1.0 FTE (term) Outdoor Education Teacher, W.E. Graham Community School

School District #8 (Kootenay Lake); Slocan; On-site; CAD 69,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

School District 8 in British Columbia is seeking an Outdoor Education Teacher for the Valhalla Wilderness Program (VWP). This grade 9–10 program teaches self-propelled wilderness travel across all seasons, emphasizing safety, decision-making, and stewardship of the outdoors.

The successful candidate will integrate curricular competencies across subjects—English, Social Studies, Math, PE, and Career Education—through experiential, place-conscious learning and multiple multi-day out-trips, while

Qualifications

• Valid BC teaching certificate through BC Ministry of Education, Teacher Regulation Branch.
• Bachelor of Education with concentration in Outdoor Education or related discipline.
• Three+ years of demonstrated outdoor education leadership in K-12, including wilderness trips.
• Valid Wilderness First Aid certification.
• Valid Class 5 BC Driver's Licence.

Responsibilities

• Teach curricular competencies across multiple subjects within a grade 9–10 framework.
• Organize and facilitate multi-day out-trips and backcountry trips.
• Implement Leave No Trace principles and environmental stewardship.
• Coordinate program logistics, including equipment, student fees, and fundraising.
• Collaborate with guest speakers, volunteers, and community partners.

Skills

Outdoor education leadership

Student supervision

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor of Education (Outdoor Education)

Tools

Wilderness First Aid

Job description

W.E. Graham Community School has a vacancy for an Outdoor Education Teacher for the Valhalla Wilderness Program (VWP). This unique grade 9 and 10 program introduces students to the technical skills of self-propelled wilderness travel through all four seasons, emphasizing safety, decision-making, and stewardship for the outdoors/wilderness in rural BC.

The successful candidate will teach curricular competencies in areas that may include any of those in the grade 9 and 10 curriculum (for example: English Language Arts, Social Studies, Mathematics, Physical and Health Education, Career Education), including specialty options in environmental and outdoor learning, using experiential and place-conscious approaches that connect curricular competencies across subject areas.

Required Qualifications

• A valid BC professional teaching certificate through the BC Ministry of Education, Teacher Regulation Branch
• A related Bachelor of Education degree with a concentration in Outdoor Education or related from a recognized university
• Three or more years of demonstrated successful experience in leading outdoor education in a K-12 setting, including wilderness out trips
• Valid Wilderness First Aid certification
• Valid Class 5 BC Driver's Licence

Preferred Qualifications

• Wilderness First Responder certification
• Avalanche Skills Training Level 1 or Avalanche Skills Training Level 2
• Basic Lake Water Canoe Instructor certification (Recreational Canoeing Association of British Columbia)
• Top Rope Climbing Instructor certification (Association of Canadian Mountain Guides)
• Canoe Tripping Instructor certification (Recreational Canoeing Association of British Columbia)

Teachers applying for this position must also possess the following attributes:

• Recent, demonstrated successful teaching experience in delivering an outdoor educational program at the middle school and/or secondary school level
• Experience supervising youth in remote outdoor environments.
• Extensive background and skills in backcountry travel and experience leading and organizing multi-day trips with school-aged groups
• Proficiency in a variety of self-propelled mountain sports, including hiking, mountain biking, skiing/snowboarding, climbing and canoeing/kayaking
• Competence with map and compass navigation (chart reading for water activities) under difficult conditions, including in darkness and inclement weather
• Strong weather forecasting skills
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to work with students, parents, and community partners
• Demonstrated proficiency in utilizing communication devices such as satellite phones, radios and avalanche beacons.

The Ideal Candidate Will Be Expected To

• Adhere to SD 8’s current fieldtrip guidelines, policies, and administrative procedures
• Follow the BC Curriculum and authorized BAA course outline
• Be familiar with and adhere to Youth Safe Outdoors procedures and recommendations
• Organize and facilitate multi-day out-trips throughout the school year
• Implement Leave No Trace principles and environmental stewardship
• Manage program logistics, including student fees, equipment costs, and fundraising activities
• Ability to assess student abilities in outdoor environments and adapt plans, routes, and activities to meet the needs of the group
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with parents/guardians throughout the school year both academically and regarding logistics and behaviour on out trips
• Incorporate Indigenous teachings, knowledge, and worldviews into place-conscious learning
• Use authentic assessment strategies, including the evaluation of journals, practical field experiences, and peer and self-assessments
• Collaborate with guest speakers, parent volunteers, and community volunteers to enhance the program
• Manage and maintain an extensive gear loaning program

for more information, contact Principal Jen Kooznetsoff at [e-mail]

SD8 serves families in a spectacular, biodiverse region that includes a portion of the West and East Kootenays in southeastern B.C. Its six families of schools are situated across 15,000 square kilometers of rivers, valleys, lakes, and three mountain ranges, connected by two main municipalities—the Town of Creston and the City of Nelson, with the villages of Slocan, Kaslo, Salmo and many smaller, rural communities dotted in between. Our district is a great place to live, to work, and for children to learn and thrive.

The School Board Office is located in Nelson, B.C. Our schools are dispersed geographically and range in size and composition:

• 13 elementary schools
• 1 middle school
• 1 K-10 school
• 4 secondary schools
• 2 K-12 schools
• online learning and blended programs
• an extensive array of program options, including Aboriginal Education, Late French Immersion, Outdoor Programs, and a strong International Program.

Salary Range; $68,589 - $114,833 per year, in accordance with the current SD8–Kootenay Lake / KLTF Collective Agreement. Placement on the salary grid is based on qualifications and years of teaching experience as evaluated by the BC Teacher Qualification Service (TQS).

Job Description & Requirements

Applicants must be certified in British Columbia with a Professional Teaching Certificate, or be eligible for certification by the start date of the assignment.

School District 8 supports equity hiring for Indigenous applicants.