MS/US Outdoor Educator

Riverdale Country School, a Pre-K through Grade 12 independent all-gender school in New York City, is dedicated to inspiring students to live meaningful and purpose-driven lives. The school achieves this by fostering a culture of academic excellence, critical thinking, and curiosity, supported by a diverse and inclusive community. Riverdale emphasizes both high challenge and high support in its approach to education, encouraging students to engage deeply in interdisciplinary learning, research, and experiential education, both inside and outside the classroom and beyond our campuses. This holistic approach aims to develop well-rounded individuals who are prepared to make a positive impact on the world.

At Riverdale, we strive to reflect the diversity of the New York metropolitan area in our students, faculty, and staff. We believe that a diverse and inclusive community enriches the educational experience and is integral to our mission. With a student body of approximately 1,300 students from 117 different zip codes, Riverdale is a vibrant community where 48% of our students identify as students of color. 

We seek to employ educators and leaders who bring a student-centered approach, passion for their work, a commitment to DEIB, and a desire to contribute to the growth and development of our entire school community.

Riverdale Outdoor Ed Mission Statement

Grounded in a deep respect for people and places, Riverdale Outdoor Education seeks to foster lifelong commitment to environmental stewardship. This engagement often begins with learning experiences that encourage awe of the natural world and wonder at human beings’ interdependent relationship with it and each other. 

Approach

Our outdoor educators guide students as they develop their own sense of purpose in the face of significant environmental challenges they will inherit as twenty-first century citizen leaders. Fundamental to this approach is an emphasis on place-based study, physical challenge, and ethical questioning that help individuals build the strength of character necessary to help others. Our curriculum, in the words of scientist and nature writer Robin Wall Kimmerer, is an “intertwining of science, spirit, and story” in keeping with Riverdale’s roots in the study of liberal arts and ethics. While developing leadership skills is an important goal of the program, it is ultimately in service of higher ideals. 

Position Summary:

The MS/US Outdoor Educator reports to the Director of Experiential and Place-Based Learning and is responsible for designing and leading engaging and enriching outdoor experiences for Middle and Upper School Students. This role will play a crucial part in fostering a love for nature in our students.  The ideal candidate will possess strong outdoor skills, a commitment to safety, and a deep understanding of experiential education.

Responsibilities:

• Grade-Wide Experiences | Coordinate + collaborate with Division Heads, Deans, and Director of Experiential and Place-Based Programs on experiences that achieve aligned learning outcomes. 
• Weekend Programs | Develop and lead engaging outdoor activities for weekends throughout the school year, including day trips and overnights. 
• Rock Climbing | Utilize and help maintain our on-site natural rock wall. Lead rock climbing programs for Middle and Upper School students, including instruction in climbing techniques, safety protocols, and belaying.
• MS/US Spring Break and Summer Expeditions | Support the Director of Experiential and Place-Based Learning in leading MS and US expeditions.
• Community Programs | Collaborate with the Alumni Office and Parents Association to create and lead outdoor experiences for our community.

• Ensure the safety of all participants by adhering to established safety protocols and maintaining a high level of vigilance.
• Conduct thorough risk assessments and implement appropriate safety measures.
• Maintain and pursue relevant licences and certifications.

• Maintain and manage outdoor equipment, ensuring it is in good working order.

• On-Site Freight Farm Operations
• On-Site Hugel, Garden, and Greenhouse
• On-Site Outdoor Natural Rock Wall 
• Black Rock Consortium Members 

• B.A. or B.S. in a related field, or prior work experience in outdoor education
• Experience with risk management in outdoor settings
• Proven experience in leading outdoor education programs for diverse age groups.
• Strong knowledge of outdoor skills, including hiking, rock climbing, backpacking, and canoeing.
• Required certifications (or willingness to obtain):
• Wilderness First Responder (WFR).
• Rock Climbing Instructor certification.
• Other outdoor certifications are highly regarded (Lifeguard, Canoe, etc.) 
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Passion for working with children and fostering their connection with nature.  
• Availability to work Thursdays, Fridays, and Weekends during the academic school year, as well as during Spring Break and summer.

• Half time up to Full Time
• Wednesday or Thursday Lower School Afterschool Programs during the school year
• Friday Middle School Afterschool Programs during the school year
• Saturday Day Programs or Overnight Programs during the school year 
• 3-4 Expeditions / year (spring / summer / winter break) 
• Weekly planning meetings with Upper School ExEd Team 

To apply for this position, please click on the red “Apply for this Job” button. Please submit a resume and cover letter.  If there are pronouns we should use in potential future communications, we invite you to share that information with us.  For information about this position and all open positions, please visit the Careers page of Riverdale’s website.

Benefits of Full Time Work at Riverdale Country School

Working at Riverdale Country School is a purposeful and meaningful career choice that comes with many benefits including:  

Transportation: Shuttle service is available to/from the 242nd St / Broadway subway station. Limited stops are also available near transit hubs in Manhattan including the Metro North Harlem Station and subway lines – 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, N, Q, R, A, B, C, and D. If there is need in the community, we can also run a shuttle from the Henry Hudson Parkway / 246th St bus stop which connects to the #7, #10, and Express Buses to/from Manhattan.

Professional Development: A generous professional-development budget provides for conferences, skills training, and onsite training in areas such as mindfulness, coaching, and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

Grants and Stipends: All employees are eligible for Frankel Fellow grants, known as “passion grants,” which pay for enrichment activities. More than 120 grants have been made to faculty and staff since the program started in 2014. Stipends are available for coaching, affinity group facilitation, advising clubs with significant out-of-school time, and chaperoning trips (including global trips!).

Sabbatical:  Full time teaching faculty are eligible for a sabbatical after 10 years of employment.  

Health Benefits: Riverdale offers and subsidizes health, dental, and vision insurance.  In addition, the school offers a flexible spending account through which employees can use pre-tax dollars to pay for health-related expenses.  

Retirement:  Employees are eligible to join our Defined Contribution retirement plan through TIAA.  The school contributes 7% of an employee's annual salary to their retirement account.  

Vacation:  Riverdale Country School has a generous time-off policy for staff in addition to vacations afforded by the school calendar.