Description

Bradford Woods is a department within the Office of Student Life, serving as Indiana University's Outdoor Center. Located 30 minutes north of the Bloomington campus in Morgan County, Indiana, this 2,500-acre property features a 110-acre lake, and a variety of wooded trails and facilities. With over 400 unique programs annually, including retreats, environmental education, and events, Bradford Woods is a hub for transformative outdoor experiences. The center fosters an environment where all participants and staff feel respected, valued, and have a true sense of belonging.

Job Summary

The Professional Outdoor Instructor is a seasonal (3-month contract) or part-time position that will actively contribute to the daily operations of our outdoor education programs, including both day and residential experiences.
Department Specific Responsibilities

• Instructs and facilitates groups of people in mostly outdoor spaces on the Bradford Woods property.
• Plans and prepares for assigned groups based on a set schedule (provided 1-2 weeks in advance).
• Plans and facilitates lesson-based education, Adventure Education activities, and additional programming such as campfires, night experiences, recreation, and mealtime support.
• Ensures group safety by understanding and enforcing Bradford Woods policies, emergency action plans, and proper radio communication.

Qualifications

EDUCATION
Required

• High school diploma or equivalent (such as HSED or GED)

Preferred

• Working towards a University degree in outdoor, experiential, therapeutic recreation, education, or related field

WORK EXPERIENCE
Required

• Experience hiking, backpacking, caving, canoeing, climbing, and observation of the natural environment and stopping for teachable moments in a camp setting
• Experience facilitating personal and group development through initiatives and low/high challenge course events
• Experience teaching environmental education
• Experience working with both youth and adults in a learning environment, and working with people with physical and developmental disabilities

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES
Preferred

• Wilderness First Aid
• CPR/AED for the professional rescuer
• Lifeguard

SKILLS
Required

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage wide variety of audiences
• Ability and desire to energetically teach, inspire and motivate people from all walks of life
• Outdoor skills including hiking, backpacking, caving, canoeing, climbing, and interpretation
• Ability and willingness to learn and master designated program areas
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment for an extended time that can be emotionally and physically demanding
• Strong teamwork and service-oriented mindset, with a willingness to take on leadership roles

Working Conditions / Demands

The role requires the ability to work in a varied weather environment that may include extreme heat and cold, and other adverse weather conditions. The role also requires the ability to move on flat or uneven surfaces. The person in this role must be able to move items up to 25 pounds multiple times per shift.
Schedules may include long shifts, weekend work, and varied hours based on program needs.

Additional Information

Seasonal staff have the option to live in shared housing on-site at Bradford Woods, provided at no additional cost.
In the questionnaire section of your application, please choose whether you would prefer to work as part-time staff or as seasonal staff.

Work Location

Martinsville, Indiana

Work Hours

Both seasonal and part-time staff will work any time between 7:00 AM and 11:00 PM
Part-time staff positions may work up to 29 hours per week.
Shift times vary according to business needs.
Management reserves the right to adjust work hours to accommodate special events.

Benefits Overview

For full-time staff employees, Indiana University offers a wide array of benefits including:

• Comprehensive medical and dental insurance
• Health savings account with generous IU contributions
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• Basic group life insurance paid by IU
• Voluntary supplemental life, long-term disability, critical illness, and supplemental accidental death & dismemberment insurance
• Base retirement plan with generous IU contributions, subject to vesting
• Voluntary supplemental retirement plan options
• Tuition subsidy for employees and family members taking IU courses
• 10 paid holidays plus a paid winter break each year
• Generous paid time off plans
• Paid leave for new parents and IU-sponsored volunteer events
• Employee assistance program (EAP)

Learn more about our benefits by reviewing the IU Benefit Programs Brochure .

Job Classification

Career Level: Part Time Employee
FLSA: Nonexempt
Job Function: Part Time Employee
Job Family: Part Time Employee
Click here to learn more about Indiana University's Job Framework.

Posting Disclaimer

This posting is scheduled to close at 11:59 pm EST on the advertised Close Date. This posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University, but will remain open for a minimum of 5 business days. To guarantee full consideration, please submit your application within 5 business days of the Posted Date.
If you wish to include a cover letter, you may include it with your resume when uploading attachments.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Indiana University is an equal opportunity employer and provider of ADA services and prohibits discrimination in hiring. See Indiana University Notice of Non-Discrimination here which includes contact information .

Campus Safety and Security

The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report, containing policy statements, crime and fire statistics for all Indiana University campuses, is available online . You may also request a physical copy by emailing IU Public Safety at [email protected] or by visiting IUPD.