Outdoor Science Education Specialist

Position Description

Title: Outdoor Science Program Education Guide

[This position has 5 experience levels, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5.]  

Category: Part time/Full time, Seasonal or Year Round

[This position is available as part or full-time and either seasonally in winter, spring, or summer, or year-round, non-seasonal]

Weekly Hours: 

Part time: 10-25 hours/week

Full time: 35-40 hours/week, subject to overtime as requested and approved by supervisor. Overtime hours start at more than 40 hours/week and are subject to overtime pay.

Work Schedule: varies according to program. May include weekends.  

Reports to: Outdoor Science Program Assistant Directors

Team: Into the Woods Alaska Education Team

Position Overview, Duties, and Scope of Practice: 

About us and best fit for the Outdoor Science Program Education Guide: 

The Into the Woods Alaska education team is a small, dedicated, project-oriented team that works collaboratively to accomplish the mission goals of Into the Woods Alaska. The Outdoor Science Program Education Guide will need to be an individual who is adaptable to a fast-paced work environment, can use independent time, creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving skills to help further the mission of Into the Woods Alaska 

The Into the Woods Alaska Outdoor Science Program Education Guide is ideal for early career individuals or as a next step for applicants who have had an internship or seasonal position(s) in the field. This position is a best fit for individuals who are empowered to leverage their position and responsibilities to increase their professional resume and portfolio of experience and qualifications – someone who wants to use this position to bring out the best of themselves and not settle for minimal performance. The education team’s direct goal is to create a world-class outdoor science education program based out of Anchorage, Alaska.

General Position Overview: 

Under the direction of the Director’s team, the Outdoor Science Program Education Guide will implement, coordinate, and reinforce educational programs and program operations offered by Into the Woods Alaska (ITWAK). As a team member of a small, growing company navigating the ups and downs of the COVID-19 pandemic, the ideal candidate will show their ability to use creativity and work with flexibility.The primary duties of this position are educating students and leading programs; other tasks may include administrative duties and assisting with other tasks as assigned to maintain and move ITWAK forward. 

Into the Woods Alaska’s programs focus on Outdoor Science, including environmental science and outdoor recreation skills. Therefore, the Outdoor Science Program Education Guide must possess knowledge, experience, education, or a combination thereof in environmental sciences, as well as basic outdoor recreation skills and at least 2 recreation areas where they are either certified as needed depending on the activity, or comfortable leading programs, such as Mountain Biking, Nordic or alpine skiing, winter hiking and camping skills, summer hiking and camping skills, backpacking, water sports and safety, rock climbing, ice climbing, wellness, Naturalism and Outdoor Art, or any related field to outdoor recreation.

Position Duties:

• Interpretation and education for environmental science & outdoor recreation skills.
• Foster connections with youth, wildlife, and the natural world around us while highlighting the mission of ITWAK
• Coordination of programs and educational outreach events/workshops 
• Collaborate and generate unique ideas to refine and lead world-class outdoor science programming
• Follow direction from supervisors
• Monitor attendance of programs & workshops
• Work proactively on all duties assigned to accomplish program and curriculum goals in a timely manner
• Maintain and develop resources used in educational programming.
• Communicate schedule of daily programs within and between departments
• Attend educational outreach events

Position Requirements and Qualifications: 

Required Skills and Abilities

• 1-3 years of experience in similar field, some experience in leadership setting and working with youth
• Knowledge of child development stages – know how to talk to, inspire, motivate, and lead youth based on their personal developmental age and abilities
• Ensures and helps to create a productive, fun, and positive work environment.
• Sustain a strong commitment to teamwork and communication at ITWAK.
• Comfortable connecting with students across Alaska as well as across the country and the world.
• CPR/First Aid certifications and Wilderness First Responder (WFR), Wilderness First Aid (WFA), or ETT (Emergency Trauma Technician), or other Emergency Medical Technician skills and certifications.
• Demonstrated Moose and Bear Safety knowledge. 
• Ability to work outdoors in extreme wind, temperatures, rain, and winter conditions.
• Demonstrated Leave No Trace knowledge and practice standards

Preferred Skills and abilities

• Experience teaching curriculum that is aligned with science standards
• Familiarity with virtual learning platforms
• Second language
• Education related to wildlife biology, zoology, geography or similar environmental science field
• Education, Experience, Certifications, and skills in outdoor recreation activities that may take place in Alaska
• Experience using Microsoft Suite, Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Drive, Onedrive, Dropbox
• National Association of Interpretation Certified Guide and experience writing programs in the interpretive outline.
• Experience writing or facilitating wildlife or environmental education programming

Additional Requirements

• Schedule will vary based on programming needs and season to include weekends, holidays, early morning, evenings, and over nights. Regular schedule will not include weekends, but occasional weekend workshops may be necessary.
• Regular schedule will not exceed 40 hours per week. Exceptions exceeding 40 hours per week are subject to overtime and require prior written approval from the CEO/Director of Operations and Programs
• Either working toward or already obtained a BS or BA in a natural science or education, outdoor studies or education, or equivalent combination of work experience and/or personal experience
• Must be eligible to work in the United States
• Must have valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record
• Must be able to pass federal background check
• Must have received or be willing to receive covid-19 vaccinations and boosters by date of hire to be considered. Proof of vaccination required. Additionally, must be willing to receive vaccinations required for international travel destinations as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned

How to apply:

Into the Woods Alaska, LLC

www.intothewoodsalaska.com

contact@intothewoodsalaska.com

907-406-5651 ~ 907-229-9780

Interested Candidates, please email your resume and a cover letter to the above email address. Please call the above phone numbers or email if you have any questions.