Mentor - Winter 2023

Wild Whatcom is an outdoor education non-profit organization based in Bellingham, Washington, serving people of all ages throughout Whatcom County, with a focus on school-aged youth. Programs are offered year-round, including school day and after school programs, weekend outings, summer camps, Ladies Night Out, Community Field Trips, and much more! Visit our website to learn more about all of our program offerings: www.wildwhatcom.org

Wild Whatcom seeks enthusiastic outdoor and environmental educators to work as Field Mentors across various programs. Mentors co-lead outings, which include nature exploration, skills lessons covering a range of topics from plant identification to fire by friction, and service projects in parks and outdoor spaces in Whatcom County. Mentors are also responsible for communication with participant families, lesson preparation, and related clerical duties. Wild Whatcom is currently seeking one (1) salaried Mentor starting in Feb of 2023. 

Position Description

This salaried position is 30 hours per week on average, with seasonal variability beginning Tues Feb 28 through June 16, switching to hourly during the summer months (June-August). In addition to accrued paid time off, salaried positions also receive paid holidays. During the school year, the work week will include weekends (Saturday and Sunday) and 2-3 weekdays. In mid-June, the salaried position will switch to hourly pay for our Summer Camps programming (M-F) with the option to work up to 30 hours per week on average.  

This position’s base hourly range is $16.50-18.00; actual salary will reflect level of experience and qualifications relative to position requirements. 

Wild Whatcom does not currently offer traditional health care benefits (though we are working toward that). However, there are a variety of other benefits offered to staff, such as paid professional development opportunities/training, subsidized wilderness medicine certifications, gear stipends, and annual Discover passes. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Co-lead a variety of outings with child-led, inquiry-based, experiential, and playful approaches
• Participate in all required training with enthusiasm and engagement
• Awaken a sense of wonder teaching natural history and outdoor skills while exploring local areas
• Facilitate collaborative leadership and decision-making to augment developing life skills
• Practice effective risk management at all times, creating a safe learning experience for all
• Maintain clear, responsive, honest, and respectful communications with participants and staff
• Serve as a mentor to participants appropriate to their needs as individuals and as a group
• Work closely with other members of the field staff team to plan, prepare, and lead outings
• Assist with gear maintenance, storage, and coordination
• Assist with program logistics
• Support and contribute to documentation/record-keeping
• Share concerns and successes and seek advice from Program Coordinators or Managers, Program Director, and Executive Director to ensure program quality

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

The list below includes some of the preferred qualifications that we think prepares an individual for success in this role. If you have a combination of some of them, have similar experience, or believe you may fulfill this role well, please apply!

• Passion for facilitating meaningful connections to nature and community, ideally with a basic knowledge of ecology and/or outdoor skills
• Personal or professional experience recreating in wilderness environments
• Preschool staff will be required to have experience working with young children (ages 2-6).
• Strong work ethic and professional work habits (punctual, responsive, organized, detailed)
• Experience working with children, specifically with behavior and risk management outdoors
• Flexibility and vision to engage with and support a growing organization
• Valid driver’s license and excellent driving record (background check is required)
• Ability to carry 20+ lbs in a variety of weather and terrain
• Current CPR certification (or willingness to receive certification before working in the field, partially subsidized by Wild Whatcom)
• Current Wilderness First Aid (or higher) certification (or willingness to receive certification before working in the field, partially subsidized by Wild Whatcom) 
• Experience with or willingness to learn Google Suite applications such as Google drive, Gmail, and Google calendar
• Strong communication skills and a desire to engage in dialogue with both participants and families