Susanville, California
Merced, California
Merced, California
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Merced, California
Irvine, California
Merced, California
Merced, California
LOS ANGELES, California
Merced, California
Merced, California
Los Angeles, California
Posted: 02-Mar-26
Location: Menlo Park, California
Type: Temp to Full Time
Categories:
SYNAPSE SCHOOL POSITION OVERVIEW
Synapse School in Menlo Park, CA, an innovative TK-8 independent school located in the heart of Silicon Valley dedicated to rethinking and reimagining education, seeks an Expedition & Design Associate. This is a short-term (March - June), associate-level position.
Synapse educates a community of Change Makers by combining Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), leading-edge academics, and the practice of innovation. We have an unwavering belief in the capacity of children, and our teachers work alongside our students to unlock their powers of curiosity, discovery, and creativity. Synapse’s program provides a deep and unique range of integrated academic, social, and creative experiences to help children use their hearts and hands to unleash their passion for learning. Synapse draws students from around the San Francisco Bay Area.
Synapse is a place for people who like being in schools — who bring energy, perspective, and a sense that what we do for our students, families and colleagues matters. Teachers who are optimistic about young people and about the world, who collaborate and communicate generously, and who approach challenges with creativity rather than cynicism, thrive at Synapse.
As a lab school, we are actively integrating AI and emerging technologies into teaching, learning, and operating. Strong candidates will be open to using AI as a tool for planning, feedback, differentiation, and innovation. Comfort with experimentation and continuous learning is essential; perfection is not.
Equally important, we’re looking for individuals who model strong emotional intelligence and embody our Change Maker Outcomes: communication, perspective, risk-taking, follow through, creativity, advocacy, inquiry, feedback, and iteration. These habits of mind shape our culture and learning environment, and teachers play a central role in making them visible, practiced, and lived each day.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Synapse School seeks a temporary Expedition & Design Associate to support Middle School expeditions and hands-on project work in our Engineering Design Center (EDC) during Trimester 3 (March–June).
This is a short-term, associate-level position designed to increase capacity in wilderness programming and build-based learning. The appointment concludes in June 2026 and carries no presumption of renewal.
RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:
Expedition Support
- Serve as associate staff on Middle School expeditions.
- Assist with trip logistics, gear preparation, and implementation of safety protocols.
- Support wilderness skills instruction under the direction of lead faculty.
- Supervise and mentor students in outdoor environments.
- Contribute to post-expedition documentation and debrief processes.
Engineering Design Center Support
- Assist faculty and students with hands-on build projects.
- Support safe tool use and shop procedures.
- Help maintain materials organization and equipment systems.
- Contribute construction knowledge to student design work, as appropriate.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAITS
- Current Wilderness Medicine certification (WFA, WFR, or higher).
- Academic background in Recreation Management, Outdoor Education, or related field
- Experience working with children or adolescents
- Construction, carpentry, or related hands-on building experience.
- Ability to work collaboratively within a school setting.
- Immediate availability
- Positive, enthusiastic, and warm personality
Preferred:
- Experience supporting multi-day expeditions.
- Familiarity with school-based experiential learning environments.
- Strong organizational and documentation skills.
WORKING CONDITIONS MAY INCLUDE:
- This role requires the ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds, hike extended distances, work outdoors in varied weather conditions, and actively supervise students in physically dynamic environments.
EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS:
- Dexterity and physical condition to maintain a vigorous work schedule and meet standards of physical and mental health
- To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
- Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
- Individuals must maintain a professional attitude and appearance.
SALARY RANGE AND BENEFITS
Annualized salary range of $65,000–$75,000, prorated for the March - June 2026 term, based on experience and qualifications. This position is classified as exempt.
TO APPLY:
Please submit a résumé, a cover letter outlining relevant experience, copies of current certifications, and any other supporting materials you would like to share via email with the subject line “Expedition & Design Associate” to Jim Eagen, Head of School, jim.eagen@synapseschool.org.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Immediate start preferred.
Synapse School does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices based on race, color, religion, sex or sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, and familial affiliation or any other characteristic protected by law. All applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States.