JOB OPPORTUNITY: Urban Adventure Squad Program Educator/Squad leader
Urban Learning and Teaching Center/Urban Adventure Squad (UAS)--a nonprofit, 501(c)(3), Washington, D.C.-based education organization that serves schools and school communities with equitable outdoor learning programs in every ward of the city--seeks a part-time program educator to join our programs this spring to support our school partnerships and community-based programs. Our programs take place M-F, during school hours, all year round and throughout the summer. Part-time educators usually work about 15-20 hours a week, with flexible scheduling, and often work full-time in the summer.
UAS educators are committed, warm, engaging, creative, organized people who love working with children, embrace our model of outdoors-focused learning, and enjoy exploring neighborhoods and trails. Educators lead groups of children through curriculum-aligned, joyful programs on days when schools are closed and through school-based partnerships for grades K-8.
After a period of orientation and experience in our programs, Squad Leaders can develop their own lesson plans in their areas of expertise and interest, and take on responsibilities in enrollment, program development, grant writing, fundraising, research, marketing, and more.
Urban Adventure Squad offers programs all year round. We look for continuity for our program educators, and will give preference to applicants who are interested in working for our organization throughout the school year and summer.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR GROWTH. As we continue to grow, we expect our program educator positions to become full-time and encompass more responsibilities. That may include independently managing a UAS program site and/or a grant, and developing programming in a particular focus area.
COMPENSATION. Compensation is based on experience, and starts at $18 per hour.
What is Urban Adventure Squad? UAS is a small, nonprofit education organization founded in 2014 to activate the city as the classroom. We learn about environmental science and stewardship by hiking through Rock Creek Park, fishing in the Anacostia River, and caring for local greenspaces; about the arts and arts production by taking behind-the-scenes tours of local theaters and meeting with local muralists; and about D.C. history by hiking through neighborhoods and meeting archaeologists and city planners.
Thousands of children from schools across the D.C. area have enrolled in UAS, and many are regulars in our programs. Our partnerships with schools continue to grow as we find funding opportunities, and we offer professional development to public school teachers in D.C. and beyond.
Squad Leaders are the heart of UAS and are responsible for:
QUALIFICATIONS
Urban Adventure Squad educators love spending their days with children outdoors, and are organized (but flexible), creative, punctual, and incredibly patient with children of different needs, attention levels, and abilities.
Must be able to work ~15 hours per week (M-F) with availability to work full-time at various locations during the summer. Part-time work resumes in fall, with the opportunity to move to full-time, depending on our budget and fall needs.
Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus to support our outreach/engagement/translation efforts.
If hired, educators will be required to:
TIME COMMITMENT
Our school-year programs take place on weekdays when public schools are closed (e.g., parent-teacher conference days, teacher professional development), and at various schools throughout the week. Program workday hours are usually 8:15 am-4:30 pm.
Our school partnership programs take place on weekdays, and schedule/hours depend on the location and the specifics of each school's program. School visits may range from one to six hours.
Our summer program staff hours are Monday-Friday, 8:15am-4:30pm.
Programming and administrative work hours are flexible and can be done on weekdays or weekends, remotely and on a flexible work schedule.
Before applying, interested applicants should review:
Urban Learning and Teaching Center/Urban Adventure Squad (UAS)--a nonprofit, 501(c)(3), Washington, D.C.-based education organization that serves schools and school communities with equitable outdoor learning programs in every ward of the city--seeks a part-time program educator to join our programs this spring to support our school partnerships and community-based programs. Our programs take place M-F, during school hours, all year round and throughout the summer. Part-time educators usually work about 15-20 hours a week, with flexible scheduling, and often work full-time in the summer.
UAS educators are committed, warm, engaging, creative, organized people who love working with children, embrace our model of outdoors-focused learning, and enjoy exploring neighborhoods and trails. Educators lead groups of children through curriculum-aligned, joyful programs on days when schools are closed and through school-based partnerships for grades K-8.
After a period of orientation and experience in our programs, Squad Leaders can develop their own lesson plans in their areas of expertise and interest, and take on responsibilities in enrollment, program development, grant writing, fundraising, research, marketing, and more.
Urban Adventure Squad offers programs all year round. We look for continuity for our program educators, and will give preference to applicants who are interested in working for our organization throughout the school year and summer.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR GROWTH. As we continue to grow, we expect our program educator positions to become full-time and encompass more responsibilities. That may include independently managing a UAS program site and/or a grant, and developing programming in a particular focus area.
COMPENSATION. Compensation is based on experience, and starts at $18 per hour.
What is Urban Adventure Squad? UAS is a small, nonprofit education organization founded in 2014 to activate the city as the classroom. We learn about environmental science and stewardship by hiking through Rock Creek Park, fishing in the Anacostia River, and caring for local greenspaces; about the arts and arts production by taking behind-the-scenes tours of local theaters and meeting with local muralists; and about D.C. history by hiking through neighborhoods and meeting archaeologists and city planners.
Thousands of children from schools across the D.C. area have enrolled in UAS, and many are regulars in our programs. Our partnerships with schools continue to grow as we find funding opportunities, and we offer professional development to public school teachers in D.C. and beyond.
Squad Leaders are the heart of UAS and are responsible for:
- leading groups of children on educational, walking field trips
- reviewing schedules and curricula ahead of program days, and helping to prepare curricula, including teaching materials, games, and activities;
- representing UAS at meetings and monthly calls, including with other outdoor and environmental education organizations;
- being on time and energized for each program day;
- engaging in developmentally appropriate ways with children of different ages and abilities;
- leading and/or participating in circle discussions, group learning, art and design projects, and other games and activities;
- coming up with on-the-spot activities (e.g., riddles, games, improv) to keep children engaged during lulls or delays;
- distributing snacks, cleaning up, loading/unloading supplies;
- providing feedback on program content and logistics;
- developing and testing new programs for different audiences.
QUALIFICATIONS
Urban Adventure Squad educators love spending their days with children outdoors, and are organized (but flexible), creative, punctual, and incredibly patient with children of different needs, attention levels, and abilities.
Must be able to work ~15 hours per week (M-F) with availability to work full-time at various locations during the summer. Part-time work resumes in fall, with the opportunity to move to full-time, depending on our budget and fall needs.
Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus to support our outreach/engagement/translation efforts.
If hired, educators will be required to:
- obtain a DCPS clearance and all other related clearances to work with children, including a criminal background check and drug test;
- be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, including remaining up-to-date on all boosters.
- have or obtain certification in Adult and Pediatric CPR/First Aid/AED/EpiPen administration;
- take other courses and training, including, for example, Stewards of Children® and Youth Mental Health First Aid, that support the organization in creating and maintaining a safe, welcoming, inclusive environment for all.
TIME COMMITMENT
Our school-year programs take place on weekdays when public schools are closed (e.g., parent-teacher conference days, teacher professional development), and at various schools throughout the week. Program workday hours are usually 8:15 am-4:30 pm.
Our school partnership programs take place on weekdays, and schedule/hours depend on the location and the specifics of each school's program. School visits may range from one to six hours.
Our summer program staff hours are Monday-Friday, 8:15am-4:30pm.
Programming and administrative work hours are flexible and can be done on weekdays or weekends, remotely and on a flexible work schedule.
Before applying, interested applicants should review:
- our upcoming schedule of school-year programs and our summer programs before applying. Educators are expected to commute to program locations throughout DC, and must be able to get there on time.
- our educational approach
- our social media platforms. We are @UrbanAdvSquad on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.