Job Title
Bike Camp Instructor
Company/Organization
Community Cycling Center
Job Description
We’re looking for enthusiastic and motivated instructors to lead camp adventures on two wheels. The ideal instructor would have a personality that campers connect with, comfort facilitating group discussions and decision making, and experience with risk management.
About the Community Cycling Center:
The Community Cycling Center promotes an inclusive and dynamic work culture. The Community Cycling Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that broadens access to bicycling and its benefits. We believe that the bicycle is a tool for empowerment and a vehicle for change. The Community Cycling Center promotes an inclusive culture and encourages people with diverse backgrounds and abilities to apply. Visit www.CommunityCyclingCenter.org for more information about us.
Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion:
We are committed to creating an inclusive environment in every facet of our operations. We value diversity, collaboration, and respect for all people and ideas that contribute to a healthy, connected community. We recognize that there is societal injustice, so we strive to promote equity through constructive dialogue, organizational reflection, and effective, meaningful action.
A Day at Camp:
Before the campers arrive, instructors prepare for the day by planning routes, lessons, and strategizing about group management with co-instructors and support staff. At 9am campers sign-in and do their safety checks at our Alberta St. bike shop. From there, instructors lead their groups out on a day of bike adventure based on the skill and preference of their campers. The group of campers may ride the Eastbank Esplanade, the Columbia Slough trail, or neighborhood greenways to reach their destination, one of many parks located in Portland. Activities at parks may include games, bike-skills rodeo, or a bike maintenance lesson. Our themed camps offer specialized activities such as bike crafts, lunch at Portland’s food carts, and hands-on mechanical experience. Groups then return to the shop by 3pm to conclude the day for the campers.
Over the week campers grow as a team, gain confidence in riding, improve practical understanding of traffic safety, and build mechanical skills, all within a fun experiential learning setting. Our instructors are excited about empowering their campers through these experiences. For more information about the camps themselves visit www.CommunityCyclingCenter.org
The Role of Instructors:
Instructors work in pairs to lead groups of up to 12 students for a five-day long camp in one of four age groups. Instructor pairs have the flexibility to plan their route itineraries and incorporate curriculum activities and learning objectives according to their instructional style and the needs of their group. The role involves communicating with parents, planning with a co-leader, team-building and conflict resolution with campers, managing safety on the road, and working with support staff.
Essential Job Function:
Bike Camp instructors will have passion and experience working with youth ages 6 through 14, a familiarity with experiential education, an interest in bicycles, and a bicycle of their own. This is a full-time, seasonal position that will run from June 8 through August 27. This is a prime opportunity to gain valuable hands-on teaching experience in a collaborative, fun environment.
Duties:
– Complete a paid training course for all summer Bike Camp instructors the week of June 8 – 12.
– With a co-instructor and using an established curriculum, implement up to 11 successive week-long bike camps for up to 12 youth per camp (ages 6-14). The curriculum includes basic bicycle safety checks, rules of the road, basic maintenance, games, field trips to parks and community partners, and group rides from 1 -25 miles in distance (mileage depends on age and ability of group).
– Maintain a safe environment for all participants.
– Complete administrative duties as needed, including daily child check in and out and maintenance of Community Cycling Center and partner agency property.
– Communicate and participate in team meetings and peer reviews.
– Facilitate and support one instructor-in-training during camp hours.
– Communicate with camper parents about camp activities and their children’s progress in camp.
– Conduct oneself in a professional manner.
– We believe that fundraising is everyone’s job. There is an expectation that all employees will support fundraising activities.
General Qualifications:
– Bachelors degree or equivalent experience (In a related field preferred)
– Experience facilitating groups of children (Experience with summer camps or outdoor education preferred)
– Experience working with diverse individuals
– Strong communication skills, both with co-instructors and campers.
– Comfort and experience bicycling in an urban setting
– Ability to ride a bicycle up to 25 miles a day
– Ability to work and interact positively with co-instructors, volunteers, staff and local organizations
– Ability to communicate effectively
– Ability to lift up to 25 pounds
– Criminal background check required
– Valid CPR/First Aid certification required prior to the first day of training
Pay scale: $11.50 an hour starting, opportunity for raise for returning staff
Hours: 32-40 hours per week
– Please note that all instructors are required to work between the weeks of July 6 – July 17
– Instructors are expected to take one week off during the summer
How to Apply
Please send your application packet to: jobs@communitycyclingcenter.org
Application should include the following materials:
– One Page Cover Letter including:
– Introduction: Why would you like to be a Bike Camp instructor?
– Previous experience working with youth in an educational setting
– Your approach to creating an inclusive teaching environment
– Discuss a situation you have observed or experienced relating to bicycle safety. As an educator, what would you suggest to improve the situation?
– How you learned of the position (briefly)
– Resume
– Three References
– Signed Application Addendum upon interviewing
Position closes April 16
