Community & Experiential Advisor (CEA)

Alzar School + Gap is an independent semester school that has been a leader in experiential education for high school-age students, with beautiful, inspiring permanent campuses in the mountains of Idaho and in Patagonia, Chile. Alzar’s robust experiential education program allows students to elevate their leadership through meaningful, multi-week expeditions, weekend and after-school activities, and intentional courses. Faculty and students are passionate, engaged, and united by a commitment to the school’s foundations. Alzar School offers students challenging and engaging instruction at the Honors or AP level. As a school community, we value diverse experiences, perspectives, identities, and skill sets. Alzar is currently seeking Community & Experiential Advisors (CEAs) who motivate, inspire, and educate students. This is a full-time, local (non-remote), early-career position focused on supporting and guiding students through Alzar’s residential life and outdoor adventure programs. CEAs work closely with students on campus and on expeditions, assisting with their academic, social, and personal development through daily interactions and structured programming. Responsibilities include coordinating student meals, facilitating a variety of student activities, teaching Alzar School’s residential life curriculum, and monitoring academic study halls. This staff member will also play a critical role in upholding community norms and maintaining a safe, respectful, and growth-oriented living environment. Additionally, CEAs work within the school’s medical program, administering medications and facilitating visits to local clinics or hospitals as needed. Alzar is fortunate to operate in some of the most spectacular environments, including (but not limited to) the Wild & Scenic Main Salmon River, Boise and Payette National Forests, Patagonia National Park, and the Rio Baker. The CEA position is based out of our campus in Cascade, Idaho, and includes extended periods of work in Patagonia, Chile. CEAs are provided with shared housing both in Idaho and in Chile. They are expected to live and work in Chile during the time that students are abroad—typically from approximately October 24 to December 16 and again from January 27 to March 23 (around eight weeks per semester). This is a full-time, exempt salaried position beginning July 29, 2026. The selected candidate will be offered an initial one-year contract. Alzar School CEAs are passionate educators who are eager to share their enthusiasm for the outdoors and curiosity for cultural learning. We welcome applicants from a wide range of backgrounds and firmly believe that a diverse team strengthens our community and our connections with students. Some applicants may bring strengths in academic, outdoor, residential, leadership, or cultural areas, even if they have less experience in others. We look forward to the opportunity to review your application. Position Responsibilities

Supervising students in the school’s residential life program, both on and off campus, in Chile and Idaho

Living in housing adjacent to but separate from students during the semester program

Upholding Alzar School’s Code of Conduct and maintaining a safe, supportive learning and living environment

Leading after-school and weekend activities, including whitewater kayaking/rafting, service learning, and cultural exchange

Teaching 2–4 periods per week of Alzar School’s Outdoor Adventure Activity (PE) class

Substituting in academic classes as needed during scheduled workdays

Collaborating with a team of CEAs to facilitate student experiences

Facilitating regular student community meetings

Teaching Alzar School’s residential life curriculum, focused on essential skills for success in a boarding school setting

Instructing students in outdoor competencies such as whitewater kayaking, swiftwater awareness, camp craft, and wilderness first aid

Advising 3–5 students as part of the school’s advisory program

Occasionally facilitating or co-facilitating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) curriculum as guided by the Director of Student Success, Equity, and Belonging

Auxiliary Role

Each CEA is assigned an auxiliary role to support additional school operations. CEAs can expect to dedicate approximately 4 hours per week to these responsibilities. Food and dining program support

Medical program logistics

Instructional technology assistance

Social media and blog content creation

Outdoor program administration

Additional auxiliary assignments may be developed based on institutional needs and staff skillsets. Outdoor Instruction

Outdoor skills are taught through afternoon activities, local excursions, and weekend clinics. CEAs, alongside faculty, lead Alzar’s major outdoor expeditions. Each semester includes four major (7-day) expeditions. Lead 3–4 expeditions per semester (approximately 6–8 weeks per year on expedition)

Hold a current Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification (required)

Hold a current Swiftwater Rescue Technician (SRT) certification (if leading river-based programs; must be current within the last three years)

Be eligible to obtain a Main Salmon River license (Alzar will support this process)

The hiring timeline allows for newly hired CEAs to obtain outdoor certifications after hire but prior to the start date. Leadership and Residential Life

In alignment with Alzar’s mission to “build leaders who positively impact the world,” all CEAs are considered essential leadership educators. Leadership responsibilities include: Delivering explicit leadership lessons during expeditions

Supporting student leadership development through programs such as Leader of the Week and Leader of the Day

Fulfilling residential duties alongside teachers and other staff

Serving as mentors to students, supporting personal growth and semester-long development

CEAs’ residential leadership is foundational to building community, setting expectations, and fostering meaningful connections with students. Competencies and Core Skills

Adaptability and the ability to take challenges in stride

Comfort in dynamic working environments, including outdoor and international settings

Strong communication and interpersonal skills

Enjoyment in engaging with students, families, and colleagues

Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Experience in program-specific outdoor sports, including at least one of the following: Multi-day backpacking trips in backcountry settings

Intermediate proficiency in whitewater river environments (rafting and/or kayaking)

Transferable skills from other outdoor activities

Traits and Qualities

CEAs should be dynamic, engaging, and self-motivated individuals who can lead, support, and inspire students. They must be effective in both independent and team settings. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to: Spend and enjoy extended time with adolescents in a variety of settings

Self-manage job responsibilities within the school’s larger calendar

Prioritize, plan, and organize daily, weekly, and semester responsibilities

Collaborate effectively with other staff members

Seek support and guidance when needed

Communicate clearly and compassionately

Work under pressure and meet deadlines

Live and work in remote, rural, and international locations

Maintain a sense of humor and a positive attitude in the face of adversity

Skills and Knowledge

Experience working with teenagers

Wilderness First Responder certification (or higher level of training)

Knowledge of professional outdoor programming methods and practices

Physical ability to perform strenuous outdoor recreational activities in remote, rugged mountain or water-based environments

Proficiency with computer software and applications, including (but not limited to): Google Suite (Drive, Gmail, Calendar, Docs, etc.)

Ability to drive manual transmission vehicles

Willingness to develop or enhance cultural competencies related to diversity, equity, and inclusion

Outdoor Skills and Competencies

CEAs spend significant time in both wilderness and frontcountry settings supporting adventure programming. The ideal candidate will be a competent outdoor leader, capable of responding to a variety of field situations. Required skills include: Basic knowledge of current outdoor programming methods and best practices

Technical and instructional competency in at least one outdoor skill area (e.g., whitewater kayaking, rafting, backpacking)

Physical capacity to engage in strenuous outdoor activities in remote, rugged, and potentially hazardous environments

Certifications (possess or obtain with Alzar’s support)

Swiftwater Rescue Technician

Wilderness First Responder

Adult CPR/BLS for the Professional Rescuer

Leave No Trace Educator

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL – can be obtained in the first months of employment)

#J-18808-Ljbffr