Director of Outdoor Education, Senior School

West Point Grey Academy is currently seeking an experienced Senior School Director of Outdoor Education to join our Senior School starting August 28, 2023. This is a 1.0 FTE position.

This posting will close on Friday, March 10, 2023.

To Apply Click Here!

Outdoor Education enhances students’ knowledge and connections to the natural world. At WPGA, our Outdoor Education curriculum is designed to provide students with opportunities to develop knowledge of ecological issues and bridge connections with other academic programs, such as science and Indigenous education. In addition to coordinating the school’s active Outdoor Education program, the Senior School Director of Outdoor Education will steward the school’s signature Wilderness Pursuits Program, a full-year multidisciplinary program offered to Grade 10 students that balances in-school learning with backcountry expeditions throughout the year, integrating academic curriculum with experiential opportunities. 

Reporting to the Head of Senior School, this role involves significant planning and excellent communication skills to ensure coordination of resources, schedules, and budget oversight of the school’s very active outdoor education program.  

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Direct the WPGA Outdoor Education and Wilderness Pursuits programs in keeping with the School’s strategic priorities
  • Ensure BC Ministry and WPGA curriculum is implemented with focus on Core Competencies and First People’s Principles of Learning 
  • Model and promote our core values and high standards of behaviour in and out of the classroom
  • Actively participate in professional development sessions and faculty meetings
  • Plan, organize, and facilitate OE programming for all students in Grades 8-12, delivering multi-day field programming in front- and back-country locations for each grade level
  • Deliver Wilderness Pursuits (WP) the WPGA integrated OE program for grade 10 students
  • Coordinate department planning, field programming, assessment, and reporting for OE and continue to evolve programming
  • Advocate for OE & EE throughout the school through curricular and extra-curricular initiatives, including developing partnerships with Physical Education and other academic departments on the integration of OE and EE programming
  • In collaboration with the Director of Risk & Campus Management, develop and articulate clear standards and protocols for all OE programs to ensure best practices and risk management concerns are adequately addressed
  • Liaise with the Transportation Manager to ensure the availability of buses and drivers as needed
  • Maintain personal field specific training and qualifications and continue professional development
• Plan the effective staffing of OE programs
  • Working with the school’s HR department, facilitate the hiring and training of additional support staff such as contract guides
  • Train and support teachers who assist with supervision of OE trips and programs
  • Work collaboratively with the Senior School Leadership Team to match staff members with trip supervision roles
• Plan and manage OE department budget, working with school leadership to provide effective budget oversight
  • Manage gear and equipment care, repair, and replacement
  • Provide leadership & maintain relationships among department and 3rd party facilities and service providers
• Manage communication of OE programming within the school community (with faculty, students and families)
  • Support students and families with open, ongoing communication
  • Work with the school’s Enrolment and Advancement Departments to share educational merits and success of OE within the school community, including through school newsletter articles, student reflections and speeches, on school TVs and more
• Run an annual Outdoor Recreation event for school staff

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree or higher qualification in education
• Valid BC Teaching Certification (or demonstration of certification in progress)
• Additional qualifications and experience in outdoor education; Diploma in Education — Outdoor Environmental Education would be an asset
• Familiarity with the BC curriculum
• Relevant experience in outdoor education programming in a Grade 8-12 school environment would be an asset
• A passion for and experience working with adolescents
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Self-starter and continuous learner who values and has demonstrated teaching innovation and professional growth
• Positivity, enthusiasm and a sense of fun
• Superior ability to build rapport, trust and relationships with students and their families
• Independent school experience is an asset
• Wilderness First Aid, Class 4 Drivers License, and other relevant OE certifications is an asset

About West Point Grey Academy

Founded in 1996, West Point Grey Academy (WPGA) is an independent coeducational day school in Vancouver, British Columbia. Set on 18 acres, with sweeping views of English Bay and the North Shore mountains, we offer future-focused programs to 940 students in junior kindergarten to grade 12. WPGA’s educational philosophy is to develop the whole child, who, guided by creative, dedicated teachers and supported by our inclusive, vibrant community, is nurtured to achieve his or her full potential — academically, emotionally, physically and socially.

At WPGA, we focus on the individual child, the whole person, and a balanced life. We give each student transformative learning experiences rooted in inquiry, shaped by action, and celebrated with joy. Teaching at WPGA is fulfilling, collaborative and dynamic. Our Leadership Teams support our educators to teach with confidence; create relevant, creative curriculum; build meaningful relationships with students and families; and develop professionally.

Back to Careers Page

Submit career opportunities.