Duration: 5/28/2019 to 8/21/2019, with at least one full week off.

Background

Discovery Southeast provides a great opportunity to lead meaningful programs while working with, and learning from, outstanding educators and naturalists.

For nearly 30 years Discovery Southeast’s education and exploration programs have deepened Southeast Alaskans’ connection with nature. We are a regional non-profit started by outdoor leaders in Southeast Alaska to ensure that local residents, particularly children, experience the outstanding natural areas that travelers from around the world come to visit. Today, with many of those same founders still involved, our programs teach children to experience, be comfortable in, and explore nature with a field-based, hands-on approach. We strive to reach all Juneau youth, particularly those who might not otherwise be introduced to the outdoors at a young age.

Description and Goals of Position:

The Outdoor Youth Educator will spend the majority of their time in the field leading groups of elementary to middle school aged children as they explore the natural history of Juneau. This is part of Discovery Southeast’s hands-on outdoor education summer camp, Outdoor Explorers. Educators will work week-long day camps for most of the summer, with the possible opportunity of working one or two overnight camps as well. Overnight camps include a cabin-to-cabin backpacking trip and a sea kayak expedition. The educator will work with a group of 13 children, ages 7-12, each week, engaging them with Juneau’s natural areas through outdoor exploration, natural history, science based education, and environmental education games and activities. Educators work directly with a co-educator and other program staff in the field, as well as partner with other local youth program providers for activities. Before and throughout the summer, educators will receive training and experience in inquiry based, hands-on field leadership and Southeast Alaska natural history. The educator is also responsible for minimal coordination and administration of the summer program and reports to the Executive or Program Director.

The position is full time, with 40 hours a week at a rate of $15-16 per hour DOE. Educators will work 7-9 weeks of camp, with a break midsummer, additional weeks off may be negotiable.

Responsibilities:

  • Provide support for, and ensure the physical and emotional safety and well being of a group of up to 13 children
  • Promote good decision making skills, self leadership, and a curiosity for the outdoors
  • Prepare and facilitate fun, engaging lessons and activities with a focus on outdoor skills, natural history, and nature education
  • Perform some administrative tasks in support of the summer day camp program, such as communicating with participant’s parents and contacting local contractors
  • Perform weekly duties including: restocking supplies, cleaning the van, and other tasks as necessary
  • Participate in weekly staff meetings and in regular, open communication with co-workers

Qualifications:

  • Experience and interest in working with elementary age children, particularly in group or outdoor education settings
  • Experience in, and comfort with, the outdoors, such as guiding, backcountry travel, or natural history interpretation
  • Enthusiasm for our goal of providing children formative experiences outdoors and a strong connection with nature
  • Excellent interpersonal skills
  • First Aid and Child/Infant CPR certification (or higher) by start of employment, Wilderness First Aid or Responder is great but not required.
  • Ability to maintain energy throughout an 8-hour day which could include: hiking up to 6 miles per day, carrying extra gear in day pack, sea kayaking, and other outdoor activities.
  • Must be able to attend training May 28th-31st, 2019
  • Experience leading overnight or kayak trips is required only for those interested in working those camps.
  • Comfort driving a 15 passenger van desired (not required)

Discovery Southeast provides regular trainings as well as on the job opportunities to train with experienced naturalists. Applicants will need to pass a background check before employment.

Interested candidates should 1) submit a cover letter and résumé to Bess Crandall, at bess@discoverysoutheast.org. 2) Applicants who are current or recent university students should also submit a resume through the Alaska Conservation Foundation Ted Smith intern program (alaskaconservation.org/internships/). Applying through both routes gives applicants the most options. The ACF intern program offers slightly less hourly pay, but covers round trip transportation to Alaska, training with regional conservation groups, and more weeks of employment.

More information about our programs is at DiscoverySoutheast.org. We prefer to receive applications by January 21st. Later applications will be considered as needed