Please see the following website for full job posting and application link: http://ncascades.atsondemand.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=512617.viewjobdetail&CID=512617&JID=662529

Based out of the North Cascades Environmental Learning Center in North Cascades National Park, the Program Instructor position functions as a professional member of the North Cascades Institute’s program instructional team. This position primarily supports the Mountain School program in the spring and fall, Adult & Family programs in the summer, and assists with other Institute programming throughout the instructor season. The ideal candidate is a creative, energetic, professional, motivated, cooperative team player. They possess a strong work ethic with motivation to grow professionally as an instructor and as a key staff member of a mission-driven organization. Priority consideration will be given to candidates with prior experience in the roles, program areas, and tracks in which they apply.

The work location for the Program Instructor is at the North Cascades Environmental Learning Center. The Learning Center is located in the heart of the North Cascades National Park near Diablo, WA, and serves as a hub for a small network of trails along the shores of Diablo Lake. This region of North America has been visited by native tribes for over 9,000 years and continues to be a meaningful location for thousands of visitors each year. Opened in 2005, the Learning Center is a collaboration between North Cascades Institute, the National Park Service, and Seattle City Light, the public utility that owns and operates the hydroelectric project that includes Diablo Lake, and provides electricity to the residents of Seattle. The Learning Center is approximately 20 miles from the nearest gas station and post office, and 60 miles from towns with full amenities.

PROGRAM AREAS

Mountain School Programs (Spring)

Mountain School is the Institute’s primary school based education program. It is a nationally recognized residential environmental education program serving approximately 2,400 elementary and middle school students annually. Students spend three days and two nights at the Learning Center hiking under towering trees, exploring terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, and learning about the rich natural and cultural history of one of the most biodiverse regions in the world. Program instructors lead trail groups of students primarily from fifth grade classrooms, facilitating a safe, hands-on, outdoor learning experience.

Graduate Program (Spring)

North Cascades Institute, in partnership with Western Washington University’s Huxley College of the Environment, offers a Master of Environmental Education degree program. This program blends teaching, leadership, nonprofit administration, curriculum development, instructional strategies, as well as natural and cultural history. Graduate students function as Mountain School instructors during the Spring Mountain School season as a way to fulfill their teaching practicum requirement. Program instructors function as professional examples for graduate students during this teaching practicum.

Program Instruction & Delivery (85%)

• Create a safe, welcoming learning environment for youth and adults through positive reinforcement, role-modeling, and cultural sensitivity
• Design and implement lessons with clear learning objectives in natural and cultural history, science, the arts, and other subjects during Mountain School
• Deliver Mountain School student orientations
• Lead program participants on trail hikes
• Assist with maintaining and managing inventory of program educational materials
• Provide positive learning environment and peer coaching to Graduate Students during Mountain School teaching practicum
• Drive participants to and from off-campus locations using Institute vehicles, if qualified to drive and as needed
• Function as Camptender for Mountain School, as needed
• Assist in other Learning Center program areas as needed

Administration (10%)

• Regularly report on programming activities and field issues/concerns to Program Coordinator
• Participate in all scheduled program trainings including check-ins with supervisor
• Manage, respond to, and report any risk management incidents
• Engage in self-guided research into relevant natural history topics
• Support marketing and registration that promote enrollment

General (5%)

• Support and actively contribute to the Institute’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion initiatives
• Participate in Learning Center staff meetings and weekly community work parties
• Provide ELC facilities, housekeeping, and kitchen staff with occasional light duty support
• Other duties as assigned

START DATE

February 19, 2019

JOB DURATION

February 19th – June 4, 2019