Position Descriptions

All positions are equally important to the success of Concordia Language Villages programs. It is of prime importance that all candidates enjoy working with and have the ability to supervise young people (minors, ages 0-18) in the close proximity of the Village setting. Please read each job description carefully to fully understand the qualifications and responsibilities of each position.

General Responsibilities for All Positions

• Be familiar with and abide by specific policies set forth in the “Personnel Policies,” which are designated by Concordia Language Villages administration and individual Village deans.
• Read and become familiar with the responsibilities for your specific area of assignment.
• After receiving your onboarding tasks, please read all information thoroughly and complete your onboarding tasks before arriving at the Village.
• Be advised the entire staff of each Village is under the direction of and is responsible to the dean. While some positions are supervised by other staff, the dean retains ultimate authority and responsibility for the Village.
• All positions involve teaching language culture, with the exception of summer support positions (e.g. culinary arts, healthcare, transportation).
• Report to orientation prior to your first session as designated by your employment offer.
• Assist with setting up the Village, preparing for the next session, and maintaining the Village throughout the session.
• Speak the target language with villagers and staff members as much as possible.
• Live in community living arrangements, assigned according to gender; nearly all positions include living and sleeping in a cabin or other housing unit with villagers (participants) of the same gender; positions that do not include living with villagers do include living with other staff members of the same gender.
• Model standards for behavior and be sensitive to the health and welfare of the villagers.
• Work outdoors for a significant part of each day.
• Remain one day after your final session for cleanup, inventory and evaluation of the program.
• Be at least 16 years of age to be considered for a staff position.
• Be at least 18 years of age to be considered for a staff position if you are not a United States citizen.

Essential Functions of All Positions

Emotional resiliency and cognitive abilities to carry out job responsibilities, ability to establish and maintain appropriate professional relationships, interpersonal skills to interact effectively with individuals and groups respecting social and cultural diversity and to maintain appropriate boundaries.

Essential Functions of All Positions That Require Living With Villagers

Ability to assist villagers in an emergency (fire, evacuation, illness, injury); possess strength, physical ability, and endurance to maintain constant supervision of villagers; observe villager behavior, assess its appropriateness and apply appropriate behavior-management techniques; possess visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to the cabin group. 

Essential Functions of Positions Related to Culinary Arts

Village Chef, Village Cook, Village Baker, Kitchen Helper

Ability to stand, use hands/fingers (dexterity) and lift up to 10 pounds continuously; walk, work in extreme heat, hear and listen, reach with hands and arms and lift up to 25 pounds frequently; sit, stoop, kneel, crouch; work with chemicals, work around noise, work in dirt/dust, work in extreme cold occasionally; operate kitchen equipment safely; determine the cleanliness of dishes, food contact surfaces and kitchen area; comply with Minnesota Food Code in food preparation; maintain appropriate inventory of food and supplies, work with the foods used to prepare our international cuisines without impact upon the worker’s physical health.

Essential Functions of a Business Manager

Ability to use a computer; use a telephone; order supplies; drive a van and complete errands in town; carry and load supplies; maintain Village record system.

Essential Functions of Positions Related to Healthcare

Nurse, Health Center Assistant, Village First Aider

Ability to lift/assist villagers and staff; read and follow directions on medication labels, health forms, physician orders and parent letters; use a telephone; maintain written record system; quickly get to remote locations on Village property over uneven terrain; observe and assess sanitation and safety conditions of the Village; communicate with parents, staff and administration about villager health concerns; possess endurance to meet emergency needs.

Essential Functions of Positions Related to Supervision

Assistant Dean, Credit Curriculum Facilitator, Two-week Curriculum Facilitator, Staff Team Leader, Waterfront Manager, Head Cook. The following positions may require supervising staff: Business Manager and Nurse

Ability to train staff; observe staff and villager behavior; see and respond to hazards; work with different age and skill levels; plan, conduct and evaluate designated activities; observe, assess, and coach the work efforts of staff being supervised; use a telephone.

Essential Functions of a Maintenance Person

Ability to use equipment and tools; drive; assess and complete maintenance needs; communicate with staff; have physical strength to lift, dig, load, mop, repair, etc.