Youth Field Educator

Youth Field Educator

Classification: Full-time Seasonal, Non-Exempt 

Reports to: Youth Program Manager 

Job Duration: Mid-May to September; dates will be mutually agreed upon 

DEC Overview: 

Denali Education Center (DEC) is a non-advocacy, for-purpose organization and partner of Denali National Park and Preserve. Our mission is to promote understanding and appreciation of Denali through fun,  informative, and inspiring programs. Denali Education Center currently offers five flagship summer youth programs that serve a diverse population and a wide range of ages. These programs include: 

Tundra Tots: A one-hour nature-based sensory program for children ages 2-5 years

Denali Discovery Camp: A week-long experiential learning adventure for students in 1st-8th grade 

Denali Field Camps: Campground-based learning adventures ranging from 3-5 days. Customized to fit the goals and abilities of the groups and organizations we work with. For 8th graders - early college.

Denali Backcountry Adventures: A week-long backpacking expedition for students in 9th-12th grade

Wilderness Intensive Learning Development (WILD) about Denali: A four to five-day wilderness camping experience for underserved populations, both adult and youth. 

Talkeetna Discovery Camp: 2023 is the third year that week-long day camps will be offered at our Talkeetna location for local 1st-8th graders.

Position Overview:

The Youth Field Educator will assist the Youth Programs Manager with planning, logistics, and  preparation for all Denali Education Center youth programs. This will include leading youth programs in Denali’s front-country and backcountry areas, with the potential to assist with youth programs at DEC’s Talkeetna Campus. Successful candidates will be motivated, energetic, flexible, and organized individuals capable of working independently or in a small group setting. Applicants should expect to work in a wide variety of conditions including but not limited to, varied weather patterns, cold temperatures, and remote off-trail areas of Denali’s backcountry. The summer schedule will typically consist of a week on, then a week off.

Main Position Responsibilities: 

Programs 

∙ Lead and co-lead youth programs in front-country and backcountry settings in partnership with Denali National Park Rangers

∙ Lead and develop curriculum for weekly one-hour Tundra Tots programs as schedule allows

∙ Uphold the DEC mission and value systems throughout all programmatic activities

∙ Model and follow all COVID safety protocols outlined by Denali Education Center 

∙ Manage and  maintain youth program equipment                            ∙ Work with Youth Programs Manager on pre-program preparation and post-program de-briefing and tear-down programs (food purchasing and packing, gear usage, etc.) 

∙ Foster relationships with the National Park Service, local schools, current program partners, and other youth and education organizations to support Denali Education Center’s mission and programming.                              

∙ Assist with equipment maintenance, projects on campus grounds, and program support  

∙ Work flexible hours as needed 

Development and Communication 

∙ Assist in pre-program communication with participants as schedule allows

∙ Assist in managing youth program photos to be used for marketing purposes

∙ Work youth program-related fundraising events and the organization’s annual fundraising events

∙ Communicate effectively with participants to promote a supportive and inclusive learning environment

∙ Develop and expand current curriculum to meet the needs of various youth programs

Qualifications 

∙ Experience leading wilderness trips or experience backpacking on and off trails in remote settings

∙ Experience with and passion for working with youth 

∙ Culturally sensitive; ability to develop a rapport with individuals from diverse backgrounds

∙ Must be 21+ years old 

∙ Required certifications (or ability to obtain): Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification, valid driver’s license and insurable driving record, mandated reporter certification

Preferred Knowledge and Skills 

∙ 2+ years of experience working in education or outdoor youth programming    

∙ Outdoor technical skills (orienteering, risk management, etc.) 

∙ Knowledge of Leave No Trace principles 

∙ Curriculum development and lesson planning experience

∙ Ability to prioritize and conduct multiple tasks in a fast-paced and variable work environment    ∙ Team player but with the ability to work independently 

∙ Strong communication skills: oral and written 

∙ Solid interpersonal communication skills with peers, staff, the local community, and youth

∙ Understanding of general COVID safety guidelines and mitigation strategies

For the full job description visit: https://www.denali.org/employment/ 

To apply, email a resume, cover letter, and at least two professional references to Shannon Conway at youth@denali.org.