Coös County Senior Educator

Applications submitted by October 13th will be given preference in the selection process. Application submitted after October 13th will be reviewed on a rolling basis until all positions have been filled.

During the academic school year, the Coös County Senior Educator will predominantly plan and lead educational programs for the students of Coös County (grades k-12). These programs include school-based (60%) curriculum-centered science education programs and hiking focused field trip programs, based at AMC Huts and Lodges (40%). Field trip programs can range from 1-5 days and include overnights. Academic lessons on climate change, forest and watershed ecology, map and compass, sense of place, weather and climate, outdoor skills, community-building and team building are integrated and taught in a nature-centered hiking or schoolyard-based programs. The Coös Senior Educator is responsible for curriculum planning for these programs. 

During the summer months, outside of the school year, Coös County Senior Educators primarily work with a co-leader to facilitate 3 to 6 day overnight backcountry trips for Coös County teens aged 12 to 17. These multi-day trips take place on public lands either in the backcountry or while base camping. Educators are responsible for supervising and supporting the group on these immersive multiday programs. A training in basic backpacking skills will be provided, but prior backpacking / backcountry camping experience is preferred.

Schedules are typically Monday through Friday, but flexibility is necessary for weekend programs. Educators can expect 4 days off per 2-week period.

What you’ll be doing at AMC

• Implement thematic, place-based environmental education, leadership, and community building lesson plans that meet the needs of diverse student populations, are culturally relevant, transferable for students and incorporate the learning objectives of the program.
• Work independently or collaboratively on projects such as curriculum development, the creation of teaching tools, and logistical tasks such as communicating with teachers, schools, and community partners.
• Create and foster an inclusive group culture and learning environment among participants and co-workers.
• Assist with AMCR seasonal trainings in spring, summer, and fall.
• Lead and facilitate day programs within local communities at schools and AMC lodges
• Lead and facilitate multi-day hiking, backpacking, and canoeing wilderness programs, which are student-centered and experiential. These programs occur throughout all 4-seasons, including winter months.
• Ensure the physical, emotional, and social safety of 8-10 student and teen participants on field-based programs.
• Manage incidents in the backcountry; communicate effectively with on-call team and facilitate evacuations when necessary.
• Model responsible behavior in the outdoors and Leave No Trace ethics.
• Perform logistics functions for the program including issuing, collecting, cleaning, and maintaining gear, preparing teaching supplies, organizing food, and evacuations.
• Plan menus, handle food requisitions, and cook meals when huts are self-service
• Drive 12-passenger vans carrying participants.
• Maintain professionalism through lesson planning, personal appearance, and communication with other staff, chaperones, and/or participants.
• Collaborate with other AMC Staff to guide day-long or multi-day adult and family workshops. 

What AMC is Looking For

• Friendly, patient, flexible personality with commitment and enthusiasm for teaching and guiding youth in outdoor settings.
• Experience leading student/youth groups in the backcountry.
• Prior experience - and/or willingness to build skills in – curriculum development and teaching.
• Wilderness First-Aid & CPR certification (WFR preferred) or the ability to obtain certification prior to starting employment.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience
• Work requires backcountry travel. Requires ability to hike 6 – 8 miles per day on uneven terrain, carrying a backpack and other equipment up to 40 pounds, in all weather conditions.
• Willingness to, at times, work long hours in mentally and physically demanding conditions
• Commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion and ability to work with youth across a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences.
• Able to effectively collaborate and communicate with co-leaders that may have varying leadership and communication styles.
• Able to create an emotionally safe and inclusive learning environment, create a positive group culture, and build healthy rapport with youth.
• Satisfactory driving record and background check, as verified by state record check.
• 21+ years old and ability to obtain DOT medical clearance to drive vehicles strongly preferred.