Ed faculty on 3 to 5 day wilderness-based expeditions for groups of approximately 12 students.
• Driving vehicle and trailer to trailhead.
• Teaching and facilitating outdoor living skills, navigation and route finding, natural history, relevant technical skills, risk awareness and management, and self-care.
• Group and risk management.
• Supporting overall trip, including, if necessary: evacuations, parent communications, familiarizing oneself with emergency procedures, route familiarity, communications with co-leader and students.
• Assist with evacuations.

Job Qualifications

Education

• No education requirement. 

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• A desire to lead wilderness-based trips; personal wilderness trip experience.
• Competence in outdoor living skills, including: tent use and repair; whisperlite stove use and repair; finding, purifying and transporting water in desert and mountain environments; campsite selection and management; self-care including nutrition, first aid and staying warm and dry; Leave No Trace ethics.
• Competent in navigation, map and compass use and route finding; experience with on and off-trail travel. 
• Effective communicator; comfortable giving and receiving timely and relevant feedback with colleagues and students.
• Diversity is a core value at Albuquerque Academy, and we seek candidates who demonstrate an abiding commitment to equity and belonging.
• Sound judgement and decision-making; competent in backcountry-based risk management and student management.

Special Requirements

• Wilderness First Responder or Wilderness First Aid* and CPR (*CPR is not included in standard WFA curriculum and must be obtained by a carrier such as Red Cross, who offers online courses).
• Clean driving record (minimum age 21)- drivers must be able to be insured by our carrier.
• Preference will be given to candidates within a 5 hour driving radius.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States.

Experience

• Prior trip-leading or related experience is required.

Working Environment

• Work is performed in an outdoor setting.

Physical Demands

Must be able to lift up to 35 pounds at times. Must be able to traverse school facility and outdoor environment and lead students to safety in the event of an emergency. Involves long periods of standing/sitting.  Frequently involves carrying equipment and supplies, communicating/speaking, retrieving files and supplies, writing, using a computer, and reading for preparing.

EEO/ADA Compliance

Albuquerque Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Academy will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.