Job Opportunities

Excellence is our guiding principle.

Jobs available

One of the standout qualities of John F. Kennedy International School lies in its friendly, inclusive community. Here, parents, students, and staff effortlessly connect, forging friendships and being in an environment characterised by openness and mutual regard.
Within our dynamic and skilled workforce, a robust spirit of cooperation and unity prevails. Each person’s unique abilities, talents, and contributions are embraced and valued at our ’Small School – Big Heart.’
To explore employment opportunities, we feature all our job listings on the TES (Times Educational Supplement) platform. Please feel free to visit our careers portal for further details.

JFK Swiss Outdoor Camp Activity Assistant – 100%

JFK Swiss Outdoor Boarding Assistant – 100%

Summer position available from 3rd July – 19th August 2025

About JFK Swiss Outdoor Camp:

Nestled in the heart of Switzerland, JFK Swiss Outdoor Camp provides an immersive outdoor experience for campers, combining fun, learning, and adventure. We believe in fostering a spirit of exploration and personal growth through our carefully curated programmes.

Position Overview:

We are on the lookout for a team of dedicated Camp Activity Assistants & Boarding Assistants who embodies our ethos and is passionate about outdoor education. The selected candidates will work closely with our Camp Manager and seasoned guides, aiding in the execution and enhancement of our dynamic outdoor learning day / boarding programme.

Key Responsibilities:

– Assist guides in organizing and conducting outdoor activities.

– Ensure the safety and well-being of campers during all activities.

– Collaborate with the kitchen team to ensure dietary needs are met.

– Engage with campers, fostering a positive and inclusive environment.

– Support other camp operations as required.

 

Our Offer:

– Chalet style accommodations

– A competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience.

– Additional benefits, including private accident & medical insurance.

– Fresh and healthy meals prepared daily by our in-house Chef.

 

Desired Qualifications & Skills:

– Previous experience in a camp or outdoor education setting is advantageous.

– Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

– Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.

– First aid certification

– Clean Driver’s license (ability to drive a minivan is advantageous)   

 

How to Apply:

If you’re enthusiastic about outdoor education and wish to be a part of the JFK family, we’d love to hear from you!

 

Please send the following documents to Mrs. Zannie Odobasic-Leong – Business & Administration at zannie@jfk.ch:

 

  1. A letter of application detailing your interest and suitability for the position.
  2. A comprehensive Curriculum Vitae, highlighting your employment history and educational qualifications.
  3. Two letters of references from past employers.
  4. Clean criminal record check (updated within the last 3 months)

 

Application Deadline: 28th February 2025

 

Non-European applications

 

To our great regret, changes to Swiss law have made it extremely difficult for international schools like JFK to obtain work permits for non-EU citizens. For this reason, applicants without EU passports or Swiss work permits are advised that this greatly reduces their chances of being put on a short list.

 

JFK Swiss Outdoor Camp is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

100% Boarding Assistant

Boarding General Job Description

JFK is a unique small school with a family feel. We believe that learning exists inside and outside the classroom and that each child is different and so their learning and progression will also be unique. JFK staff are expected to foster a professional environment through exhibiting the core values of the School.

