Outdoor Pursuits Lead Instructor, Part-Time

Pacific University achieves excellence and distinction by investing in exceptional people to think, care, create, and pursue justice in our world. We embrace discovery in a close nurturing environment that leads to genuine transformation. Our community is diverse, sustainable, and dedicated to discovery and excellence in teaching, scholarship and practice. 

At Pacific University we thrive in an extraordinary environment, surrounded by the beauty of the great Pacific Northwest, with campus locations in Forest Grove, Hillsboro, and  Eugene. We humbly acknowledge and thank the original caretakers of the lands on which we live, work, teach, acquire and share knowledge.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF POSITION:

Outdoor Pursuits is looking to hire temporary, short-term outdoor instructor/ guide positions for whitewater rafting and outdoor rock climbing. A day trip is typically 8-10 hours, depending on the location. These contracts will include a half-day or a full day of prep, depending on the position. The position rate is $225 per day for the lead instructor and $200 a day for the Assistant Instructor.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

Outdoor Pursuits Program (Lead and Assistant Instructor)

• Lead instructor or assistant instructor positions are available for Outdoor Pursuits day trips.


• Facilitate a rock climbing day trip and/ or a white water rafting day trip


• Help to plan and run the day trip


• Oversee all risk management for the day trip


• Supervise all participants and any OP student staff that is supporting the trip


• Communicate effectively and work with the Director of Outdoor Pursuits to run these day trips


• Work with a co-instructor and support the learning of Outdoor Pursuits student staff

River

• Ability to manage participants on the river and in a boat


• Ability to manage participants and a boat in class I - III rapids


• Management of all gear

Rock Climbing

• Ability to manage top rope sites


• Set up anchor systems and top rope sites


• Teach and facilitate climbing safety and skills


• Management of all gear

Lead Instructor Additional Responsibilities

• Assume all risk management responsibilities and perform any rescues that may happen if the assistant in unable to do so


• Oversee and be the lead decision-maker on any incident management.


• Ability to manage participants and boats in class I - III+

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree required.


• Certification in Wilderness First Responder (or higher) required.


• Additional certifications through ACA or AMGA or equivalent experience and/or training is required.


• Personal and/or professional climbing/ rafting experience required; must have thorough knowledge of common climbing knots and climb technical skills (include detail in an outdoor resume and log)

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES & BEHAVIORS:

• Demonstrate critical thinking skills in problem solving and decision-making.


• Experience with confidentiality, privacy, and appropriately maintaining records in line with federal, state, and local laws and best practices.


• Use effective communication skills taking into consideration body language, filters, listening, paraphrasing, and questions with customers of diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.


• Demonstrates experience in EDI work in the outdoor adventure setting.


• Ability to work with a variety of constituents including parents, faculty and trip participants.


• Excellent customer service skills and ability to work in a team environment – humor is welcomed!


• Valid Driver’s License with clear driving record and ability to drive a van with trailer through city streets and on small forest service roads.


• Certification in Wilderness First Responder (or higher) required.


• Documented professional backcountry experience required. Please provide Outdoor Resume as well.


• Technical training and certifications in outdoor adventure disciplines desired (i.e. WFR Instructor, ACA Instructor, Single Pitch Instructor.)


• Additional certifications through ACA or AMGA or equivalent experience and/or training is required.

APPLICATION: Submit your resume and outdoor resume, the position you are applying for (climbing or white water rafting, lead or assistant instructor), and any relevant certifications.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES: _X_Climbing _X_Balancing _X_Stooping _X_Kneeling _X_Crouching _X_Crawling _X_Reaching _X_Standing _X_Walking _X_Pushing _X_Pulling _X_Lifting _X_Grasping _X_Feeling _X_Talking _X_Hearing _X_Repetitive motion

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: __Sedentary work __Light work __Medium work _X_Heavy work __Very Heavy work _X_Visual acuity

At Pacific University we are dedicated to providing experiences that are authentic, holistic, equity minded, and responsive. We continue to develop our equity practices with a particular focus on racial equity.

For qualifying employees, our benefits include generous paid time off for vacation, holidays (including winter break) and sick leave. We offer medical coverage with alternative care (in-network services covered at 100% after payroll deduction), comprehensive dental, vision plans, 9% contribution to retirement after one year of service with no match required, free mental health appointments, and tuition remission for employees and their dependents. We cover employer paid life, short term disability, and long term disability insurance. On campus benefits include free access to our sports facility and library, with discounts on campus food, bookstore purchases, clinic services, and gear rentals through our outdoor program (kayaks, snow shoes, bikes and more).

Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.  Studies have shown that candidates that are female and/or BIPOC are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet all of the qualifications they find in the job description. We are seeking the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be a person who comes from a less traditional background. We encourage you to apply even if you don't meet every minimum qualification described or are unsure if your experience could be considered related experience.

NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY

It is the policy of Pacific University not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, religion or religious creed, disability, sex or gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, military, veteran or Vietnam Era status, or any other protected classification recognized by applicable law, in admission, access to, or treatment in employment, educational programs or activities as required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, or any other applicable state or federal law, or city ordinance. Questions or complaints may be directed to the Vice President for Academic Affairs, 2043 College Way, Forest Grove, OR 97116, provost@pacificu.edu.

Application materials will be screened and interview candidates will be selected and notified by telephone.  The hiring process normally consists of several interviews and can last several weeks depending on the position.  All applicants will be notified once the position is filled.  Employment is contingent upon eligibility to work in the United States.