LOCATION: WESTERN NC COUNTIES WHICH INCLUDE BUNCOMBE, TRANSYLVANIA, HAYWOOD, HENDERSON, POLK, RUTHERFORD, JACKSON, TRANSYLVANIA, MADISON, MCDOWELL, AND MACON COUNTIES

SUMMARY: The position of WNC Volunteer Chaperone for Muddy Sneakers (MS) is a part-time (1-5 days per week) seasonal position from August-May. Volunteers are responsible for accompanying groups of fifth grade students (led by a Muddy Sneakers Field Instructor), helping to maintaining students' safety, supporting student learning, and using respectful and positive behavior management techniques when necessary in the field.

Volunteer Chaperones will report directly to the Muddy Sneakers WNC Program Director and Assistant Program Director.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Effectively communicate in both verbal and written form
• Listen to and comprehend oral communication
• Read written documentation both on paper and on screen
• Be comfortable and work effectively in an outdoor or natural setting
• Work with and have patience for children for up to 6 hours a day
• Hike up to three (3) miles each day on terrain of varying difficulty
• Lift and carry up to fifty (50) pounds
• Comfortable making difficult decisions in stressful situations with full knowledge of organizational policy and procedures
• Recognize and respond positively to social cues of children and adults
• Use discretion when faced with sensitive issues that could impact individual parties involved in/with MS or the organization as a whole
• Act as a positive member of the Muddy Sneakers team, maintain positive interactions with partnering school personnel, and respect organizational chain of command
• Respond in a timely manner to communications about schedule changes, as MS maintains a flexible calendar to accommodate school needs and weather forecasts

EXPERIENCE AND ATTRIBUTES: Ideal candidates will be committed to MS' mission and possess relevant experience and key personal attributes including:

• At least 2-3 years of experience in education, including experience in experiential education and teaching
• Leadership capabilities
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to serve in a supportive role
• Ability to practice positive behavior management and work with students who may need differentiated support in order to be successful
• Positive work ethic and attitude

SPECIFIC DUTIES INCLUDE:

1. EDUCATION/PROGRAM DELIVERY:

   1. Ensure exemplary field safety
   2. Maintain appropriate behavior and group management in an outdoor classroom when the MS Field Instructor needs assistance
   3. Arrive at the field site on time and in a professional manner

2. EXPEDITION LOGISTICS:

   1. Communicate with partner school teaching team to arrange chaperone days.  (The partner school teaching team is responsible for arranging chaperones.  Following Volunteer Orientation with MS, your contact information will be shared with the lead teacher of the partner schools and districts you are available to support.  These teachers will contact you directly to arrange chaperone volunteer days.)
   2. Arrive prepared for a day of active, outdoor learning, including dressing for possible weather changes and supplying personal needs such as lunch, water, etc.
   3. Complete mid and end-of- season personal evaluation forms

3. ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES:

   1. Responsible for completing any necessary paperwork in a timely manner
   2. Complete mid and end-of- season personal evaluation forms

4. ORIENTATION/TRAININGS:

   1. Responsible for attending a Volunteer Orientation (1-2 days) in addition to any mid- semester volunteer meetings or trainings that might take place

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must have experience with group management and working with youth, as well as the ability to practice positive behavior management techniques to support the Muddy Sneakers Instructor. A background check is required.

TERM OF POSITION: The WNC Volunteer Chaperone positions are unpaid part time, seasonal positions with a commitment as needed during the school year. The season runs from late August- May. Volunteers must commit to being available for the duration of the school year. Volunteers may select which schools or districts they would like to volunteer with.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:   Open until filled