Join our team as the Albany County Outdoor School Coordinator
Location: Common Outdoor Ground (COG), Laramie WY
Job Type: Part-Time
Reports to: Director of Operations and Development
Compensation: $10,000 per year, with payments contingent on meeting milestones for each event
Position Overview:
We are seeking a dynamic, organized, and passionate individual to join our team as a Part-Time Albany County Outdoor School Coordinator. The ideal candidate will play a key role in planning, coordinating, and overseeing our Outdoor School Program for students, ensuring that each experience is safe, enriching, and aligned with our educational objectives. This position offers the opportunity to work closely with students, teachers, and local partners to create memorable learning experiences on our public lands.
About Albany County Outdoor School:
COG’s Outdoor School program was created in 2024 to help elementary schools in Albany County resume place-based outdoor education after visits to the Teton Science School ceased in 2020. Albany County Outdoor School consists of two day trips to public lands. One day is focused on science activities that are targeted at specific 4th grade learning outcomes and state standards. The other day’s activities work to foster environmental stewardship and responsible recreation practices. The program is executed with the help of local partners including UW’s Science Roadshow, teaching artists, and other place-based educators.
Key Responsibilities:
Planning & Coordination:
Organize and schedule outdoor learning days , ensuring alignment with the curriculum and educational goals.
Coordinate logistics, including transportation, risk management, meals, accommodations (if applicable), parent, teacher, and volunteer coordination, and other trip-related needs.
Work with teachers and staff, as well as local land managers, to select appropriate public land destinations.
Liaise with partners, such as UW’s Science Roadshow program, Curt Gowdy State Park, Snowy Mountain Lodge, the Biodiversity Institute and Wyoming Naturalists, local teaching artists, and environmental agencies to coordinate and implement engaging lessons.
Execute at least two Outdoor School Programs per calendar year, with at least two different Albany County elementary schools.
Communication & Collaboration:
Serve as the primary point of contact for teachers, students, parents, volunteers, and volunteer educators.
Clearly communicate important trip details (dates, times, packing lists, special instructions) to students, parents, and volunteer educators in a timely manner.
Maintain a strong working relationship with ACSD #1 and each elementary school administration to ensure trips are in compliance with safety guidelines.
Communicate with COG’s board and Director of Operations and Development to keep them up to date on the status of the Spring and Fall Outdoor School Programs.
Within the confines of student privacy (complying with FERPA), share outcomes with the community and stakeholders to build awareness and support for the program.
Safety & Risk Management:
Conduct pre-trip site visits, if necessary, to ensure safety standards and suitability for the student group.
Develop and implement risk management plans, including emergency protocols, first-aid arrangements, and adequate adult supervision.
Liaise with teachers and elementary school staff to document and prepare for students with allergies or other needs for modifications and accommodations. Outdoor School is for ALL students, regardless of disabilities.
Ensure that all students have necessary permissions, medical forms, and any required gear for the trip.
Budget Management:
Track and manage the Outdoor School budget, ensuring costs stay within the approved parameters.
Maintain a working knowledge of the sources of grant funding for this program in order to ensure the programs fulfil grant requirements.
Post-Trip Evaluation:
Collect feedback from teachers, students, and parents to evaluate the success of each program.
Assist with follow-up activities, such as compiling program reports or sharing reflections and photos from Outdoor School with the school community.
Qualifications:
Education & Experience:
High school diploma or equivalent (required); college degree in education, environmental studies, or a related field (preferred).
Previous experience working with children in an educational or outdoor setting in a leadership capacity and awareness of instructional techniques (preferred).
Experience coordinating events and managing logistics.
Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple streams of communication simultaneously.
Skills & Abilities:
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work independently, as well as collaboratively with staff, parents, and external partners.
Strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and the ability to think on your feet.
Well-developed organizational skills.
Comfort working in outdoor environments and planning activities in nature-based settings.
Physical Requirements:
Ability to move and work in outdoor environments for extended periods.
Ability to lift and carry outdoor equipment as necessary (up to 40 pounds).
Additional Information:
Approximate start date: February 15th
This is a part-time position with flexible hours, depending on partner availability.
Occasional weekend or evening hours may be required for specific meetings or planning events.
Travel is required for the programs, with mileage reimbursement provided when applicable.
Applicants must pass a background check.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to commonoutdoorground@gmail.com. Please include examples of relevant experience working with children or coordinating events, especially in outdoor or educational settings.
We will be accepting applications until January 31st, 2025. Interviews will take place from February 3rd through the 13th.