  • Key areas of responsibility • Provide care and security for the Boarders while they are in the School’s care • Ensure general health, hygiene and sleeping routines are met
  • Ensure all Boarders maintain a healthy diet and mealtimes are happy and civilised
  • Manage the discipline of Boarders, monitoring behaviour, manners and dress to ensure they are in keeping with the School’s Code of Conduct
  • Ensure that the Boarding area of the School looks neat, tidy and attractive in line with House expectations
  • Comply with duty routines and keep up to date with incoming communication
  • Assist with the beginning of the term preparations and end of term pack down
  • Ensure there is a constant review of pastoral approaches, keeping up to date with developments in child wellbeing practices • Set high, clear and consistent expectations for student achievement and support home based learning
  • Be flexible and adjust methods to meet individual Boarder’s needs
  • Liaise with different departments to ensure that information is shared efficiently
  • Promote Boarding as an integral part of School life Student well being
  • Ensure safeguarding of students, reporting concerns to the appropriate member of staff
  • Create a positive community of mutual respect and support
  • Positively embrace differing cultures
  • Read and adhere to the various policies of the School and support the ethos of the School by upholding the behaviour code, uniform regulations and other expectations
  • Be inclusive, provide all Boarders with the best possible experience of a boarding education by ensuring a challenging and supportive environment: a home from home for Boarders
  • Act as a positive role model for students, exemplifying a positive attitude
  • Ensure the safety and security of all Boarders when they are in the School’s care by following procedures, adhering to ratios and supervising vigilantly
  • Have an understanding of students’ personal, academic and emotional needs and be concerned for all aspects of their development Accountability
  • Ensure student progress is reported by assisting with written reports to parents each term
  • Demonstrate responsibility by motivating and enthusing staff and students
  • Ensure Boarders are making good progress, taking appropriate action if a Boarder needs extra support
  • Ensure your personal beliefs are not infiltrating through your work
  • Participate in the School Professional Development and Mentoring Programme
  • Reflect on your pastoral care and adapt as necessary
  • Attend weekly meetings as necessary 3 Additional duties
  • Attend all school functions as required, outlined in the Staff and Boarding Calendars
  • Participate in meetings, training, preparation days and School/Boarding events as needed, including before the start of term, when term has finished and during long weekends
  • Make a contribution to School events and projects
  • Ensure that all deadlines are met, as published in the School Calendar or highlighted by your Line Manager
  • Provide in House cover as and when required by Line Manager
  • Engage in professional development both inside and outside the School Other
  • Liaise with your Line Manager promptly, communicating clearly, listening carefully and responding to feedback appropriately
  • Demonstrate effective time and resource management
  • Work cooperatively with colleagues
  • Ensure that as a member of staff you set the highest standards (being punctual, dealing with adults and students in a sensitive manner, being open to change, appropriate dress, etc.)
  • Preserve and promote the good name of JFK in all dealings with the community and parents
  • Work effectively with other people by treating people respectfully and equally and developing good working relationships
  • Maintain confidentiality – never publicly relay information about the School or students until the Director has given permission
  • Manage resources effectively, in particular demonstrating strong time management skills but also effective management of equipment, ICT facilities and information
  • Maintain a professional and business-like appearance at school • Ensure that all interaction with students and parents remains within the confines of an appropriate professional relationship. (including facebook/instagram pictures and friendships)
  • The entire School site is a non-smoking area

 

Benefits

  • All meals are provided for Boarding Staff during term-time
  • Comfortable, on site accommodation is provided for Boarding Staff throughout the year, inclusive of facility costs
  • Overnight stays by third persons is generally permitted but the use of the facilities must be authorised ahead of time
  • The purchase of a ski pass The job description is subject to variation depending on the needs of the School. Staff may be required to carry out additional reasonable requests as requested by their Line Manager or the Director of the School.

Specific Job Description Boarding Assistant

  • Work 6 duty days of the week for a 100% position, averaging a 52 hour week
  • Additional time off such as day or evening duties are provided at the discretion of the School with the expectation that sufficient time and responsibility is taken to ensure the general organisation of the role. Specific areas of responsibility
  • Provide support in the Boarding House as required, becoming familiar with Boarders and House routines
  • Be a contact person for Boarding day duties as required
  • Provide in House cover when needed, including as a replacement for Houseparents during times of absence
  • Participate in an engaging weekend activity program
  • Contribute to the running of an enriching Boarding program, including participation in routines, events and initiatives
  • Assist with Boarders’ extra curricular commitments, travel arrangements, appointments and transport
playground with sunset view
school building view middle school
church with sunset in the back
top school and playground view
gstaad view of mountains
Gstaad by night 2

Information to Job Applicants

John F. Kennedy International School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Any offer of employment will be subject to receipt of a criminal check.

Please send by email to zannie@jfk.ch with all of the following documents:

  •       Your CV
  •       A letter of application
  •       Contact details of two referees, including your current employer (if available):
  •       Email address
  •       A copy of your passport

We will consider your application only all documentation has been received. Please note only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Kindly be advised that only EU / Swiss nationals/permit holders will be considered due to strict visa regulations.

John F. Kennedy International School

Zannie Odobasic-Leong
Head of Business & Administration
Chilchgasse 8
3792 Saanen
Switzerland

 

Non-European applications

To our great regret, changes to Swiss law have made it extremely difficult for international schools like JFK to obtain work permits for non-EU citizens. For this reason, applicants without EU passports or Swiss work permits are advised that this greatly reduces their chances of being put on a short list.

Contact Human Resources

Schlappi-Isabelle-1
Isabelle Schläppi