Wilderness First Aid ENS Instructor


Wilderness First Aid ENS Instructor Job Description

GENERAL PURPOSE

Under the supervision of the Outdoor Programs Coordinator, the Wilderness First Aid ENS Instructor is responsible for teaching the fundamentals of wilderness medicine for credit courses offered through the School of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences (ENS) and Aztec Recreation. The emphasis is to promote active, healthy living by teaching the wilderness medical principles, guidelines and skills preparing students to successfully participate the required Wilderness First Aid certification weekend trip. This individual helps to ensure the diverse instructional needs of the San Diego State University students and Aztec Recreation members are met while emphasizing a safe, positive, and educational environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Primary Functions

  • Instructs registered participants in basic wilderness first aid, safety practices, leave no trace principles, and proper outdoor travel etiquette associated with remote (2 hours away from definitive care) outdoor activities
  • Develops and implements approved lesson plans and course syllabus with grading policies and learning outcomes appropriate for the skill level
  • Measures learning outcomes and evaluates student growth/comprehension through technical skill assessments, written/oral assignments, quizzes & exams
  • Explains and demonstrates basic skills in treating wilderness first aid emergencies, introduces sequencing/application of treatment, and other wellness topics associated with outdoor recreation activities
  • Provides appropriate safety instruction and regularly inspects classroom/program environment and equipment to ensure safety.
  • Completes administrative tasks such as communication with students, attendance sheets, incident reports, class evaluations, grading updates and grade submissions
  • Submits grades and other course materials by university and department deadlines
  • Works with Aztec Recreation to advertise class (i.e. tabling, flyers, demos, etc.)
  • Ensures all class cancellations are communicated promptly by contacting all participants/professional staff along with posting notifications in the appropriate areas
  • Creates reports/presentations utilizing Windows XP, Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint as required/needed
  • Uses university WebPortal registration, SDSU Blackboard, and Google systems for class communication and management
  • Submit time card by 4:00 pm on the last day of the pay period
  • Completes tasks as assigned/required
  • Other duties assigned by supervisor

Customer Service and Collaboration

  • Establishes and maintains working relationships with various A.S. and University departments and professionals
  • Ensures all customer service standards are met; responds to physical, virtual and verbal inquiries in timely manner
  • Assists all customers with questions and/or comments
  • If unable to assist, refers customer to someone who is knowledgeable
  • Maintains positive and effective working relationships with all customers
  • Informs supervisor of any customer issues

Safety

  • Ensures all operations are conducted with safety of staff and customers as first priority, and in accordance with the Injury and Illness Prevention Plan and other safety policies
  • Adheres to Associated Students’ Code of Safe Practices
  • Reports accidents to supervisor and reviews changes required to avoid reoccurrence
  • Ensures completion proper documentation is completed for each accident (employee and/or non-employee) and forwards to supervisor
  • Reports maintenance problems and/or broken and unsafe equipment to the appropriate party immediately
  • Provides appropriate safety instruction and regularly inspects classroom/program environment and equipment to ensure safety
  • Responds to emergencies according to established department procedures

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum & Preferred Requirements

Education:

  • Bachelor's Degree preferred in Medicine, Physical Education, Recreation, Kinesiology/Exercise Science Health or a related field

Experience:

  • Knowledge of wilderness/remote (minimum 2 hours away from definitive care) medicine, basic first aid skills, and search & rescue applications required
  • Previous participation in and teaching/guiding/ emergency medicine/survival techniques/search & rescue experience preferred
  • Must be able to physically lead and demonstrate the skill and/or activity
  • Specific experiences in the fields of instruction: team building, backpacking, camping/hiking, paddling, and/or climbing preferred
  • Must possess excellent customer service skills
  • Proficient computer skills required
  • Strong oral and written communication skills required
  • Experience instructing wilderness first aid skills preferred
  • Experience working with a variety of groups of customers within a campus recreation setting desired

License & Certification:

  • Current American Red Cross CPR/AED and First Aid certifications are required upon first day of work
  • Valid Wilderness First Responder or higher certification from an accredited Wilderness Medical Associate or Wilderness Medical Institute format required
  • Outdoor skills certifications (CWI, LNT, SPI, ACCT, ACA, etc.) preferred

Trainings:

  • Must complete Gender Awareness, Computer Security, and Sexual Harassment Prevention trainings within 30 days of hire
  • Must attend all Aztec Adventures in-service meetings and trainings.

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

  • Must be punctual and regular in attendance: arrive on time and ready for the workday
  • Must be able to work with confidential items and understand the importance of confidentiality in project work
  • Must meet commitments and complete tasks satisfactorily by demonstrating thoroughness, completeness, follow through on presentation and appearance of work
  • Must be able to develop and maintain quality effective working relationships with staff and customers within the diverse campus community
  • Must be able to work independently and stay focused under pressure in stressful situations
  • Must be able to exercise tact and exhibit sound professional judgment at all times
  • Must be able to work efficiently and show initiative
  • Must be able to physically lead and demonstrate the skill and/or activity
  • Must be accurate and pay attention to detail with strong organizational skills
  • Must be able to follow oral and written directions and follow projects through to completion

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

  • Evidence of and ability to articulate a strong, current, practical knowledge wilderness and emergency medicine
  • Knowledge of safety, rescue, and wilderness evacuation procedures required
  • Ability to handle difficult situations involving participants with patience, good judgment, and with diplomacy is expected
  • Ability to work with a diverse group of people effectively and diplomatically
  • Ability to manage information flow prioritizing tasks effectively (including internal, external and participant communication)
  • Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to relate and communicate effectively with a diverse population of students, staff, faculty, colleagues and guests
  • Must have strong English language skills and the ability to read, write and verbally communicate at a level appropriate to the duties of the position
  • Proficient computer skills required
  • Ability to develop positive working relationships

SCHEDULE & WORKING CONDITIONS

This is a part-time position, approximately 3 hours per week for each course with a maximum 20 hours per week during academic term.

WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While working indoors, the lighting and temperature are adequate, and there are no hazardous or unpleasant conditions caused by dust, etc. Work is generally performed within an office and classroom environments with standard office equipment available. Possible exposure to distracting/uncomfortable noise levels may require hearing protection to be worn when performing duties.

When working outdoors for program activities, exposure to sun, heat, wind, rain, weather and other outdoor elements expected. Outdoor areas will include trails, campgrounds, field areas, lakes, rivers, pools, and challenge courses located in forested areas.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical requirements include but are not limited to: walking, walking over rough or uneven surfaces, bending, stooping, working at height, and working in confined space, lifting, pushing, pulling and carrying loads up to 50 pounds (unassisted) and 75 pounds (with assistance), and using ladders. Work may require standing and moving for extended periods.

RELATIONSHIPS

Inside the Organization:

  • Reports to Aztec Adventures – Outdoor Programs Coordinator
  • May include interaction other full-time staff within Aztec Recreation, including, but not limited to, Director of Recreation, Associate Director of Recreation, Facilities Manager, Operations Supervisor, Member Services Manager, Competitive Sports Manager, Competitive Sports Supervisor, Building Services Engineers, Member Services Supervisor, Fitness & Wellness Coordinator, Aquaplex Manager, Marketing Coordinator, and Office Supervisor
  • Additional interactions may include part-time staff within Aztec Recreation

Please submit a resume with your application reflecting your relevant experience.

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with Associated Students. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current Associated Students employees who apply for the position. 

MVR and DMV record review is required for positions that drive university vehicles and/or passengers for program related trips.