Obsidian Schools is a therapeutic outdoor school for at-risk youth. We have two programs, one for ages 10-12 and one for ages 13-17. We are a year-round, program with a minimum stay of 30 days. During this time the students are camping and backpacking in the beautiful Cascade Mountain Range and high desert of Central Oregon. Our philosophical approach is based on Gregory Bodenhamer’s book, “Parent in Control”, which can be found in most major bookstores. Bend Oregon is a mecca for outdoor activities including backpacking, rock-climbing, skiing, white-water rafting and kayaking, mountain biking, fishing, hunting, and golfing. You can find more information about Obsidian Trails on our web page at obsidianschools.com.
Job Description:
We are looking to fill several positions for field instructors ASAP! Field Instructors work an 8-day rotation, 8 days on and 6 days off. The 8 days on are spent living in the wilderness camping and backpacking with the students providing 24 hour a day supervision. The student to staff ratio is 3 students maximum to 1 staff. Besides providing the structure and the supervision of the students the field instructors are responsible for teaching the students wilderness skills, leading groups. Field Instructors work with the teachers and therapists to understand each students individual needs in order to provide the best therapeutic approach to take with each student. Obsidian Trails provides ongoing training for it’s staff in both wilderness skills and therapeutic issues.
Qualifications:
Field Instructors must be 21 years old or older and ideally would have a four year college degree, strong wilderness skills, previous experience working with at-risk youth, and have a current WFR. We do however hire people with less experience who have a strong desire to work in this field. All applicants must be willing to attend an 8 day pre- employment training and all applicants must be willing to make at least a 6 month commitment to employment at Obsidian Trails. Individuals who are interested in making a career in the field of Wilderness Therapy will be given first preference.
Salary:
Starting pay for Field Instructors is $85 a day. Benefits include company assisted Medical Insurance after 90 days. There are evaluations on a regular basis at which time staff can get pay increases based on their work performance. There is room for advancement within the company. One week paid vacation is offered after one year.