Instructor (PAC) Pool - Spring, Summer, and Fall 2026: Outdoor Recreation & Education

Oregon State University; Oregon (WI); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision insurance

Free mental health services

Retirement savings

Paid leave package

Tuition reduction benefits

Flexible work arrangements

Job summary

Oregon State University is seeking an Instructor for the Physical Activities Course program to teach Outdoor Recreation and Education courses. This position requires a Bachelor's degree, valid certifications in CPR and First Aid, and at least one year of experience in outdoor activities. The instructor will plan courses, assess student outcomes, and contribute to program development. Benefits include medical, dental, vision insurance, paid leave, and tuition reduction for employees and dependents.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in any field required.
• Current certifications in CPR and First Aid required.
• At least 1 year of experience in outdoor recreation activities required.

Responsibilities

• Teach courses in Outdoor Recreation Programming.
• Plan and organize instruction to maximize student learning.
• Develop and update course materials and assess student outcomes.

Skills

Teaching skills

Knowledge of Outdoor Recreation

First Aid certification

CPR certification

Education

Bachelor's degree in any field

Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science or related

Master's degree in any field

Job description

Job Summary

The Outdoor Recreation & Education Activity Area in the Physical Activities Course (PAC) program, part of the School of Exercise, Sport, and Health Sciences at the College of Health, Oregon State University, invites applications for fixed‑term, non‑tenure‑track Instructor (PAC) positions to teach courses for the Spring, Summer, and Fall terms of the 2026 academic year. The PAC program partners with the Adventure Leadership Institute to deliver Outdoor Recreation and Education courses. Applicants will be reviewed on an as‑needed basis throughout the academic year; some appointments may be renewed or transitioned to a permanent instructional role at the discretion of the program director. Scheduling for each term is released in February for Spring, November for Winter, and May for Fall. The primary mission of the PAC program is to provide students with knowledge and experience to make sound decisions regarding physically active lifestyles, delivering quality instruction in safe, well‑equipped facilities within a positive learning environment.

Key Responsibilities

96% Teaching: Teach courses in Outdoor and Recreation Programming.

• Plan and organize instruction to maximize student learning, employing appropriate teaching and learning strategies and instructional technology.
• Develop, update, and post syllabi and grades in a timely manner.
• Contribute to the selection and development of instructional materials in accordance with course objectives.
• Respond to emergency situations and direct to appropriate personnel for resolution.
• Establish meaningful student learning outcomes and develop assessments that measure progress.
• Maintain accurate records of student progress while demonstrating sensitivity to student needs.

2% Personal & Professional Growth

• Demonstrate thorough, accurate knowledge of the field and connect subject matter with related fields.
• Stay current through professional development, involvement in professional organizations, and attendance at meetings, conferences, certifications, or workshops.
• Maintain familiarity with college and program goals, mission, and long‑range plans, contributing to planning and development through appropriate mechanisms.

2% Support

• Be accessible to colleagues and students for advisement and consultation.
• Prepare, distribute, and submit syllabi and approved course outlines for all assigned sections.
• Maintain confidentiality of student information and substitute for other instructors when necessary.
• Participate in required meetings and events and respond promptly to information requests from college, division, and program administrators.

What You Will Need

• Bachelor’s degree in any field.
• Current, valid Adult CPR and AED Essentials certification by the start of classes.
• Current, valid First Aid certification by the start of classes.
• Concussion training by the start of classes.
• Evident commitment to educational equity.
• Demonstrated ability to design, teach and assess inclusive learning courses that promote equitable teaching practices.
• Current Wilderness First Aid certification or higher.
• Extensive participation in designated outdoor activities or current professional certifications in outdoor disciplines.
• 1 year of experience guiding, leading, or instructing individuals or groups in outdoor recreation activities.
• Experience leading groups on field outings.

All final candidates must complete a sexual misconduct reference check, per University Policy 05-010. An offer of employment is contingent upon satisfactory results from this check.

What We Would Like You to Have

• Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science, Outdoor Recreation and Education, or a closely related discipline, or Master’s degree in any field.
• Current certifications in advanced outdoor disciplines.
• 4 years of experience leading groups in outdoor field settings.
• Experience planning all‑day or overnight field experiences.
• Prior experience in or working for the ALI or a similar program.
• Successful teaching experience in a higher education setting.
• Experience assessing student learning outcomes and curriculum development.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively.

Working Conditions / Work Schedule

The incumbent will lead physical activity courses, demonstrating activity‑specific movements for a minimum of 50–110 minutes per scheduled class. Classes meet 1–3 times per week.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Basic Life insurance with OSU paying 95% of premiums for employee and eligible dependents.
• Free confidential mental health and emotional support services and counseling resources.
• Retirement savings paid by the university.
• Generous paid leave package, including holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
• Tuition reduction benefits for the employee or qualifying dependents at OSU and the additional six Oregon Public Universities.
• Robust work‑life programs including Dual Career assistance resources, flexible work arrangements, a Family Resource Center, Affinity Groups, and an Employee Assistance Program.
• Optional lifestyle benefits such as pet, accident, and critical illness insurance.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability, protected veteran, and other protected status. OSU will conduct a review of the National Sex Offender Public website prior to hire.

Sexual Misconduct Reference Check

Final candidates for this position must complete a sexual misconduct reference check, per University Policy 05-010. An offer of employment is contingent upon satisfactory results from the sexual misconduct reference check.