Outdoor Wilderness Laboratory (OWL) Program Coordinator

Working at OWL provides you with the opportunity to be a member of our dynamic, dedicated team that fosters social-emotional development and experiential science learning in 6th graders in organic outdoor classrooms. As a part of OWL, you will contribute to a valuable mission and jumpstart your career in outdoor education.

Job Overview

VISION: To Engage, Equip, and Empower Each and Every Student, Each and Every Day.

SUMMARY:  Located at the Gateway School complex The Outdoor Wilderness Laboratory (OWL) Program Coordinator operates from a solution-oriented stance assisting the District in designing a comprehensive district-wide strategic plan to support staff and students in the areas of outdoor experiential learning and social emotional learning.  Employee attends the meetings of the D51 OWL Steering Committee developing logistical and academic aspects of the OWL program expectations for this position will over time change to accommodate this dynamic and evolving programming.  In addition, this position may also oversee a variety of applicable operational duties including developing assessment materials and supports, overseeing staffing needs, and managing training obligations.  OWL Coordinator is a primary point of contact regarding the integration of OWL exploration and programming at schools and OWL and as such must collaborate and facilitate these interactions with a variety of stakeholders.  With a goal to increase the district’s ability to offer a robust program that spans the entire school year and possibly year-round activities this Coordinator holds duties that includes providing instruction, communicating to a wide array of stakeholders, overseeing daily operations, and monitoring safety/risk management issues.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

AVAILABILITY:

This position requires a flexible work schedule that is outside of normal work hours.  Work schedule requires availability for mornings, nights, and weekends to accommodate community/parent and school meetings, trainings and workshops, and other activities directly related to providing OWL services.  Note: As a multi-day and overnight Program, OWL employees hold an expectation to share overnight management responsibilities in conjunction with the on-duty Registered Nurse.     Employee strives to balance level of attendance at such events in conjunction with all other duties, obligations, and personal life.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING:

• Associates of Applied Sciences Degree or higher in education, counseling, business or other relatable field from an accredited institution of higher education required*; preference given for Bachelor Degree candidates;
• Minimum two years of experience working with students in outdoor education management setting; preference given for prior experience in Exploratory/ Experiential Learning and/or supports *;
• Preference given for credit hours in education, career technical education (CTE), and/or prior school district experience;
• Preference given for demonstrated knowledge or experience working with district systems and structures or leadership roles;
• Bilingual oral and written skills, English/Spanish, are desirable;

*Acceptable demonstration of education and/or experience is at the sole discretion of the district.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS or CERTIFICATIONS:

• Must successfully complete a criminal background check required for hire;
• Valid Colorado driver’s license required;
• Obtain District’s Small Vehicle Permit within 60 days of hire;
• Attend and successfully complete all staff development training as required by state law or as directed by supervisor.

SAFETY AND RISK MANAGEMENT:

The logistics and geographical location of the OWL Program require an added element of safety and risk management due diligence for the OWL Manager.   Geographically the importance of coordination and cooperation with the D51 Safety and Security Department and local fire/police services is greatly enhanced.  This employee must consider, plan for, and develop contingency safety plans acting as the primary person to implement appropriate risk-management systems and procedures.  Other safety related responsibilities include coordinating annual First and Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation training for all staff and maintain on-site certifications.  This role maintains standard operating procedure manuals that follow the districts medical policies for safety and security protocols and ensures training for staff in using the protocols and adhering to policies.

TECHNICAL SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES:

Community Awareness – This Support Staff role brings a basic knowledge of local cultural and educational diversity as it relates to understanding experiential student learning, behavior support systems, and how District services are provided.  Employee will also develop an extensive network of community relationships i.e. employers and transitional services holding a responsibility for actively supporting an understanding how to foster success for all students regardless of gender, race, or ability.

Legal Knowledge Base – OWL employees hold an expectation to possess a base knowledge of and promote and enact federal, state, and District education policies, standards, and procedures.  This role supports District personnel in understanding and abiding by legal and ethical boundaries as outlined in the:

• Every Student Succeeds Act – Title I, Title II, Title III (ESSA 2015),
• Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA, 2004),
• Title VI of the Civil Rights Act (1964),
• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA, 1974) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act,
• Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, (FERPA 1974, 2016),
• Exceptional Children’s Education Act (ECEA, 2013),
• Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA, 1996).

Other Skills and Awareness – This employee must also possess basic skills that include:

• Exceptional oral communication and phone etiquette skills in English;
  • Ability to use Spanish oral communication skills is desirable;
• Exceptional customer service, and interpersonal relationship building skills;
• Exceptional ability to pay attention to detail and work independently as needed with minimal direction and/or supervision;
• Well-developed ability to display and explain complex information/data in an understandable format;
• Well-developed writing, organizational, scheduling, report writing and record keeping skills;
• Ability to use de-escalation skills to diffuse and manage stressful and fluid situations;
• Ability to maintain confidentiality in all aspects of the job; especially related to student issues;
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and frequent interruptions in a timely manner;
• Ability to be adaptable and flexible with collaborative critical thinking and problem-solving capabilities;
• Ability to promote and follow Board of Education policies, building and department procedures;
• Ability to communicate, interact and work effectively and cooperatively with people from diverse ethnic and
  educational backgrounds;
• Ability to recognize the importance of safety in the workplace, follow safety rules, practice safe work habits, utilize appropriate safety equipment and report unsafe conditions to the appropriate administrator.

MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT OPERATING KNOWLEDGE:

• Operating knowledge of and experience with personal computers and peripherals
• Operating knowledge of and experience with office software such as Google Suite, and Office word processing, spreadsheets, and email;
• Operating knowledge of and experience with typical office equipment, such as copier, scanner, fax machine, etc;
• Operating knowledge of student tracking database software programs required within 60 days of hire;

Apply directly through the Mesa County Valley School District 51 website or visit the Outdoor Wilderness Lab website to learn more about our program. If you have any questions, please contact Greg Weckenbrock, Lead Teacher at [email protected] or Mark Allen, Principal at [email protected].