EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
North Cascades Institute
Program Instructor
SUMMARY
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 works primarily in the field leading student groups and runs in the fall and spring, with a 10 week furlough during the winter. 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.
POSITION LOCATION
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 (Fall and Spring)
Mountain School is the Institute’s primary school based education program. It is a nationally recognized residential environmental education program serving approximately 2,700 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. Field Instructors lead trail groups of students primarily from fifth grade classrooms, facilitating a safe, hands-on, outdoor learning experience.
Other positions may be available for Program Instructors in the summer
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
●Ability to work with groups that have diverse backgrounds, cultures, and abilities
●Enthusiasm for learning and teaching about the natural world
●Previous experience in instructional roles
●Good judgment, flexibility and ability to work independently and reliably
●Ability to lift and carry 30 pounds
●Ability to talk and instruct while hiking over uneven terrain
●Ability to work flexible hours including evenings
●Ability to work and live in a small, rural community
●Final offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check that may include employment history, national criminal background check, national sex offender registry search and a driving history check
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
●Experience working collaboratively with individuals from different identity groups
●Experience living or working in communities historically underrepresented in the field of environmental education
●Experience teaching elementary and middle school youth, as well as working with teachers and parent chaperones
●Ability to employ different teaching methods and styles to accommodate all learners
●Current Wilderness First Responder (preferred) upon date of hire
●Experience leading wilderness programs and associated risk management protocols
●Ability to create environments that support social-emotional learning
●Ability to facilitate inquiry-based teaching and learning
●Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in related field
●Knowledge of basic scientific principles and how to teach them
●Ability to speak multiple languages (Spanish preferred)
●Experience creating lesson plans
●Ability to engage in peer-coaching within the teaching team
●Experience teaching Mountain School
●Knowledge of the North Cascades natural and cultural history
RESPONSIBILITIES
Program Instruction & Delivery (80%)
●Create a safe, welcoming learning environment for students through positive reinforcement,role-modeling, and cultural sensitivity
●Facilitate lessons with clear learning objectives in natural and cultural history, science, the arts, and other subjects
●Assist in delivering Mountain School student orientations
●Lead program participants on trail hikes
●Assist with maintaining and managing inventory of program educational materials
●Function as behind-the-scenes “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 appropriate supervisor
●Participate in all scheduled program trainings including a 2.5 week pre-season training and check-ins with supervisor
●Manage, respond to, and report any risk management incidents
●Engage in self-guided research into relevant natural history topics
●Support Institute program marketing as a frontline educator
Stewardship Area (5%)
●Complete work for an assigned project area. Some project areas include managing our aquatics lab or library, collaborating with kitchen or housekeeping staff, caring for instructional inventory and more.
●Report progress in your assigned area to the larger North Cascades Institute community as necessary.
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
COMPENSATION & HOUSING
This is a temporary/seasonal, full time, non-exempt position, with a 10 week furlough, eligible for overtime pay. The wage is $13.00-$13.50 per hour depending on experience and wilderness certification; benefits include sick leave and holiday pay. Shared rental housing may be available, either at the Learning Center or in the neighboring towns of Diablo or Marblemount. Pets and smoking are not allowed in Institute housing. Meals are provided when programs are in session; otherwise, instructors are responsible for providing their own food. Employees are responsible for transportation to and from work.
START DATE
August 21st, 2019
JOB DURATION
August 21st, 2019 – June 5th, 2020 (with furlough December 11th, 2019 – February 23rd, 2020)
Dates are subject to change based on emerging budget and programmatic considerations
TO APPLY
Please apply online on our website at: http://ncascades.atsondemand.com/
Complete the online application and upload a cover letter and resume.
Application deadline is June 17, 2019 (priority; open until filled)
COMMITMENT TO MISSION AND VALUES
Successful candidates will have a commitment to the mission of North Cascades Institute and the organization’s effort to promote diversity, equity and inclusion throughout the Institute’s culture, work and partnering relationships to ensure that the Institute and its programs are welcoming, relevant and accessible.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce is a high priority at North Cascades Institute. The Institute does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, military, genetic information, ancestry, marital status, age, citizenship or any other basis prohibited by law in any of its policies or programs.
ABOUT NORTH CASCADES INSTITUTE
The Institute’s mission is to inspire and empower environmental stewardship for all through transformative educational experiences in nature. Since 1986 we have helped connect people, nature and community through science, art, literature and the hands-on study of natural and cultural history. Our goal is to help people of all ages and backgrounds experience and enjoy the mountains, rivers, forests, people and wildlife of the Pacific Northwest – so all will care for and protect this special place. The Institute is committed to innovation and excellence in environmental learning and leadership in the nonprofit community. We believe that sustainable communities are built on healthy environments, vibrant economies and social equity.
North Cascades Institute, www.ncascades.org, is a respected, national leader among U.S. environmental education organizations. The Institute is in sound financial health with a $4 million budget and strong reserves and more than a decade of Four-Star ratings with Charity Navigator. The Institute was also voted “Best Place to Work” in 2013 Bellingham Alive- Best in the Northwest Annual readers’ poll. This is a wonderful opportunity to join North Cascades Institute at a time of exciting growth.Job