SUMMARY

The Conference and Retreat Program Instructor serves a key role in teaching and hosting a wide variety of groups for retreats, field seminars, celebrations, and conferences at the Environmental Learning Center. The primary purpose of this role is to design and execute educational programming for conference and retreat groups; communicate program logistics to participants and ELC staff, and facilitate check-in, orientation, meals, and lodging for groups. This position contributes to our mission by helping guests explore and understand this unique ecosystem.

This temporary/seasonal, full time, non-exempt position starts on May 15, 2020 and ends October 15, 2020. Instructors should expect to work approximately 40 hours each week, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. This non-exempt position is eligible for overtime pay. There is also some flexibility in responsibilities based upon individual skills, interests, and medical certifications.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Field Supervision, Instruction, and Hosting (75%):

• Serve as host and educator for conferences, retreats, celebrations and other gatherings
• Design new curriculum and adapt existing curriculum to best fit the needs of each group
• Responsible for performing classroom set up and clean up for CR programs
• Facilitate program debriefs with program coordinators
• Assist and/or instruct in other Learning Center program areas as needed including but not limited to Adult Seminars and Basecamp

Administration Conferences & Retreats (15%):

• Assist administrative team with check in, collecting personal information forms, and sharing updates to lodging and meal plan with administrative team
• Develop proficiency with Salesforce database in order to track predict program needs and coordinate alongside CR Manager and coordinator, and ELC staff
• Plan and develop education activities for CR participants
• Assist in tracking emerging programmatic issues and creating solutions and strategies as needed
• Assist with program assessments and evaluations
• Provide administrative and program support to Conferences & Retreats Manager and coordinator as needed

General (10%)

• Drive Institute vehicles with program participants, including vans and 14-passenger buses
• Provide leadership in risk management before, during and after programs including prompt review and follow-up of incident reports
• Support marketing and registration activities that promote enrollment
• Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Qualifications:

• Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and ages
• Passion for adult experiential education
• Experience teaching both youth and adults in various capacities; in the field, classroom, canoe or on the trail.
• Exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail and ability to work independently and make decisions when necessary
• Ability to teach and lead canoeing, hiking and natural history programs while maintaining exceptional risk management standards
• Ability to communicate kindly, clearly, and productively through email, in person, and over the phone or TTY
• Strong customer service skills
• Experience working successfully in teams
• Ability to accommodate a varied work schedule including some evenings, nights, and weekends
• Ability to work overnight supervision shifts, on average once a week
• A bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in related field
• Current Wilderness First Responder certification or higher

Preferred Experience

• Working or living in communities that are historically marginalized or underrepresented in the field of environmental education or with a social justice component
• Residential learning centers, camps, schools or similar facilities
• Experience paddling canoes and training in canoe rescue techniques
• Fluency in multiple languages, Spanish preference

Other Requirements

• Ability to comply with a smoke- and drug-free work environment
• Possession of a current driver’s license; acceptable driving record for past 3 years
• Criminal history disclosure form and background check will be required

POSITION LOCATION

The work location is at the North Cascades Environmental Learning Center. The Learning Center is located in the heart of the North Cascades National Park near Diablo, WA, and serves as a hub for a small network of trails along the shores of Diablo Lake. This region of North America has been inhabited by native tribes for over 9,000 years and continues to be a meaningful location for thousands of visitors each year. Opened in 2005, the Learning Center is a collaboration between North Cascades Institute, the National Park Service, and Seattle City Light, the public utility that owns and operates the hydroelectric project that includes Diablo Lake and provides electricity to the residents of Seattle. The Learning Center is approximately 20 miles from the nearest gas station and post office, and 60 miles from towns with full amenities.

START DATE

May 15, 2020

JOB DURATION

May 15 - October 15, 2020

North Cascades Institute is committed to building a culturally diverse workplace and strongly encourages applications from candidates who are persons of color. We believe that having a diverse staff that reflects the communities we serve is essential to providing culturally inclusive programs.

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'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.