POSITION OVERVIEW:
IslandWood's mission is to provide exceptional learning experiences and inspire lifelong environmental and community stewardship. Our innovative outdoor learning experiences foster three main goals:
Provide a foundation of stewardship for our students through their experience on campus
Create equitable access to and culturally responsive instruction for all students in science education
Develop meaningful and sustainable relationships with the community
The Staff Instructor is a seasonal contract, full-time member of the professional education team for IslandWood. During the school year, the Staff Instructor will work to support Islandwood's education programs including the School Overnight Program, Summer Camp, various day programs, Community Education, and Event programs through instruction and support.
Job Title: Staff Instructor Job Type: Full-time/Contract Seasonal September 1, 2026 through August 9 2027. Work Schedule: During school year: Monday through Friday varied schedule between 7:00am to 9:30pm Work Hours: 40 hours per week Pay Rate: $24.72/HR Location: Bainbridge Island, WA
Benefit Package: Full-time Employee benefit package includes:
100% IslandWood paid Medical, or a low employee contribution option offered
100% IslandWood paid Dental and Vision option
HSA with IslandWood contribution (based on qualifying medical plan)
Life/AD&D, Short and Long-term Disability Insurance paid by IslandWood
Voluntary Employee Benefits: Life/Hospital/Critical Care Insurance, and Pet Insurance.
Employee Assistance program, Flexible spending accounts and 401k with employer match (after 6 months of employment)
Variety of Employee Discounts
Employee Discount for IW Summer Camps
Paid Time off annual benefit: IslandWood offers paid vacation which is accrued at 5 hours per pay period, 8 hours of floating holiday, 3 annual IslandWood paid holidays (that are applicable during contract period) and 80 hours of paid annual sick leave. Prorated based on date of hire and length of service.
PRIMARY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY
Provide high quality, culturally responsive instruction in natural and cultural history, ecology, and stewardship to elementary-aged students from diverse backgrounds for School Overnight, Summer Camp, various day, community education, and events
Provide program support beyond instruction for School Overnight Program, including but not limited to curriculum development, community education, modeling lessons for graduate student instructors, school orientation, supply inventorying/space stewardship, leading and supporting meals, and leading and supporting evening programs
Work evenings on a rotating basis (approximately one week/month) to complete lodge checks, running meals, etc.
Partner with the Garden Manager in the use of the garden as a teaching tool
Attend relevant Education Team meetings and/or training as schedule allows
Develop a professional growth plan for the season
Assist in the upkeep of program areas such as the gear library, garden, and art studio
Opportunity to be on call overnight on a rotating basis for additional pay
Other duties as assigned by supervisor
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Ability to contribute to a positive culture
Must be able to participate in all key weeks of SOP as designated by Supervisor (busiest months are September, October, April and May)
Must be able to participate in all six weeks of Summer Camp
Required to schedule at least two weeks of vacation during breaks in programming (Nov-Jan)
Commitment to support IslandWoods work towards justice, equity, diversity and inclusion in the workplace
At least two years of direct teaching experience in formal or non-formal settings
Bachelors degree in environmental education, education, natural sciences, environmental studies, related field or equivalent experience.
Understanding of and first-hand experience in multicultural and culturally responsive education
Excellent communication and collaboration skills
Wilderness First Aid and CPR certification (we can provide this training)
Must pass child safety screening procedure, post-offer
Must be able to comply with and maintain a smoke-free, drug-free, and fragrance-free work environment
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Completion of IslandWood's graduate program in Education, Environment and Community
Experience teaching outdoors
Master's degree in education or related field or equivalent experience
Classroom teaching experience