Adjunct Instructor Outdoor Leadership

Adjunct Instructor of Outdoor Leadership

Starting Wage/Salary: $752 per load unit (subject to change due to ongoing negotiations). This part‑time adjunct instructor position is represented by the Faculty Forum and offers benefit eligibility.

• Provide instruction in the discipline of outdoor leadership using approved course outcome guides. Teaching assignments may occur during the day, evening, or weekend and can be at any college campus, online, or remotely.
• Hold at least one scheduled office hour per class per week for student help sessions and program assistance.
• Utilize college tools and resources, including the Learning Management System and Student Accessibility Services software, to support teaching activities as appropriate.
• Participate in course assessment.
• Perform other essential job functions as assigned that support the overall objective of the position.
• Manage course logistics, including securing permits, arranging transportation to Trailheads, and organizing group gear for multi‑day field outings.
• Work with the HHP Department Chair to align field curricula with program‑wide student learning outcomes and industry standards (e.g., AMGA, AORE, or WEA).

• Thorough knowledge in the field of taught discipline and demonstrated ability to apply this knowledge.
• Ability to adapt and use a variety of teaching and assessment techniques including technology to enhance student success.
• Ability to observe, direct, and oversee students ensuring safety in the classroom or laboratory.
• Ability to work with and present various curriculum concepts to a wide range of students with diverse backgrounds, abilities, and learning styles.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite; various course management systems; technology to teach traditional, hybrid, or online courses; and other technology used in the instruction setting.
• Effective communication skills, both oral and written, and respectful interaction with diverse students, staff, and community members.
• Commitment to nondiscrimination in services provided to students in any capacity.
• Willingness to travel and teach at various hours and campus locations, as required.
• Collaboration orientation among students and willingness to work as a member of a faculty team.
• Comprehensive knowledge of “Leave No Trace” (LNT) principles and ability to navigate diverse land management regulations (USFS, BLM, State Parks).
• Deep technical proficiency in outdoor modalities (e.g., rock climbing, mountaineering, whitewater, winter travel) relevant to the high‑desert and alpine environments of the Pacific Northwest.
• Facilitation skills for group dynamics, de‑biased decision‑making, and conflict resolution in remote, high‑consequence settings.
• Ability to use learning management systems, digital mapping tools, and emergency communication devices.
• Leadership of students in strenuous conditions, including off‑trail terrain and inclement weather.
• Excellent oral, written, and electronic communication skills.

This position requires the ability to maintain a high level of physical activity: standing, hiking, and demonstrating technical skills for extended periods, frequently lifting equipment up to 50 lb, and managing remote field sites safely. It also requires the ability to work in classroom and office environments using computers, whiteboards, projectors, and basic office equipment.

• A bachelor’s degree in the field of primary teaching assignment; or a minimum of 24 quarter hours (16 semester hours) of credit in the field of the primary teaching assignment.

• Two years of professional experience leading or instructing groups in a wilderness or outdoor technical setting.
• Demonstrated successful teaching, or evidence for the potential for excellence in teaching.

• Current Wilderness First Responder (WFR) or Wilderness EMT (WEMT) and CPR/AED certification.

• Master’s degree in Outdoor Education or a related discipline.
• Prior experience teaching in a community college or university outdoor program.
• Experience with permit systems and land agency partnerships in Central Oregon.
• Current instructor‑level certification from a recognized body relevant to the discipline (e.g., AMGA for climbing, ACA for paddling, AIARE for avalanche, or PCIA).

The goal of Central Oregon Community College is to provide an atmosphere that encourages our faculty, staff and students to realize their full potential. The College has a policy of no discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, disability, sex, marital status, national origin, ethnicity, color, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, citizenship status, veteran or military status, pregnancy or any other class protected under federal and state statutes in any education program, activities or employment.