Environmental Program Instructor

This position teaches, leads and supports youth, adult, and family programs at the Environmental Learning Center (ELC) for a ten month period, from mid-February to mid-December. A successful candidate may hail from a variety of professional backgrounds, but loves teaching and being outdoors. They are inspired to share different ways of knowing, engaging science, art, play, creativity, relationship and nature connection, with both children and adults. They are energetic, professional, motivated, and a cooperative team player willing to work hard, have fun, and make a difference. They possess a strong motivation to empower their career, learn and grow professionally as an instructor and as a key staff member of a mission-driven organization. There are multiple Instructor positions available. Position Location and Description: The work location for the Environmental Program Instructor is at the North Cascades Environmental Learning Center located in the heart of the North Cascades National Park on Diablo Lake. Mountain School, an overnight learning program for 5th graders, takes place from February to the end of May. Summer activities, which take a variety of guises for the public at large, proceed from June to late August. Mountain School resumes in September and continues to mid-December. There are two tracks in the summer, one engaged with a variety of programming at the Learning Center, and the other committed to remote backcountry leadership adventures with teens.

Required Qualifications

• Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and ages
• Enthusiasm for learning and teaching about the natural world
• Previous experience, professional or volunteer, in teaching roles, group leadership and facilitation
• Successful applicants will be required to have a minimum of Wilderness First Aid (WFA) certification by the start of employment; valid through the entire term of employment. If needed, the Institute  will provide training at no cost, prior to employment start.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience teaching and/or leading elementary and middle school youth, as well as working with teachers and parent chaperones
• Experience creating, leading and instructing programs for adult learners
• Experience developing and delivering interpretive programs in park settings
• Experience employing different teaching methods and styles to accommodate different audiences and learning styles
• Experience managing risk in remote settings
• Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in related field
• Knowledge of basic scientific principles and how to teach them
• Knowledge of the North Cascades natural and cultural history
• Generally being skillful at engaging groups of folks in activities, adventures and learning
• Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification

Responsibilities

Program Instruction and Support (85%)

• Design and Deliver lessons in natural and cultural history, the arts, mind mapping, interconnectedness, social emotional learning and natural science topics: climate change, fluvial/alluvial valleys, watersheds, decomposition, web of life, geology, stream ecology
• Lead program participants on trail hikes with groups ranging from 8-16 participants. Hikes range from 0.25-7 miles across rugged North Cascades trails and terrain.
• Facilitate program participant experiences, including arrival orientations, meal times, campfire programs, and post-program evaluations
• Assist with maintenance and management of program inventory and materials
• Help deliver interpretive, naturalist and natural history field programs for on and off-site guests
• Lead and paddle canoe programs in both two-person and large canoes, from 2-18 participants. The Institute will provide training.
• Assist with all operations for 4-5 weddings hosted at the ELC
• Skagit Information Center - staff desk and Point of Sales system at information center to assist summer travelers and help with retail sales

Administration (10%)

• Regularly report on programming activities and field issues/concerns to Program Coordinator
• Participate in all scheduled program trainings
• Participate in regular check-ins as a group and with your supervisor
• Report any risk management incidents
• Engage in self-guided research and learning into relevant natural history topics

General (5%)

• Support and actively contribute to the Institute’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion initiatives
• Participate in Learning Center staff meetings
• Provide ELC facilities, housekeeping, and kitchen staff with occasional support as needed
• Support marketing and registration to promote enrollment
• Other duties as assigned

Physical Demands

• Sit, stand, dance, talk, yell, sing, and hear, use hands and fingers to operate field equipment; reach with hands and arms
• Job duties are often carried out while hiking over uneven terrain with participants
• Candidates will be trained and certified to use and lead canoe programs during summer programs
• Candidates must be able to lift, load, pack, and carry teaching materials and field equipment of 30-50 pounds

Final offers of employment are 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. If a candidate will drive for the Institute they must have a valid driver’s license and driving record check with no more than one moving violation in the past three years, no DUI, reckless driving or serious moving violations.

Start Date

February 13, 2023

Job Duration

February 13 – December 14, 2023.

During Mountain School seasons, work schedules may be reduced for spring break (April), Thanksgiving (November), and the end of the season (December).

Application Deadline

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until all positions are filled.

To Apply

Please apply online on our website at: https://ncascades.org/jobs

Complete the online application and upload a resume and a cover letter.

When available, a complete, detailed Job Description with the details can be viewed here: http://ncascades.org/epi

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

North Cascades Institute requires all employees to receive a COVID-19 vaccine and to provide proof of inoculation unless a reasonable accommodation is approved. All new hires are expected to comply with these requirements upon employment.

North Cascades Institute's mission is to inspire environmental stewardship through transformative learning 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. 

North Cascades Institute is a respected leader among U.S. environmental education organizations, and we believe that sustainable communities are built on healthy environments, vibrant economies and social equity. The Institute is in sound financial health with a $4 million budget and strong reserves, and 15 four-star ratings with Charity Navigator for sound fiscal management and commitment to accountability and transparency.