Assistant Director of Field Studies, School Year Programs

Staff Position

Founded in 1958, Sequoyah School is an independent progressive K-12 day school in Pasadena, California, built on the belief that diversity of all kinds is fundamental to a powerful education. Students find joy and deep learning as they navigate through curriculum while teachers guide problem-centered classrooms that foster curiosity through intellectual exploration and opportunities for application. The school’s mission to challenge the mind, nurture the heart, and celebrate human dignity is evidenced in its place-based program and signature experiences like Field Studies, the Social Innovation Program, Talking Leaves, and more.

The Assistant Director of Field Studies is responsible for supporting the design and implementation of K-12 Field Studies year-round programming informed by the school’s mission and educational philosophy. The field studies curriculum heavily integrates with the classroom curriculum and enhances the Sequoyah experience as students are intentionally led towards increasing levels of responsibility, self-reliance, relationship skills, and an understanding of our world.

Sequoyah’s Field Studies program begins in kindergarten and continues through 12th grade, ranging from three to fifteen-day trips. We seek candidates who are committed to using the outdoors as a medium for teaching critical thinking and life skills.

This position involves a significant amount of time leading students in the field as well as the administration of other trips and development of the program on campus and reports to the Director of Field Studies.

Position Overview

The Assistant Director of Field Studies is responsible for supporting the design and implementation of K-12 field studies year-round programming.

Roles and Responsibilities

Co-design, staff, and direct the school year program, encompassing roughly 24 overnight trips annually, including acting as trip leader on 8-10 of these trips
Facilitate and support the many logistics involved in running overnight trips, including food orders and packout, vehicle safety, itinerary development, land agency outreach, permitting, instructor hiring, and clean-up
Help transport students in 10-passenger vans or a cargo van
Regularly review and develop curricular integration, risk management, and systems development for an equitable learning experience for all students
Maintain a trip-ready inventory of gear, including tents, stoves, backpacks, kitchen equipment, etc.
Assure proper documentation of a trip, including proactive communication with parents before and after
Oversee the work of vendors, outfitters, and field studies instructors
Provide appropriate physical and emotional support and care for all trip participants
Consistent with the school’s mission and ethos, steward a culture of community and belonging for all participants, inclusive of sexual orientation, gender identity, ability, socioeconomic status, race, and ethnicity
Collaborate effectively with members of the administration team in support of the goals of the field studies program
Attend relevant school and departmental meetings, as needed
Represent the school in its mission and values of diversity, equity, and inclusion
Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Field Studies

Qualifications

3-5+ years of experience organizing and leading outdoor education trips with youth, or equivalent transferable experience
Technical proficiency in backpacking and camping
Current Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification, or willingness to complete and maintain this certification
Enthusiasm for spending around 40 to 50 days in the field annually with youth and parents
Strong risk management experience in a field and wilderness context
Ability and desire to live in the Pasadena or Los Angeles area – this is an in-person position
Outstanding interpersonal, organizational, and facilitation skills
Detail-oriented, resourceful, and able to prepare multiple trips at the same time
Proficient in Google Sheets, Docs, Forms
Ability to give and receive constructive feedback
Ability to work in an intimate office and field environment
Flexibility to adjust workday schedule to include some weekends and holidays
Valid driver’s license and clean driving record
Ability to communicate with students and staff across all intersections of identity in ways that are respectful and mindful

Additional Information

Desired Qualifications and Skills

Prior experience designing curriculum for outdoor education programs and/or classroom experiential learning teaching experience
Additional technical proficiencies in rock climbing, flat water kayaking and canoeing, etc
Additional valid certifications such as: AMGA SPI, LNT Master Educator, WEMT, ACA or BCU Paddling
Bachelor’s degree
Conversational Spanish
Experience with permit applications, obtaining academic waivers, and reservations on Recreation.gov
Experience running international programming

Diversity is a founding value of Sequoyah School, and we seek candidates willing and interested in upholding an equitable, inclusive environment. Sequoyah School is also an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any phase of employment. We consider applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital status, or any other legally protected status.

Hiring Term

2025-26 School Year

Reports To

Director of Field Studies

Campus Location

Foxes Den

Salary Range

$68,000-$86,000, depending on experience and education.

Benefits

Sequoyah offers competitive salary and benefits.