AWE Instructor (Athenian Wilderness Experience)

The Athenian School; Danville (CA); On-site; USD 8,400 - 9,400; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Complimentary meals on campus

Campus facilities access (pool, gym)

Athletic & facility access

Job summary

The Athenian School seeks seasonal AWE Instructors for the 34.5-day contract in Death Valley and surrounding areas. Lead wilderness backpacking courses, manage risk, and mentor students from diverse backgrounds.

Required: Wilderness First Responder certification and experience with youth on multi-day trips. Includes meals on campus and access to campus facilities during non-field periods.

Qualifications

• Current Wilderness First Responder certification is required.
• Experience managing risk and leading youth on multi-day wilderness trips.
• Ability to teach core wilderness skills and travel systems.

Responsibilities

• Co-instruct in pairs to manage technical components and lead groups safely through remote wilderness environments.
• Honor and support a diverse student population with an inclusive outdoor space for all participants.
• Scaffold technical outdoor instruction to build community and develop outdoor living skills for students.

Skills

Risk management

Team facilitation

Outdoor instruction

Differentiated learning

Adaptability

Education

Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification

Tools

Wilderness travel systems

Map & compass navigation

Stove operations

Expedition backpacking

Job description

Reports To: AWE Director
Job Status: Temporary Contract (34.5 days) – Spring 2027
Compensation: $8,400 – $9,400 total stipend (commensurate with experience)

About Athenian

The Athenian School is an independent college preparatory boarding and day school that serves students in grades 6–12 from throughout the East Bay, California, the U.S., and the world. Since our founding, we have been dedicated to educating students through experiential, collaborative, and interdisciplinary learning. We foster critical thinking and value reasoned discourse and mutual respect. We look forward to meeting you as you consider joining our community!

About The Athenian Wilderness Experience (AWE)

The Athenian Wilderness Experience (AWE) is a rigorous 26-day expeditionary backpacking course which includes rock climbing, solo, and potential independent student travel components. Courses are run during two sessions per year- Spring in Death Valley National Park and Summer in Yosemite National Park and surrounding areas. The program is currently hiring staff for:

• Location: Death Valley National Park
• Staff Work Dates: March 7-April 10, 2027

Primary Responsibilities

The Athenian School seeks seasonal AWE Instructors with demonstrated expertise in risk management and technical execution for multi-week wilderness backpacking courses.

• Risk & Team Management: Co-instruct in pairs to manage technical components and lead groups safely through remote wilderness environments
• Inclusive Leadership: Honor and support the significant diversity of Athenian's student population, creating an inclusive, equitable, and welcoming outdoor space for all participants
• Instruction & Mentorship: Meet students where they are on their educational journey, scaffolding technical outdoor instruction to build community, foster self-awareness, and develop outdoor living skills for first-time and experienced backpackers alike
• Values & Alignment: Model and uphold Athenian’s commitment to democracy, justice, equity, inclusion, service, and environmental stewardship

Core Qualifications & Certifications

• Certifications Required: Current Wilderness First Responder (WFR)
• Experience: Prior professional experience managing risk, facilitating team development, and modeling behavioral standards for 15–18 year‑old youth on multi‑day contiguous wilderness trips in remote settings
• Technical Skills: Proven ability to engage safely in, and teach, core wilderness travel systems, including:
  • Navigation on and off trail using paper topographic maps and compass
  • Teaching safe portable stove operations
  • Expedition backpacking systems
  • Tarp shelter setup and camp management
• Mindset & Approach: Highly adaptable, flexible, and solution-oriented when addressing unexpected challenges and working in community with others. Passionate about differentiated learning and fostering an appreciation for the natural world.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience teaching Rock Climbing using a top rope system
• Professional experience instructing multiple remote courses of 2 weeks or longer in duration

Compensation, Perks & Community Benefits

• Stipend: $8,400 – $9,400 for the full 34.5‑day contract (includes 26 field days and pre/post‑course preparation days)
• Campus Life Perks: Complimentary meals on campus during non‑field working periods
• Athletic & Facility Access: Access to Athenian’s campus facilities, including a pool and fitness center

NON DISCRIMINATION COMMITMENT

The Athenian School is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to basing judgments concerning the employment of individuals upon their qualifications and abilities. The School is firmly committed to equal employment and advancement opportunities for all employees and applicants in all areas of employment. The School does not discriminate on the basis of an individual’s sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, race, color, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, military or veteran status, genetic characteristic or genetic information, physical or mental disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.